From now on, Hugo Lapeyre will take home an extra $2.26 per ride working for companies like Uber and Lyft in the Big Apple.
On Wednesday, the Taxi and Limousine Commission voted unanimously for the increase because 85% of drivers earned less than the New York minimum wage of $15 an hour.
“Yes, it has a positive impact. Because we’re definitely going to bring more money home, we’re going to be a little more comfortable in terms of paying bills, insurance, car payments and all that stuff,” Lapeyre said.
But the victory comes in quotes, says this father of two children, since according to regulators, the extra cost will be paid by his clients.
“Yes, by giving us two more dollars they will increase passengers by 20 dollars per trip, it will not be very convenient for us because there will be fewer trips and less work for us,” said Lapeyre.
“It’s true, there is nothing that directly protects the consumer,” said Diana Lasluisa.
In November, the TLC had approved a $2.50 increase, because 40% of drivers had such low incomes that they qualified for Medicaid. Another 18% even qualified for food programs.
Uber sued the TLC and halted the hike, forcing it to submit a lower number. Some Uber and Lyft workers went on strike, accusing the company of “greed.”
The money will help pay for gas, food, rent, commissioner David Do said.
In February, Uber reported revenue of $8.6 billion in 2022, an increase of 49% over the previous year. The same month, Lyft reported $4.1 billion in revenue, up 28% from 2021.
The blockade of Uber happened on Christmas Eve and from that date the drivers have lost 80 million dollars in wages. The unions say they will keep fighting until they get 25 an hour for their workers.
