Cab drivers fight back against ride sharing apps

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Local taxi companies say they're at a huge disadvantage because of an app on your smartphone which is literally driving away their business.

If you have the application Uber on your phone and search for a driver, there's a chance you'll connect with Lorenzo Rodriguez. "I make a very comfortable living driving for Uber,"added Rodriguez.

The Fresno native makes an average of about $1,000 a week as an Uber driver. The company is a San Francisco based start-up which allows anyone looking for a ride to connect with people who have cars using GPS services on their smartphones. "If it is 1.7 miles away and it's going to take you 7 minutes to get there you know in 7 minutes you can expect your vehicle to arrive," added Rodriguez.

But traditional cab drivers say Uber and other ride sharing services like Lyft have cut their profits in half. "Especially at night time. Night time is dead," said Al Makki.

Makki who works as a taxi driver says he has to follow strict city regulations that Uber and Lyft drivers do not. The rules include replacing his cars every ten years and regular safety inspections. Council member Clint Olivier says those regulations put cab companies at an expensive disadvantage. "The best thing I think the city of Fresno could do is not pick winners and losers but instead level that playing field so our taxi drivers can compete with Uber and Lyft. I think taxis should be deregulated," added Olivier.

A spokesperson for Uber says the company conducts routine car inspections and in depth background checks while boosting the local economy. "The app is seamless, cashless and it offers another choice for consumers as well as those who want to build their own business," said Eva Behrend.

City leaders say at this point Uber driver and Lyft drivers don't face the same regulations as regular cab drivers but that is something which change in the future as the city studies the issue.