Results of local elections, what this means for Uber and Lyft
Joint General and Special Elections were held today in Austin. One of the many issues on the ballot was Proposition One. Uber and Lyft have threatened to leave the city of Austin if Proposition One doesn't pass.
Voting results show 43.85 percent for Prop 1 and 56.15 percent against.
Chelsea Wilson of Lyft has released the following statement:
"Those Lyft and Austin are a perfect match and we want to stay in the city. Unfortunately, the rules passed by City Council don't allow true ridesharing to operate. Instead, they make it harder for part-time drivers, the heart of Lyft’s peer-to-peer model, to get on the road and harder for passengers to get a ride. Because of this, we have to take a stand for a long-term path forward that lets ridesharing continue to grow across the country, and will pause operations in Austin on Monday, May 9th.
We want to thank the incredible Lyft community for all they’ve done to keep ridesharing in their city. Thanks to each and every one of them, we took drunk drivers off the road, made it easier for residents and visitors to get around, and provided a flexible way to make ends meet. But we’re not giving up. We will continue fighting for people in Austin to have modern options like Lyft. For the tens of thousands of you who spoke up in support of ridesharing, we urge you to keep making your voices heard on this important issue."
Chris Nakutis of Uber Austin released the following statement:
“Disappointment does not begin to describe how we feel about shutting down operations in Austin. For the past two years, drivers and riders made ridesharing work in this great city. We’re incredibly grateful. From rallies to phone banking to knocking on doors, they spread the word and their support was humbling and inspiring. We hope the City Council will reconsider their ordinance so we can work together to make the streets of Austin a safer place for everyone.”
Former Mayor Lee Leffingwell with Ridesharing Works released the following statement:
“Unfortunately thousands of people who drive with ridesharing companies to earn much needed income will now have to find another way to make ends meet. Thousands more of our citizens and visitors from around the world will soon have one less option to get around town safely. The ballot language written by the City Council was intentionally confusing and a disservice to voters. We're disappointed in tonight's results. The benefits of ridesharing are clear: reduced drunk driving and economic opportunity. And we won't stop fighting to bring it back."
As of Monday at 8 a.m. Uber will no longer be available in the city of Austin. Drivers will still be able to service the greater Austin area, including Williamson, Travis (excluding Austin), Hayes and Bexar Counties.
In the Manor Independent School District will also be able to vote on an $86 million bond, including $25.9 million for district-wide projects and $21.1 million for phase two of Manor New Tech High School.
65.98% voted for the Manor ISD $86 million bond and 34.02% voted against it.