Washington County Transportation Alliance Announces Uber Partnership
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Saturday, March 28, 2015
Joanna Evoniuk, GoLocalPDX Contributor
The Washington County Westside Transportation Alliance (WAT) announced a partnership with Uber, the ridesharing company, in efforts to raise funds and help increase transit access in the area.
Uber will donate $5 of every ride in the area to the WAT if riders use the code UberWTA on their first ride, to help with the Alliance’s goal to improve economic opportunity and community livability through transportation.
In a press statement, Uber said the partnership aims to make it easier for commuting and provide convenient transit access, focusing on the "first" and “last” mile.
One in four Uber rides start or end within a quarter mile of a public transit station, according to the company.
By parting with WTA, Uber said they hope to contribute to the goal of connecting transit in Washington County. WAT Executive Director Jenny Cadigan said the transportation network could be improved in the county.
“The Westside Transportation Alliance promoteds sustainable transportation options to commuters in Washington County,” Cadigan in a said media statement. “We are thrilled to partner with Uber to help encourage commuters to get around without having to rely on their personal vehicle.”
Cadigan said the funds through the partnership would be put towards the WAT’s general funds and projects.
Uber in the Portland area
Uber has received mixed reactions from the different cities it has launched in. Portland initially banned the controversial company when the launched in late 2014. However, the city is currently reviewing its regulations after Uber halted operations until April, when the city will allow them to operate.
Even if passengers cannot request Uber rides inside Portland city limits, there is nothing stopping the company from dropping off rides in the city, Cadigan said.
While Cadigan said the regulations decided upon by Portland might be taken into consideration, Washington County does not have the same restrictions.
“I know Uber has not been seen very favorably by Portland when they started operating without permission, but it’s a different story here," Cadigan said. “They are operating in Hillsboro, Tigard and Beaverton, the mayors of the communities are welcoming, and Uber doesn’t conflict with our regulations.”
Cadigan said Uber allows the county to fill in holes in their transportation network, and provide another option for connecting residents to transit.
Related Slideshow: What 20 Cities Around the World Did when Uber Came to Town
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Louisville, KY
Uber launched in Louisville just in time for the Kentucky Derby last Summer.
Late last month, however, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority barred Uber from operating at its taxi pick-up and drop-off stations.
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New Orleans, LA
After seven months of wrangling, the New Orleans City Council ultimately voted in favor of legalizing ride-sharing services like UberX.
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New Delhi, India
The city's transportation authority banned Uber after accusations surfaced that an Uber driver took a young woman to a secluded area and raped her.
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Boston, MA
The City of Boston began working with a task force to work toward establishing ridesharing regulations.
This is after the city’s taxi cab union organized a rally where cab drivers drove around the block where Uber’s officers are and honked their horns for an hour.
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Amsterdam, Nederland
The Netherlands banned Uber services outright.
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Las Vegas, NV
Nevada issued a statewide ban against Uber after a court argued that the company operates just like a taxi business.
Uber temporarily halted its operations in the state later that week.
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Chicago, IL
The city government of Chicago chose to not take action when Uber came to town so its taxis did.
The Illinois Transportation Administration and the city’s taxi union sued the city in district court for allowing the company to operate in the city without becoming licensed operators.
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Taiwan
The government of Taiwan issued approximately $30,000 in fines to Uber before serving the company with a cease and desist letter.
Government suspended the licenses of a number of Uber drivers, according to reports.
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London, UK
London Mayor Boris Johnson stated it would be difficult to ban Uber without legal review.
In response, the city’s cab drivers staged protests similar to the one in Boston.
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Toronto, Canada
The City of Toronto issued a court injunction against the Uber last month.
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Seattle, WA
The Seattle City Council ruled 8-1 to allow Uber to operate in its city.
In the past, citizens have often been critical about the taxi system in Seattle.
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Montreal, Canada
Uber began operating in Montreal last month, and was quickly deemed illegal by the city government.
The company entered an agreement with the Royal Mounted Canadian Police to conduct background checks on its drivers and other safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the battle between the city and company is carrying on.
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Baltimore, MD
The Maryland Public Service Commission ruled that Uber is subject to the same rules and regulations imposed on other for-hire vehicles in the state.
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Bangkok, Thailand
The Thai government deemed Uber illegal last month. Drivers face maximum fines of up to $121 (฿4,000).
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Hoboken, New Jersey
Police in the City of Hoboken began ticketing Uber drivers for violating the city code on taxis. Fines can be as high as $1,000.
The mayor of Hoboken, on the other hand, has called Uber a valuable transportation option and said he wants to make it available to residents and visitors.
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Fort Lauderdale, FL
Broward County issued stern warnings against Uber, saying it would impound its drivers’ cars.
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San Antonio, TX
The San Antonio City Council is considering a vote that could increase restrictions on rideshare companies like Uber.
Uber responded with a letter stating that if the and amended ordinance is passed, Uber may have to abandon operations in the city.
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Munich, Germany
Germany also banned Uber from operating in its country this year.
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Denver, CO
Colorado became the first state successfully to pass a law regulating ride sharing by requiring background checks, vehicle inspections, and mandatory insurance for the drivers once they are logged into the app.
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