Legalization of Uber & Lyft Contribute to a “Car-Less” Miami

 
On Tuesday, Uber and Lyft officially became legal in Miami-Dade County as Miami commissioners passed ordinances on a 9-2 vote that legalized the Uber/Lyft business model, which utilizes freelance, approved drivers that charge fees which rise and fall with sales, according to the Miami Herald.

Despite the already successful business for Uber since launching operations in Miami in the summer of 2014, it has been a mission for supporters to get ride-sharing services legalized here. The public has been speaking shouting to get this passed and the commissioners have finally listened, despite taxi companies now suing the county because of the new Uber law.

Until Uber & Lyft entered the Miami market, it was a necessity to own a car and drive everywhere, but they have since contributed to Miami becoming more of a car-less city. And, now with the legalization of Uber & Lyft, they will only become a bigger contributing factor. Now, I understand that Uber & Lyft use cars, but what I mean by “car-less” is that people living in the greater Downtown Miami area no longer have to rely on owning a car (like many in NYC) to get around the city. Less cars means less pollution & less traffic. 

As a Miamian (who, like all other locals, doesn’t walk anywhere because of the heat), I am very happy to have the Uber law passed…makes it much easier to move around the city without having to deal with the headaches of parking or dealing with valets, and is much more comfortable riding in a luxury and clean car/SUV versus a taxi.