According to a recent analysis by California state air quality regulators, ridesharing generates more carbon emissions than driving yourself. To combat the problem, the California Air Resources Board is developing the world’s first regulations to reduce the climate impacts of ride-hailing.

It’s estimated there are more than 600,000 ride-hail vehicles in the state, which release 50% more greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile traveled than the average car. The new regulations will be put in place to reduce traffic and pollution caused by the ridesharing industry.

An Uber driver in Greeley, Colorado canceled a requested Uber ride after learning the passenger had a service dog with him. This is against Uber policy, which contractually obligates drivers to accept riders with service animals.

Will Etherton, who is visually impaired, requests Uber rides to drive him to and from work when his wife isn’t around. In early March 2020, Etherton, his son, and his service dog Java ordered an Uber; however, the ride was denied when the driver showed up.

A group of Uber Black drivers in Philadelphia is being given another opportunity with their lawsuit against the company, alleging they’ve been misclassified as independent contractors. On March 3, 2020, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a summary judgment for Uber after the district court incorrectly determined the drivers were not employees as a matter of law.

The plaintiffs are alleging violations of the federal minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and corresponding Pennsylvania laws. The drivers believe “that time spent online on the Uber Driver App qualifies as compensable time under the FLSA.” Their principal argument for this is that Uber controls access and the use of the Driver App.

The potential spread of the coronavirus to the United States is causing concern among the rideshare community. As drivers regularly interact with the public, a number of them are taking extra precautions to keep themselves and their passengers healthy.

Some rideshare drivers are receiving in-app messages from Uber urging drivers to protect themselves. If they feel sick, they’re asked to stay home. It’s also requested that drivers wash hands frequently, cover coughs or sneezes, and disinfect vehicles regularly.

According to a Dallas-based pest exterminator, Doffdon Pest Control, the company treats up to ten rideshare vehicles per week for bed bugs. The owner, Don Brooks, said: “Drivers either see bedbugs, someone complained, or they were suspicious of a customer and just want to make sure.”

An Orkin report published in 2019, ranked Dallas-Fort Worth as number 10 on its list of Top 50 Bed Bug Cities. Other cities on the list include Tennessee, Nashville, and Baltimore – ranked at number one.