📰 Regulators Are Fining Empower $5,000/Day

D.C. regulators want to kill Empower, and are fining them $5,000 per day. A tech enthusiast does an investigation to see how many robotaxis Waymo is operating in Austin. Lyft will likely add robotaxis to its app by the summertime. An app tries to copy Uber’s model but for women who want to run by themselves. A fleet operator purchases 3,000 Fisker Oceans for rideshare purposes. We break it all down for you.

Regulators Are Fining Empower $5,000/Day For Operating in Washington D.C.

SOURCE – Reason.com

Empower, a ride reservation software company, is facing legal challenges in Washington D.C. as regulators attempt to force it out of the market. The D.C. Superior Court has ordered CEO Joshua Sear to pay $5,000 daily fines for continuing operations, citing non-compliance with local regulations for vehicle-for-hire services.

• Empower argues it’s a software service, not a ride-hailing service, and shouldn’t be subject to the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) jurisdiction.

• The company has not paid the required fees or met commercial insurance requirements set by DFHV.

• Despite legal setbacks, Empower continues to operate, with CEO Joshua Sear committed to keeping the service available for drivers and riders, despite paying roughly $150,000 per month in fines.

Waymo Is Operating Less than 100 Robotaxis in Austin

SOURCE – @TarunVaish_ on X.com

Tech enthusiast Tarun Vaish recently discovered that Waymo is currently operating anywhere between 66-83 robotaxis in Austin. This revelation comes as many SXSW festival-goers reported difficulty accessing Waymo vehicles via Uber, raising questions about fleet management during peak demand.

• The estimation was based on the assumption that 50-60% of Waymo’s fleet is active during low-demand periods. There were 33 idle cars sitting at Waymo’s depot based on a Sunday morning count.

• This vehicle count also shows that despite the buzz around Waymo vehicles on Uber, they still represent a very small percentage of Uber’s overall fleet in Austin.

• Interested in keeping up with all the developments from the word of autonomy? Subscribe to The Driverless Digest, a newsletter dedicated to the world of autonomous vehicles and robotaxis, written each week by Harry Campbell.

Lyft Will Add Robotaxis To Its App Likely During The Summer

SOURCE – Bloomberg (Paywall free)

Lyft plans to introduce robotaxis on its platform as soon as this summer, envisioning a hybrid future where human drivers will coexist with autonomous fleets. The company does not develop its own driverless technology and will initially rely on a partnership with May Mobility in Atlanta.

• However, as autonomous technology advances and the need for human drivers is reduced, Lyft sees drivers potentially shifting to roles to service, maintain and charge the vehicles.

• The company is also exploring the idea of drivers owning small fleets of autonomous vehicles, similar to Airbnb’s multi-property hosts.

An App Aims to Copy Uber’s Model But For Runners

SOURCE – Gear Junkie

Running Mate offers a service similar to rideshare platforms but for runners seeking safety partners. The app, created by entrepreneur and ultrarunner Dena Lewis, allows users to find paid running companions in major U.S. cities, primarily catering to women concerned about safety while running.

• The app charges about $25 per run and is currently available in seven major U.S. cities.

• 70% of users requesting running partners are women, while 60% of the “running mates” are men.

• This service could potentially create new opportunities for gig economy workers in a way similar to rideshare apps, creating new opportunities for runners to earn money as safety companions.

Fleet Operator Purchases 3,000 Fisker Oceans for Rideshare

SOURCE – Autobody News

American Lease, a for-hire car fleet operator, purchased about discontinued 3,000 Fisker Ocean SUVs at a discounted rate and is now leasing them to Uber and Lyft drivers in New York City for as low as $399 per month.

• This initiative supports New York City’s goal of transitioning to a fully electric rideshare fleet by 2030.

• BHP Service Center in the Bronx has become a crucial maintenance hub for these vehicles, stockpiling parts and even manufacturing some in-house.

Uber Driver Makes $3,500 In One Week In…Bakersfield, California?!

SOURCE – YouTube Shorts

We always hear from drivers that you can’t earn big bucks in smaller markets. Well, one Uber driver in Bakersfield, California, a city about 100 miles north of Los Angeles, made $3,500 in one week driving in that market. Watch the YouTube Short to find out more!

QUICK HITS

• Golf star Rory McIlroy made headlines when he arranged a $995 Uber ride for his old clubs to reach him mid-tournament. – Golf.com

• Delivery mobility company Whizz is expanding to Chicago and is partnering with DoorDash to offer a free first month of e-bike rentals for delivery drivers. – Mike Peregudov on LinkedIn

• In the latest Curbivore newsletter, Jonah Bliss interviews Wonder COO Tony Hoggett to discuss the food company’s business model and future growth prospects. – The Curbivore on Substack

Must Listen Or Watch RSG Content

Here are this week’s featured podcast episode and YouTube videos:

• RSG263: Justin Pappan on Renting a Fleet of Teslas! (EV Access)

• Uber Takes Passive Aggressive Emails To The Next Level

• Is Uber/Lyft Driving A Full Time Job?

• How Uber & Lyft Drivers Can File Taxes Step-By-Step (H&R Block Guide)

• The Rideshare Guy en Español

• Make sure you Subscribe so you don’t miss out on future conversations and interviews!

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