AUSTIN -- Several restaurants and bars are hosting ride-sharing petition sign-ups to fight against new regulations passed by the Austin City Council.
The political action committee "Ridesharing Works for Austin" is working with companies like Uber and Lyft to try and secure 20,000 signatures from registered Austin voters. If successful, they would force a measure on the ballot in May, or force the Austin City Council to revert back to the original regulations.
Bob Woody, the president of the East 6th Community Association and bar owner, played an integral role in bringing Uber and Lyft to Austin.
"I see it as the most positive thing that's touched my industry in years," Woody explained outside one of his twenty-plus bars in downtown Austin.
While he's complimentary of the city's cab services, he added he believes there aren't enough cabs to fill the demand, especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
"I really looked at it as a filler of a gap, in regards to people to drive intoxicated," Woody said.
He also represents several other businesses across the state, and owns a business in New York. He said if Uber and Lyft can work in New York, they should be able to work in Austin.
"Austin needs to be on board with this. We're a forward thinking city. And if you're not thinking of Uber or Lyft or alternative use, then you're thinking backwards," Woody said.
The Austin City Council voted in December on an incomplete ordinance that could possibly require Uber and Lyft drivers to be fingerprinted. Both Uber and Lyft said the measure would hurt their business, and Lyft has threatened to leave the city. Both companies routinely make agreements with individual cities to review and negotiate regulations.
Emmanuell Sancha, the general manager at El Arroyo on 5th Street, agreed with Woody.
"I think people have the right to choose how to get home. It's not like the government needs to establish a rule of 'hey- use the cabs only.' I think we have the freedom to choose what we want, and how we want to get home," he explained.
Sancha said the services are especially useful for customers who drink.
"Our main concern is their safety," Sancha said.
A sign outside the restaurant urges people to sign the petition, and they hosted a sign-up event Saturday.
Jordyn Rice just moved to Austin, and said Uber and Lyft are helpful.
"It's really nice. I can have a drink or two and feel safe," she explained.
Rice is concerned about transportation options should either company leave.
"If they took away Lyft or Uber, i think it would be way more difficult to get around," said Rice.
Many drivers are also getting involved, carrying petitions and giving them to customers during rides. Ridesharing Works for Austin has 60 days to collect the 20,000 signatures.
