Drivers hash out pros, cons of Uber’s presence

While lawyers inside District Judge Douglas Herndon’s courtroom Monday morning argue over Uber’s presence in Nevada, a driver debate breaks out on the sidewalk outside the Regional Justice Center.

Nellis Cab employees wave their opinions on hand-written placards, a couple of which read, “Stop Uber Mafia from Invading Las Vegas” and “Uber Be Legal or Go Home!”

But it’s clear within minutes of Monday’s hearing that Uber isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Nor, for that matter, is the mounting opposition to the Internet-savvy ride-sharing company’s presence in Nevada, where cab companies have groomed powerful alliances in government and at the state Legislature.

Lynn Summers might not understand all the legal nuances being raised in court, but after two years with Nellis Cab, she says she believes Uber’s sudden and rapidly expanding presence here threatens the whole system. She’s the driver waving the “Mafia” placard.

“I’m driving for a licensed company,” Summers says as other drivers with signs gather nearby. “Uber’s not licensed. They’re an unlicensed cab company.”

Despite their reputation as fiercely territorial and combative to potential competition, “all these cab companies are licensed,” Summers continues. “They’ve gone through whatever it is the state has required. Uber doesn’t want to go through the processes. They want to say, ‘Oh, we’re not a taxi company.’ All it is that they’ve done is omitted a live dispatcher by using a phone app. They’re getting paid and making profit. They’re a cab company.”

And it’s clear Uber is catching on despite licensing questions and an ongoing legal imbroglio that stretches from the Regional Justice Center to the Washoe County courthouse. While cab companies attempt to legally intervene — they helped write the laws — and a frustrated state attorney general’s office fights to win injunctive relief before a skeptical and studious Judge Herndon, Uber’s ride-sharing service continues to pop up in major cities across the country.

As he takes his stand on the sidewalk, Robert Farnsworth talks about his job with Nellis, which is typical of many drivers. He’s behind the wheel 12 hours a day, four or five days a week. He keeps up his trip sheet and follows rules most of his customers don’t know exist. After 25 years as a cabby, he believes all Uber will bring is fewer fares and lower take-home pay.

“They say they’re going to work the outside (away from the Strip and McCarran Airport),” Farnsworth says.

“They should’t be here in the first place. … Now they’re sticking up everywhere. Every state and city is starting to really notice them. They flood the market. There’s no regulation.”

Farnsworth tries to counter the longstanding criticism that local cab companies provide lackluster service away from the Strip corridor. Like Summers, it’s clear Farnsworth sincerely believes his job is threatened. He’s so concerned about his future that he sends packets of information critical about Uber to different media outlets.

As the veteran cabdriver continues, into the vocal group of Nellis Cab drivers walks Ermiyas Gebrenigus. Although outnumbered, there on the courthouse steps, he’s a proud a Uber man who wants his opinion known.

“People should have a choice,” Gebrenigus says in accented English. “It’s a free market. It’s a technology. People should have a choice.”

He argues local cab companies often “take an hour” to pick up fares in valley neighborhoods. “People can’t get where they (want to go,)” Gebrenigus says. “People should have a choice, you know? People in Nevada should have a choice. It’s a technology.”

“It’s not legal,” a Nellis driver shouts.

The drivers continue to argue whether Uber provides proper insurance. Companies have questioned the safety of Uber’s system, but its supporters say they conduct driver background checks.

And on it goes.

It’s obvious Uber driver Gebrenigus isn’t winning any converts in the crowd he’s working, but the new guy on the block isn’t going anywhere. And the debate continues.

Sounds like a metaphor in the making.

John L. Smith’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. E-mail him at jsmith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.