Uber ride-share launch stirs controversy

Aug. 09--UberX, the controversial ride-share service, has launched in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

The company previously launched in Miami where officials ticketed drivers and impounded vehicles associated with the app. Miami-Dade County requires that drivers-for-hire require a chauffeur's license, which Uber doesn't mandate.

Bill Guernier, general manager for Uber's Florida expansion, said Uber has received "hundreds" of applications from private-car owners who want to participate in its ride-share program.

Uber, a technology company, launched its first service through a mobile app in San Francisco in 2010. The company has since gained popularity in cities where it's difficult to get a taxi, but has also been the subject of protests by taxi drivers and companies in the U.S. and other countries.

Guernier said Uber does a criminal and motor-vehicle license background check on drivers and carries a policy with up to $1 million in commercial insurance to supplement their private insurance.

But local taxi companies and car-driver services warn that Uber drivers are not licensed and don't carry commercial driving insurance.

Uber also is undercutting them on price. In South Florida, Uber drivers charge $1.75 a mile and 20 cents a minute in South Florida, which is less than taxis, Guernier said. Local taxi rates are generally $2.50 a mile.

John Camillo, president of B & L Services in Fort Lauderdale, whose Yellow Cabs have the majority of taxi business at the airport, said Uber's ride-sharing service violates "significant safety and public interest issues."

Camillo said Yellow Cab drivers are licensed by Broward County, their vehicles are five years old or less, and go through regular inspections.

"I don't know how popular it will be in Broward County," said Camillo, saying that only 28 percent of his taxi business comes from airport, ports and the beaches. The bulk is driving people from their homes to and from the grocery store or other daily needs, he said.

Michael Solomon, president of Taxi USA of Palm Beach, which does business as Taxi Taxi, said there's more than enough business to go around, but "buyer beware."

He said his company carries $10 million in commercial insurance on its cars and drivers in case of accident or injury. He doubts that a private driver would be covered in such a scenario.

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport said in a statement Friday that services like Uber "are not permitted to operate for hire transportation services at the airport."

But the Broward County Aviation Department is working on a plan to include Uber and similar services in the airport's Ground Transportation Program. Until that's finalized, Uber drivers could face notices of violation or citations, the airport said.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau doesn't have a problem with Uber.

"Adding Über to Broward's transportation options will give our visitors personalized service that helps us compete with other destinations. Travelers want convenience in getting around Greater Fort Lauderdale," said Nicki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Discover Palm Beach County said that it didn't have enough information yet to comment on Uber's launch in West Palm Beach.

David Zwick, president of RedCap car driving service in Fort Lauderdale, said Uber doesn't compete with his service, which is providing personal drivers to consumers who have their own cars, which are usually nicer than taxi cabs.

But he said Broward County's taxi service "is not where it should be," which has opened the door for services like Uber.

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