Uber finding resistance to Florida expansion

Uber, which provides ridesharing, taxi and towncar service in over 70 major U.S. cities is eyeing expansion into Florida. Entrenched in Central Florida, Mears Transportation is releasing a survey that it says finds Floridians critical of the way Uber does business.

To use the service, most people need a smartphone app and a credit card. Not everyone can afford those, and therein lies the rub.

Mears said it's report found that 83% of people asked feel that Uber should serve all segments of the traveling public equally.

UCF Sociologist Dr. James Wright was asked to review the poll's findings. He concluded that nearly half of Floridians would be unable to use Uber as a taxi service.

"The UBER-ineligible Floridians are disproportionately Hispanic (59%) and African American (55%), low income (70% not eligible among those earning less than 25K per year vs. 26% in the highest income group), and the elderly (64% not eligible among those 65 and older)," he was quoted as saying.

We got this response from Uber, via email:

"Even the taxi industry's own poll clearly shows that an overwhelming majority of Floridians are excited about Uber [see Table 6]. The money that the taxi industry spent on this poll would have been put to far better use improving service, making vehicles safer and paying drivers a living wage.  Uber looks forward to expanding the range of transportation options available in Florida to ensure that riders and drivers alike have greater choice and flexibility."

According to a press release on Mears' behalf, "Uber representatives recently lobbied the Florida Senate Transportation Committee for statewide legislation that would preempt cities and counties from enforcing certain rules and regulations."

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