Latest Sharing Economy Headlines
All the headlines from our Sharing Economy Topic Page, ordered by recency.
Uber Deploys Lobbyists to Reshape Driver Rules in California
Aug 24 2015 // Uber has spent more on lobbyists in California than Facebook and Apple combined to fend off regulations aimed at the heart of its worldwide business model. The San Francisco company’s lobbyists are pushing lawmakers...
Uber Bookings on Pace to Pass $10B This Year, Investor Report Shows
Aug 21 2015 // Uber Technologies Inc’s global bookings are projected to rise nearly threefold to $10.84 billion this year and reach $26.12 billion the next, according to a recent presentation for potential investors seen by...
California Prosecutors Say Uber Screening Missed Ex-Convicts
Aug 20 2015 // Uber Technologies Inc.’s criminal background checks for drivers failed to prevent it from hiring registered sex offenders, identity thieves, burglars, a kidnapper and a convicted murderer, California prosecutors...
N.Y.’s ‘Annoyance Lawyer’ Sues Uber Over Anti-De Blasio Robocall Campaign
Aug 20 2015 // An attorney who calls himself the “Annoyance Lawyer” sued Uber Technologies Inc. over its robocall campaign attacking New York Mayor Bill de Blasio over his proposal to limit the number of drivers. Todd C. Bank...
Uber Headache if More Drivers Want Full-Time Status
Aug 19 2015 // Thousands of new full-time workers would spring into existence if Uber is forced to stop treating some of its drivers like contract workers, and the benefits that come with that employee status may entice part-time...
Uber, Lyft Apply For Nevada Operation Permits
Aug 17 2015 // Ridesharing companies Uber and Lyft filed applications just before the weekend for permits to operate in Nevada, meaning they could be cleared to hit the roads within a month. Uber spokeswoman Eva Behrend said the company...
Taxi Companies’ Lawsuit Against Uber in Connecticut Dismissed
Aug 14 2015 // Uber Technologies Inc on Thursday won the dismissal of a racketeering lawsuit by 15 Connecticut taxi and limousine companies seeking to stop the ride-sharing company from doing business in the state. U.S. District Judge...
NYC Taxi Driver-Owners Form New Association to Take on Uber
Aug 14 2015 // Dozens of angry, independent taxi medallion owners in New York City have been making their opinions about Uber heard at City Hall. The newly formed Taxi Driver-Owner Association said Wednesday that the rapid growth of the...
Uber Sued by Dallas Woman in Alleged Sexual Assault Case
Aug 13 2015 // A woman who says she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in Dallas is suing the ride-hailing company and the suspect. A woman who says she was sexually assaulted by an Uber driver in Dallas is suing the ride-hailing...
Poll: NYC Voters See Yellow-Taxi Industry Working to Limit Uber
Aug 12 2015 // Sixty-five percent of New York City voters say they believe political campaign contributions by the yellow-taxi industry are behind efforts by some elected officials to limit the growth of the Uber ride-hailing service,...
Regulations For Uber, Lyft Clear Another Nevada Hurdle
Aug 12 2015 // Nevada lawmakers gave preliminary approval Monday to regulations for ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft, a move that puts the rules one hurdle away from being final. The 12-member Legislative Commission this week...
Uber Drivers Want to Streamline Suit in California over Employee Status
Aug 7 2015 // Drivers suing Uber Technologies Inc. for better pay and benefits are proposing to pursue their group lawsuit in phases focused first on whether they qualify as employees. If they win that round, then the two sides can...
Lafayette, Louisiana Officials Mull Insurance, Regulations for Uber
Aug 6 2015 // The Lafayette City-Parish Council is considering new regulations to require Uber and similar companies to do regular background checks on contract drivers, inspect vehicles and carry insurance above and beyond what state...
Uber Ready to be First App-Based Firm to Apply for Montana License
Aug 6 2015 // Hailing a ride through a smartphone app is closer to becoming a reality in Montana. The Public Service Commission voted unanimously this week to approve rules regarding a new class of license for firms that use apps to...
Uber Driver Case Tests ‘Sharing Economy’ Business Model
Aug 4 2015 // The most serious challenge to Uber Technologies Inc.’s “Be your own Boss” business model might also present an early test to the wider sharing economy as well as undermine its own $50 billion...
Uber, Driver Attorneys Steering Toward Crucial California Hearing
Aug 3 2015 // Uber Technologies Inc. is jostling with drivers suing for reimbursement of their expenses in advance of an important hearing next week in the fight over whether drivers are independent contractors or employees entitled to...
R.I. Consumer Alert Looks at Insurance Implications for Home-Sharing Rentals
Jul 29 2015 // Rhode Island’s Insurance Division is advising consumers to examine insurance implications when using home-sharing rental websites such as Airbnb. “Technology has changed the way people interact. There are now...
Despite Truce, Uber Agreement Keeps Tensions High at NYC City Hall
Jul 27 2015 // The deal that, for now, decided the ride-hailing behemoth Uber’s future in New York City began with a phone call to Rome. New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito on Tuesday, July 21, called Mayor Bill de...
NYC, Uber Reach Deal: No Cap on Company During 4-Month Study
Jul 24 2015 // Uber cars can continue to be a growing presence on the streets of New York City now that an agreement has been reached between the ride-hailing company and the city. Just before a City Council vote that could have capped...
Uber to Open Miami Headquarters
Jul 22 2015 // The popular ridesharing service Uber has announced plans to set up a Miami headquarters. The company announced July 20 that it has signed a lease for about 9,300 square feet of office space at Brickell City Tower, located...