METAIRIE, LA – September 14, 2016 – The use of app-based transportation software such as Uber and Lyft is quickly dispersing in cities across the United States, creating additional means of convenient and safe transportation. On September 21st, the Jefferson Parish Council will vote on the proposed app-based transportation ordinance(s). In a letter today to the Jefferson Parish Council, the board of directors of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce again expressed its support of app-based transportation in Jefferson Parish. Likewise, the correspondence recognized the current taxicab system’s request for a “fair and equal playing field,” to the extent that it is possible given the vastly different business models.
The Jefferson Chamber offered suggestions to major components of the discussion including the issues of drug testing, vehicle inspections, and rider fees. It is our intent to support the council and the administration in finding the best means to bring about more choices of transportation for our more than 430,000 residents and 18,000 businesses. With the current fleet of less than 300 for-hire vehicles, our market is simply underserved.
“We have the unique opportunity to provide better service to our community, increase revenue and bring a new industry to our parish,” said Todd Murphy, President of the Jefferson Chamber, “The Jefferson Chamber embraces this technological and progressive transformation.
About the Jefferson Chamber:
The Jefferson Chamber is a leading voice for Jefferson Parish’s business community. As a non-profit, membership-driven organization, the Chamber is an effective advocate for small and large businesses at the local, state and federal levels. The Chamber’s mission is to work for the advancement of the business community; to enhance the economic, civic and cultural environment; and to improve the quality of life in Jefferson Parish. The Jefferson Chamber is Four-Star Accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the 2013 and 2015 Chamber of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives in the Large Chamber Category.
