#ride-share

An update from your FREE NOW driver team

Over the past decade, our trade has changed beyond recognition, and will keep changing over the coming years. This continues to present us with challenges and opportunities, and the ways in which we respond are always determined by how best we can support drivers and passengers. 

Even before COVID-19 transformed the ways in which we live, work and socialise, consumer expectations were changing, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to convince younger generations of Londoners to download a black cab only app. The current pandemic has further compounded this. 

Once lockdowns are lifted, there will be a new normal in the way people move around cities - we want to set the foundation now, so that our unique offering will give more flexibility and choice to passengers as well as more business for you.

As a result, we’re announcing today that we are merging with our sister company, Kapten, which has grown rapidly since it launched in London last year. From this summer, we are joining forces to offer the best possible service to passengers under the FREE NOW brand. This will lead to an increase of demand on the platform and thereby additional jobs for drivers following a time of real hardship for everyone.

Here’s what this means for black cab drivers: 

You will be visible to 1.5 million new passengers - meaning more work for you.

Black cab users will always see black cabs first. 

More users than ever will see a black cab option, where before they wouldn’t. 

We know that 60% of Londoners have at least two e-hailing apps on their phones. With many passengers already using both black cab and PHV apps, we can make life simpler for them by bringing them onto one platform. In the last few months, we have also seen how the industry has come together to help in the crisis, from helping to get vital NHS staff to hospitals, to delivering essential supplies to the vulnerable. 

We know that this might raise some questions, but in truth, other black cab apps have been offering both black cabs and private hire vehicles under the guise of “business” accounts for almost 5 years. We want to be open and honest with you, which is why we are letting you know about these changes in advance.

Our roots are with the iconic black cabs of London, and more than any other app, we understand how important you are to London’s heritage and culture. Black Cabs are incredibly important to the past, present and future of the capital and we are looking forward to taking this next step on the journey with you.

Thanks,

Federal Court Issues Eleventh-Hour TRO to Enjoin Enforcement of California’s Controversial New Independent Contractor Law for 70,000 Independent Truckers

On January 1, 2020, California’s new independent contractor statute, known as AB 5, went into effect.  The law codifies the use of an “ABC” test to determine if an individual may be classified as an independent contractor.

The hastily passed and controversial statute has been challenged by a number of groups as being unconstitutional and/or preempted by federal law, including ride-share and…

Ride-sharing companies are quenching the thirst of our microwave society.  By removing the concept of WAITING, ride share companies are catering to millions while likely, assisting in reducing the amount of gas emissions in the air.  They are selling the concept of readily available “taxis” without the hassle and inconvenience and incorporating food into the equation.  Consumers stand to gain from available transportation, low-cost and also convenience.

If you are injured in an accident involving a rideshare company, what will be your first step?  Who do you contact?  Who will pay for your hospital bills?  How will you get back the money you missed from your inability to work?  As a car accident attorney Dekalb County GA requires can attest, by obtaining quality representation you have the opportunity to get an opportunity to meet with someone whose more familiar with the process than you are and can guide you thru each phase.

Ride share drivers give individuals the freedom to receive rides from a driver who will get them to their destinations and likely make multiple stops, if necessary.  Ride share assists those who are unable to drive themselves due to the lack of transportation or those wanting to spend a night on the town and not drinking and driving. When with a ride share driver, it's their job to get you where you need to be as safe as possible. Ride share owners tout about safety measures, but accidents will happen regardless of who’s doing the driving. For passengers, it’s important to understand who’s liable and how you’ll be compensated if you’re injured in an accident.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident thru no fault of yours but because of the negligence of a ride share driver, you should seek legal assistance.  While ride share driver accidents are basically the same as regular auto accidents, there is likely something that you don’t know that could aid you in being made whole following the accident.  No one wants to be in an accident, however, they appear to be likely and frequent, to include injury to sometimes both the driver as well as passengers.  In the event you are aware of someone who was subjected to injury due to the negligence of a ride share driver, they may need to speak with an attorney.  By reaching out to an attorney you will have someone who can articulate your rights, their negligence, and any possible financial compensation due to you