http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-uber-taxi-drivers-20150123-story.html
"It's impossible to make any money," said one driver, who asked that his name not be used because he feared being dropped by Uber. "It really boils down to below minimum wage. And the wear and tear on your vehicle is astronomical."
Taxi drivers, who in Orlando generally lease their vehicles from one of a handful of permitted companies, have for years made similar complaints about long hours and low wages.
When Uber and Lyft began operating in Orlando over the summer, many taxi drivers were hopeful the "rideshare" business model, in which people use their personal vehicles and keep most of the money, would boost their income.
But Uber's new bargain-basement rates aren't paying off, some drivers say.
"Drivers are really hurting. Drivers are having to put in 60 hours or more … just to make ends meet, to make $200 a week, maybe $300," said Uber driver Simone Amina, who hopes Uber adopts the city's higher rate.
"It's impossible to make any money," said one driver, who asked that his name not be used because he feared being dropped by Uber. "It really boils down to below minimum wage. And the wear and tear on your vehicle is astronomical."
Taxi drivers, who in Orlando generally lease their vehicles from one of a handful of permitted companies, have for years made similar complaints about long hours and low wages.
When Uber and Lyft began operating in Orlando over the summer, many taxi drivers were hopeful the "rideshare" business model, in which people use their personal vehicles and keep most of the money, would boost their income.
But Uber's new bargain-basement rates aren't paying off, some drivers say.
"Drivers are really hurting. Drivers are having to put in 60 hours or more … just to make ends meet, to make $200 a week, maybe $300," said Uber driver Simone Amina, who hopes Uber adopts the city's higher rate.
