We designated +80 random addresses across Manhattan, BK, QNS and The BX to collect surge pricing every 10 mins using the rideshare aggregator @obiriders. We use this data to determine if a lockout occured in the proximity of a surge zone. https://bloom.bg/3BIPTLB

Of the +3K lockouts confirmed w/ location, we found +400 lockouts occurred in the proximity of a surge zone. In nearly half of cases (44%), the magnitude of the surge increased. Potentially increasing costs for passengers. https://bloom.bg/3BIPTLB

Thank you!!!!

Uber and Lyft don’t share data on lockouts, so we built a WhatsApp tipline and shared it with worker groups, web forums, and distributed flyers to drivers directly. We crowdsourced +7K screenshots from <900 drivers (~1% of registered NYC drivers). https://bloom.bg/3BIPTLB

The core promise of the gig-economy is flexibility. However, Uber and Lyft locked out drivers nearly every hour of every day w/ no notice. Including during peak hours and Uber "open access times" when drivers are told they can work. https://bloom.bg/3BIPTLB

NEW INVESTIGATION: Uber and Lyft locked drivers out of work to game a NYC minimum wage law. We crowdsourced screenshots, monitored surge pricing and ran financial models to reveal the devastating impact on drivers. w/ Natalie Lung @awgordon.bsky.socialhttps://bloom.bg/3BIPTLB

How Uber and Lyft Used a Loophole to Deny NYC Drivers Millions in Pay

Uber and Lyft locked drivers out of their apps to game a NYC wage law, denying drivers millions in pay

Uber and Lyft locked drivers in NYC get locked out of the app to stop them from working in order to game the city's minimum wage rule. @natlungfy.bsky.social@leonyin.org@denisedslu.bsky.social, and I reported on the impact this had and what it means for fair wages for drivers.

How Uber and Lyft Used a Loophole to Deny NYC Drivers Millions in Pay

Uber and Lyft locked drivers out of their apps to game a NYC wage law, denying drivers millions in pay

To get around minimum wage laws in New York, where drivers must be paid for time on the clock in between rides, Uber and Lyft are simply locking them out of the app so there's no record that they're on the roads. Incredible, infuriating story by @leonyin.orgwww.bloomberg.com/graphics/202...

How Uber and Lyft Used a Loophole to Deny NYC Drivers Millions in Pay

Uber and Lyft locked drivers out of their apps to game a NYC wage law, denying drivers millions in pay

We have strayed too far from the light

Thanks for reading!