ORLANDO, Fla. — During a city council meeting Monday, leaders changed their minds about proposed rate hikes for Uber and other sharing services in Orlando.
After Uber and Lyft drivers and riders packed City Hall last week, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer backed off plans that sparked the outrage.
"I want you to know we hear you," said Dyer.
The mayor proposed dropping the requirement that would cause Uber fares to be higher than Mears taxi fares. He also cut the proposed permit costs for Uber and Lyft drivers.
"They would allow Uber to no longer be considered illegal as they currently are," Dyer said.
But the mayor said he wouldn't budge on requiring driver background checks and proper insurance.
"As consumers, you should expect us to be concerned," said Dyer. "We aren't compromising on areas of safety measures, background checks, insurance."
After Uber criticized the mayor for not embracing the technology-based company last week, Dyer pointed out that Orlando is one of only 12 cities working to make the service legal and safe.
"It turns out Portland, Los Angeles and San Francisco are suing Uber over background checks," Dyer said.
A Lyft representative said the city's regulations may still force them to stop operations in Orlando. He said many drivers work 10 hours or less a week.