Raleigh drivers dispute strike rumors
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Amidst reports of possible cab driver strikes Wednesday night, partygoers in Wake County are concerned about how they will get home safely.
The hailing of a taxi may be one of the most cherished traditions of New Year's Eve, even above fireworks and the ball (or acorn) dropping. This year, though, false media reports have thrown a cloud of doubt on whether there will be taxis on Raleigh roads to flag down Wednesday night.
"I've had a lot of people call me last night about this issue, really upset about it," said Raleigh cab driver Lee Churchill.
At first, Churchill said she didn't know where the rumors of a strike came from. She quickly learned another cab driver in town told a reporter for a local TV station that hundreds of drivers would call out Wednesday in protest of city policies toward new competitors.
"We're all so happy that we've got a day in between to do something about this," Churchill said.
"We're out here to give good service to the public, take care of them, make sure they don't get hurt or DWIs on New Year's Eve. Make sure they get home safe. And to sit here and say we won't cover them is ridiculous. Insane."
Churchill said Raleigh cab drivers have been considering a strike. New startup companies, made possible by new technologies, have cut into the traditional taxi business in the Capitol City and elsewhere in the state.
Companies like Uber and Lyft contract with private drivers, use smart phones to set up fares, largely skirt local regulations, and have hurt traditional bottom lines.
"If [a strike] is the only way," said Raleigh cab driver Elmutaz Adlan, "I think people are going to go for it because it's very hard for taxi drivers to make a living."
"This will be the first time we'll be driving with them in operation so we'll know the figures after New Year's Eve," said Churchill.
There are drawbacks to the new taxi-like startups. Last Halloween, Uber was sharply criticized for spiking prices when demand went up. However, the new business model does seem to appeal to a younger crowd. Hence, the concern of traditional cab drivers.
But according to Churchill, as important as the fight is for both business and relevancy, New Year's Eve won't be the battleground. She'll be sharing the road with her new competitors and her old colleagues.
"Why should somebody go out and have a party and a little bit of a good time and get arrested for DWI. Take a taxi cab. Ride with us. Let us get you home safe and enjoy your evening."
