Nashville, Tenn. WZTV — Rideshare drivers in Tennessee are voicing their frustrations over significant pay cuts, which they say have made it nearly impossible to cover their bills. In response, they are working on a plan to present to state lawmakers that aims to ban out-of-state drivers from picking up fares in Tennessee.
Arkangelo Wilson, a Nashville-based rideshare driver, has taken the lead in forming an organization dedicated to advocating for change. He notes that drivers have seen their earnings drop dramatically, with some reporting pay halving over the past year. “From the airport to downtown, it used to be $15 to $20 three years ago; now it’s $7 or $8,” Wilson explained, emphasizing the challenges of making ends meet while working 12-hour days.
Wilson attributes part of the problem to out-of-state drivers entering the Tennessee market, creating an oversupply of drivers that drives fares down. He points out that many neighboring states, including Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida, have enacted regulations preventing out-of-state drivers from picking up rides, a measure he believes should be implemented in Tennessee as well.
“If I go to Kentucky or Alabama and get a ride, the only thing I can do there is food delivery, and nobody wants to do food delivery because it pays less,” Wilson stated. He explained that while he can drop off a passenger in Alabama, he must return to Tennessee to pick up a new fare, further complicating the situation.
Inquiries to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have yielded interest from state representatives, who are open to hearing from drivers about their concerns. A spokesperson for the Democratic representatives noted, At the end of the day, they take the money back to the state. We the people of Tennessee are not benefitting, and they are outsourcing our job.
Uber and Lyft have responded to the situation as well, with Uber stating that Tennessee state law regulates the requirements for rideshare drivers, and noting that increased driver numbers in Nashville are due to population growth rather than incentives for out-of-state drivers. Lyft claimed that drivers now receive at least 70% of weekly rider fares after external fees.
Wilson’s group is currently collaborating with an attorney to draft a proposal aimed at legislators, with plans to present it next month. Their goal is to have this legislation ready for the new session in January. Additionally, they have scheduled a strike for November 20 to further raise awareness about their plight.