MANCHESTER, NH – The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is taking sides in the ongoing saga of Uber versus the city.
A save Uber site and companion Facebook page called “Save Uber in Manchester” have been launched by the chamber to keep residents updated on the situation and to vocally support the ride-sharing service.
In October of 2014 Uber started serving Manchester with a ride-share service that connects consumers to contract drivers who use their own vehicles to provide rides at a set rate.
Since then, questions have been raised about the safety of Uber’s service prompting the Mayor and Board of Aldermen to require Uber to comply with existing ordinances that apply to taxi service.
Uber contends that its own screening process is sufficient and that drivers should not be subjected to another layer of security.
Manchester Chamber is siding with Uber on this one, and believes instead there should be a ride sharing ordinance, also known as a “transportation network company” ordinance which would fairly regulate companies like Uber.
The City of Manchester and Uber have been attempting to negotiate such an ordinance for several months, but have been unable to come to an agreement to date.
Chamber President Mike Skelton spoke up during the April 21 Board of Alderman meeting in support of Uber, and is encouraging residents to do the same, by contacting their alderman prior to the May 5 meeting, when the issue is revisited.
Click here to go to the Chamber’s site for more on this effort to “save” Uber.
To join the Save Uber in Manchester Facebook Page click here.
What the Chamber believes about the relationship between Uber and the city (from the chamber’s website):
Any reputable business that wishes to operate in the City of Manchester should have the ability to do so.
- Government regulations, like vehicle for hire ordinances, must adapt and evolve as new business models and technologies change.
- Ride sharing companies like Uber are fundamentally different than taxi services and should be regulated as such.
- Consumers should have the freedom to choose what transportation services best suits them, whether it is a personal vehicle, taxi, or a ride sharing option like Uber.
- In the short time Uber has operated in Manchester, the company has proven to be enormously popular with local businesses and residents, particularly among young professionals which is a demographic the city needs to attract and retain.
- The City of Manchester should pass a new ride sharing or “transportation network company” ordinance that will allow companies like Uber to operate in the City on a permanent basis.
