Happening Now: #rideshare and #deliverydrivers are speaking on legislation that will protect their flexibility while securing new benefits #mapoli

🧵 1st up to speak is Charles, C. “I drive with Lyft part-time and have been an independent driver a lot longer than these apps have been around. I owned a limousine company in Boston for over 25 years. I understand better than most what it means to be an independent contractor.”

“I earn good money AND have #flexibility. Nobody wants T jobs because they aren’t flexible, and the money may not be better. Drivers deserve to have some certainty and not be under attack or forced into employment.” #mapoli #rideshare

But, 2 bills in the MA legislature today would secure flexibility and allow drivers to get new benefits, H1848 and H 961. #mapoli #rideshare

🧵 Next up to speak is Oscar R who has been driving with Uber & Lyft for over two years. #mapoli #rideshare

“Today, I can drop off passengers all the way in Providence, or even as far as the edge of New Hampshire. I can't imagine how much money I would lose reporting to a ‘base location,’ or how many of my mom’s medical appointments I would miss.” #mapoli #rideshare

“These union bills don’t represent our needs. It’s time to stand with drivers.” #mapoli #rideshare

“What do I want? To keep driving the way I have been with the chance to gain new benefits – and for legislators to hear what I’m saying and work on a compromise.” #mapoli #rideshare

We held our first Road Show event last night in our offices at South Station. Thank you to all who attended and provided us with valuable feedback, suggestions, and personal stories. RSVP for the next Road Show on 5/29 in Salem: projects.erg.com/conferences/Ma…

🗓️MARK YOUR CALENDARS! RSVP now to attend our Road Shows to come learn more about the DPU & what we do. It's free to attend: projects.erg.com/conferences/Ma…… See you there!

Whether you're a professional or homeowner working on that outdoor project that's been on your to-do list for forever, call Lisa Powers before you start to dig. Damage to underground lines can be costly, hazardous, and disrupt service. Know what's below. Call 811! #SafeDiggingMonth

We're hosting an in-person Listening Session with Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs draft Language Access Plans on 7/9 from 6-8pm at the Bruce Bolling Building in Roxbury. Interpretation will be provided in Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. More details here: mass.gov/event/language…

🧵DPU’s Transportation Network Company Division published the 2023 Rideshare Data Report. You can access the report here: mass.gov/info-details/2… Here are some important highlights to note from the Report. ⬇️

Rideshare companies provided almost 78.7 million rides in 2023, which is a 30% increase from the 60.6 million rides recorded in 2022 in MA.

The total number of trips recorded to begin in Boston has not rebounded since the pandemic: in 2019, 45.3 million rides were provided beginning in Boston. In 2023, Boston pickups totaled 35.6 million rideshare trips.

In 2023, MA collected ~$15.7 million from a $0.20 per-ride assessment on each trip that started in-state.  Municipalities receive half of this amount based on the number of rides that started in their communities. The rest is distributed to the Commonwealth’s Transportation Fund.

The TNC Division oversees rideshare companies, services,& drivers in MA by conducting driver background checks, auditing & permitting companies to provide rideshare services. Thanks to the TNC Division staff for their good work, creating safer conditions for riders and drivers.

184 of Massachusetts municipalities achieved more rideshare pickups than in 2019, before the pandemic. The cities with the highest volume of pickups compared to 2019 are Brockton, Fall River, Lowell, Lawrence, New Bedford, and Worcester.

New Boston mayoral poll going around testing Mayor Michelle Wu, Josh Kraft and HYM’s Tom O’Brien (who has yet to officially announce a bid). #mapoli #bospoli

Fridays on the electric hydrofoil... 📹: Alanna Kelly