SACRAMENTO — Uber and Airbnb are among at least six California-based companies valued at more than $1 billion expected to go public this year, creating a new class of millionaires and billionaires and a welcome quandary for the state's budget writers. Though it's tough to gauge the total tax revenue...
Car-Sharing Fuels Battle Over Local Tax Revenue
PHOENIX — When Chris Williamson was in the market for a new family car, a timely ad and conversations with a co-worker convinced him to try something out of the ordinary. He bought a BMW 3 Series convertible and covers the payments by renting it to strangers on a peer-to-peer...
Will Chewy.com be Dogged by Wall Street Memories?
NEW YORK — PetSmart's online pet store Chewy is preparing for an initial public offering that risks reminding investors of the days when its breed of internet retailing seemed like a lost cause. Chewy hasn't been profitable since it was founded in 2011. It stands out from the rest of...
Dems Want to Kill Independent Contracting Work in California
For those Californians trying to make a few extra dollars driving a limo or rideshare car, cutting hair, taking a teacher’s aide position, teaching yoga, or spending weekends refereeing youth soccer and baseball games – that all could be coming to an end if the Democrats and labor unions have...
Slaying Puts Focus on Ride-Hailing Safety, Fake Drivers
CHICAGO — Whenever Rachel Orden calls for an Uber, the 20-year-old Michigan State University sophomore immediately walks to the back of the vehicle to check the license plate number, then opens the door and waits for the driver to say her name before getting in. Even then, she devises a...
Walters: What Are the Limits on a 'Gig Economy?'
The term “gig economy” entered the popular lexicon a few years ago, referring to new industries that rely on technology and non-employee workers, such as the Uber and Lyft rides-on-call services. In fact, however, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Californians work as “independent contractors,” ranging from emergency room...
Has $56 Million BRT Investment Reversed Bus Free-Fall?
Nearly a year after the launch of Bus Rapid Transit, what conclusions can be drawn about the $56.2 million upgrade to Fresno's mass transit system? For starters, frequent riders praise it. So does Mayor Lee Brand. "It's a great compliment to our overall transit strategy, especially because it provides a...
Nike Is Latest US Company Involved in Culture Wars
NEW YORK — Nike's "Just Do It" campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick is a rare example of a brand jumping into a divisive issue uninvited. Still, like it or not, American companies are increasingly being pulled into the country's political and cultural wars. Here's a look at other companies that recently...
How Uber & Lyft Can Boost Public Transit Instead of Killing It
Over the last half-decade, public transit ridership declined nationwide. The number of vehicle miles traveled in cars is rising, and traffic congestion is getting worse in many U.S. cities. At the same time, the century-old taxi industry is struggling, with many taxi companies going bankrupt. Are ride-hailing companies such as...
Council: No Ride Sharing Fees at Airport
City Hall wanted to charge airport passengers who use Uber and Lyft an extra $3 each time they are dropped off or picked up a fare. But, the city council, led by sixth-district councilman Garry Bredefeld said no. So, for now, ride sharing companies will operate at Fresno Yosemite International...