Uber offers free service in Philly through the weekend
Ride-sharing company Uber is now operating in Philadelphia despite a threat from the city’s parking authority to impound cars and fine drivers.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Uber began offering rides Friday night. Uber spokesman Taylor Bennett says the company will offer free service in Philadelphia through the weekend.
Parking Authority spokesman Martin O’Rourke says Uber is considered an illegal taxi operation. He warns the authority will impound cars and levy $1,000 fines against vehicle owners and drivers.
Uber uses a smartphone app to dispatch drivers who use their personal vehicles to give people rides. The drivers then share the fares they collect with Uber.
Uber and a competitor, Lyft, recently won Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approval to operate in the Pittsburgh area.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
New Jersey Transit approves a 15% fare hike, the first increase in nearly a decade
The increase, which takes effect July 1, also calls for annual, regular fare increases of 3% in subsequent years. It's the first time rates will rise in nearly 10 years.
2 weeks ago
Investors pour $1B into Delaware River waterfront projects over 10 years
There’s a steady pipeline of projects planned along the Philly waterfront — including apartments, retail and a public park — even though one developer paused mid-construction.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:11
Vice President Kamala Harris unveils more student debt relief measures in North Philly
The Biden administration expects the debt relief program will help 30 million people nationwide.
2 weeks ago
Listen 1:00