AUSTIN, Texas -- Some drivers are mixed about the potential return of Uber and Lyft to Austin if state lawmakers strike down local rules that sent both companies packing.
The Texas House passed HB100 Thursday, which would create uniform statewide rules for ride-hailing apps. The final vote was 110 to 35 in favor.
The regulations are similar to ones Austin voters rejected last May, which were sponsored by Uber and Lyft. Several companies launched last year to fill the void Uber and Lyft left in Austin. Ride Austin CEO Andy Tryba said his nonprofit is now the market leader.
"We have learned a lot along the way," he said. "I think that every day we learn and get better. As long as we are listening to the Austin community, I think that is what actually makes us better."
MORE | Texas House OKs Statewide Ride-Hailing Rules, Defying Austin
Tryba said his priority has been to find a balance between what riders are willing to pay, yet still ensure drivers don't lose money every mile.
"If you look at the rideshare industry as a whole, it has really been a race to the bottom from a pricing perspective, which puts a lot of strain on the drivers itself," he said, referring to the impact of Uber on the worldwide market. "If you throw a large profit margin between there, you then have to depress the driver pay even more."
That's why Michael Haymond says he is troubled by the potential of Uber's return. He left his sales job a couple years ago to drive for ride-hailing apps full-time.
"I was able to work when I wanted to and be there for my wife when she needed me," Haymond said. "I feel that, unfortunately, Uber is either taking advantage of the driver or ripping off the passengers. I feel that Lyft is much (fairer)."
Bill's Support Waning
The House bill now heads to the Senate, where similar legislation is also making its way through that chamber. However, it comes with an amendment many Democrats oppose.
Amendment 12, proposed by Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, added language to the nondiscrimination policy section of HB100.
"For the purposes of Subsection (a), 'sex' means the physical condition of being male or female," the amendment read.
Tinderholt's amendment was incorporated on a vote of 90-52. He ultimately voted against HB100.
If passed by both chambers, the new rules will take effect September 1.
Ride-Hailing Companies Silent
Uber and Lyft failed to respond to our requests Thursday for a statement on HB100 and its inclusion of the controversial amendment.
Thursday night, Fasten CEO Kirill Evdakov sent the following statement:
Uber and Lyft abandoned their riders and drivers because they were unwilling to comply with the will of people of Austin to improve the safety of riders by fingerprinting drivers as part of a comprehensive background check. They could have come back at any time – but they didn’t.
A year later, after spending millions on lobbying to get the state legislature to do what they couldn’t get done in the city, they’ve changed the rules to benefit them at the expense of the safety of riders.
We know how to compete with them so we are not going anywhere. Our drivers love the fact that they earn more with us and that we let them choose. And our riders are well aware of the significant legal and cultural issues at Uber that have exposed its true core. We know Austinites prefer ethical companies.
People in the city have seen how Fasten and the other providers have stepped in, and stepped up, to provide safe, convenient, affordable and reliable on demand transportation. We are sure they will continue to trust companies that play by the rules, prioritize safety, and stay focused on service.