Metro Atlanta rideshare drivers demanding raises as gas prices go up

ATLANTA — The price people are paying at the pump keeps going up. That is especially hurting rideshare drivers who work for Uber and Lyft.

More than 5,000 workers have signed a petition demanding the companies pay them more. Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon spoke with drivers about the problems they are facing.

“I can’t go out here all day paying 3 dollars and 80 cents a gallon,” Lashann Ross said.

Ross has driven for Uber in metro Atlanta for nine years, but she said the gas prices are making her think about quitting.

“I would absolutely, absolutely, if enough of us quit they can hear us then,” Ross said.

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Ross is one of 5,000 people who have signed the online petition urging Uber and Lyft for a raise to cover the high cost of fuel.

“They’re noticing that the gas prices are increasing. They should really increase our wages,” she said.

Wilfon reached out to both Uber and Lyft.

Both companies said they have recently tried to help drivers by offering similar cash back programs to allow drivers savings of up to 25 cents for each gallon of fuel.

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According to GasBuddy.com, gas prices in metro Atlanta have risen $1 per gallon just over the past year.

Ross said that means Uber and Lyft’s programs don’t go far enough.

“We keep driving for Uber… and they’re gonna keep paying what they pay, because we don’t have a voice.”

She hopes the petition gives them that voice.

While that would mean higher trip costs for customers, drivers said it’s what they needed to keep them on the road.

“Pay us a fair wage.”

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