As we’ve previously reported, SF cabbies are set to strike today. After another delay in fare hikes thanks to a lack of environmental review, a 5% fee for all credit card transactions, and strong opposition to proposed waybilling equipment and the installation of televisions in cabs, drivers have had enough. For at least two hours.
As CBS reports, today’s strike is supposed to last two hours, from noon to 2pm, and coincide with a 1pm SFMTA Board of Directors meeting. The Ex adds that during those hours, drivers will refuse all fares. The Bay Citizen also notes that only a few hundred cabs are expected to participate. Though SFMTA spokesperson Paul Rose doesn’t feel that the two hour gridlock will gravely effect cab service in SF either, there is one group who does and is already capitalizing on it.
Formerly cab-esque company Uber (now a “livery service”) is offering a deal from 4am to midnight today. As they explain on their blog, all fares in SF proper will be 50% off, to serve those who might have their transit disrupted by the 12-2 PM act of civil disobedience.
Not everyone is appreciative of Uber’s attempt to capitalize on the strike, however: Countless comments on their blog post promoting today’s discounts scream “scabs!” or state that the company’s lost customers for life.
“So basically, you’re all scabs. Nice work. You just lost my business for good” said one, while another said “Fucking scabs… not only are you capitalizing on taxi drivers trying to get a better deal, you’re trying to spin it as doing them a favour.”
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