On Tuesday, popular ride-sharing company Uber wrote on its blog that the City of Cambridge was considering regulations that would directly block any efforts for an app-based transportation service to continue operations. Uber contends that Cambridge specifically designed the regulations to combat efforts desgined to revolutionize the transportation industry, not to mention stifle innovation – one of the hallmarks of the City.
After meeting a tidal wave of criticism and resentment from the company’s loyal user base, startup innovators and basically everyone who dies a little bit inside at the prospect of trying to hail a cab, Cambridge Mayor David Maher released the following statement:
Years of careful investment, smart urban planning and targeted economic development in Cambridge have allowed for a transit-centered culture to emerge for people who not only live here, but come here to work every day. Cambridge has been incredibly successful in reducing automobile usage, strengthening our bicycle and pedestrian options, and providing an environment where innovative transit solutions can thrive.
We are the worldwide leader in innovation and we have no intention to back away from the progress we have made. I have been assured that the License Commission intends to have a fair hearing on the proposed transportation services regulations. I trust that they will have an open, transparent process and that tonight’s meeting is the first in a series of dialogues with the public and with affected businesses.
Basically Mayor Maher is urging Greater Boston to cool its jets and realize that this is simply a discussion meeting and will not render any ruling at this time.
But the fact that the mayor is even interested in having these kinds of talks is absurd.
Look no further than the recent strike by Boston cabbies, in which drivers continuously honked their horns outside of Uber Boston headquarters for an hour or so, while simultaneously reaffirming the sentiments of those unfortunate enough to have to use taxis – that they, for lack of a better word, suck.
Maher ought to look across the Charles and take a note or two from Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. Though he has yet to levy and kind of executive decision on the quarrel between Uber and existing Boston cabs, he’s recognized the importance and popularity of next-generation transportation services and made it clear that this town is big enough for the both of ’em.
Cambridge City Councilor Dennis Carlone also released a statement this afternoon, saying in part, and sensibly I might add, that any semblance of shying away from ride-shares is a bad idea.
While it makes sense for us to think about how these new services ought to be regulated, especially with respect to public safety, I do not think we should turn our back on ridesharing technologies, and I encourage residents to express their concerns to the License Commission this evening.
The proposed regulations will be considered at a Cambridge License Commission hearing scheduled for Tuesday night at 6 p.m. in the basement conference room at the Michael J. Lombardi Building, 831 Massachusetts Avenue.
