Editorial | Deactivating danger for rideshare operators, drivers and customers | amNewYork

"Rideshare drivers in New York City, like taxi drivers, earn their keep based on how often they work shuttling riders where they need to be. The more they work, the more they earn. In working for a rideshare outlet like Lyft or Uber, the driver is responsible for proper conduct and following the rules of the road. They earn a percentage of the fares charged."

"Through a process known as deactivation, a rideshare operator can prohibit one of its drivers from taking on work pending further investigation. Deactivation generally occurs when a customer flags the company for bad behavior on the driver's part from reckless driving to harassment and other offenses or for other offenses such as lapsed licenses or registration. In the eyes of rideshare operators, deactivation is essential to protecting their own interests because they are legally responsible for their drivers' actions."

"Yet advocates for rideshare drivers, such as the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, argue that the deactivation process is too arbitrary, lacks a proper due process structure, and can put a driver out of commission for days, if not weeks, based on a mere accusation. The consequences of deactivation can be economically devastating. The City Council is considering a bill to intervene and set new guidelines for rideshare deactivation."

Rideshare drivers in New York City earn income by completing rides, with earnings tied to how often they work. A process called deactivation can bar a driver from taking fares while a company investigates complaints or regulatory issues. Deactivation often follows customer reports of reckless driving, harassment, lapsed licenses, or registration problems. Companies view deactivation as necessary to limit legal risk and prevent further incidents. Driver advocates contend deactivation is arbitrary, lacks due process, and can leave drivers without income for days or weeks. City Council Intro. 276 would require two weeks' notice before potential deactivation to allow drivers time to prepare a defense.

Read at www.amny.com