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Connections

Discussing the state of ride-sharing with local Uber and Lyft drivers

Jessica Fleming and Lakeisha Smith on "Connections"
Julie Williams
/
WXXI News
Jessica Fleming and Lakeisha Smith on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, December 4, 2023
A smiling man with short dark hair wearing a blue button-down shirt and a grey blazer. He is holding a pair of eyeglasses. The word "Connections" appears on the left side of the photo in vertical letters.
WXXI News

2024 will mark seven years since ride-sharing services became available in Upstate New York. Since then, drivers and passengers in the Rochester area have leaned into the services – with some drivers even switching to driving full-time.

The New York Times recently reported that Uber drivers say they are struggling. They point to inflation and a blocked raise making it difficult to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft are set to pay drivers in New York $328 million in backpay after the state attorney general’s office says the companies short-changed drivers from 2014-2017. Part of that deal includes paid sick leave and a minimum wage of $26 an hour during driving time.

This hour, we talk with local drivers and a business owner about the state of ride-sharing services.

Our guests:

Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.