PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — In a new lobbying campaign, Uber is advising riders to stand up against Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $1 rideshare tax, which they say will be passed directly on to the consumer.
“It's just another cost that we have to shoulder, and I think it's incredibly stingy,” said Kristin at 30th Street Station on Monday. “I'm really getting sick of these large corporations acting like they are somewhat charitable, but yet they are putting the cost on the people, and I just hate the reroute of it all when they could be doing it directly from their pockets.”
In March, Parker proposed a $1 rideshare tax to help the Philadelphia School District out of its budget deficit. She said the tax would generate $48 million each year, which is not enough to instantly close the gap but enough to reduce the serious cuts the school district is facing. Superintendent Tony Watlington was preparing to eliminate 340 positions. He said that with the tax, the number would be reduced to 100.
In response, Uber launched a six-figure digital advertisement campaign. It says the goal is to amplify the voices of riders who depend on the platform.
The company says 58% of all its rides serve low-income areas, and the tax would disproportionately affect the working class. According to Uber, the proposed fee could lead to a 4.5% decrease in trips across Philadelphia.
Uber
“I know we need to pay for stuff, but everything's going up, and our salaries aren't, so that charge is going to go back to the people, so we need to find another way to put it on whoever else, but not the everyday common man and woman that works,” said Brandon, who was getting into an Uber at 30th Street Station.
When you order a ride in Philadelphia, Uber now runs a banner with a link that provides more information about the proposed tax.
Uber is asking users to contact officials and oppose the tax. According to the company, more than 6,000 letters have already been sent to City Council and the Mayor’s Office.
