Uber often launches its service in cities around the world before working with regulators to ensure that it is complying with existing rules. Many people, including those from the taxi industry, often criticize the company for this technique.
David Plouffe, Uber’s new Senior Vice President of Policy and Strategy — and former advisor to President Barack Obama — addressed that topic on Wednesday during his first conference call since joining Uber in September.
Paul Nassbaum, a reporter with the Philadelphia Inquirer, asked Plouffe why Uber does not wait for regulation to be established before setting up shop. In Philadelphia, city officials are impounding uberX cars and issuing fines to drivers for operating illegally.
“I think what we’ve seen is that there’s a pent-up demand in Philadelphia for this product,” Plouffe said. “Obviously, what we’re doing doesn’t necessarily in all cases fit in existing regulation.”
Plouffe said that there are people in Philadelphia who want a “permanent solution” and that blocking out Uber from the city would do harm to the local economy.
He added that Uber, which raised $1.2 billion earlier this summer, wants to work with lawmakers and help establish new “smart and modern” laws that match what companies like Uber and Lyft offer. Plouffe noted that in many cities, there are regulations that are 70 years old.
“Uber should be regulated,” he said. “But with regulations that account for the fact that this is different than hailing a taxi on a street, or calling a taxi on a landline 30 years ago.”
As an example of a city that has adopted rules that Uber agrees with, Plouffe pointed to Washington D.C., which just passed its own bill that regulates companies like Uber.
“This was groundbreaking legislation and provides a model going forward,” Plouffe said.
Plouffe also pointed to 13 other places in the U.S. — including Seattle — that have established new regulations specifically for the on-demand transportation startups.
“You’re seeing some momentum here — maybe even Uber-mentum, if you want to be cute,” he said. “When Washington D.C. passes a bill, people around the country look at that. People know that this is something they want to find a solution for because it’s good for their cities and there are a lot of passionate people who are using the product.”
