Valley Obsessed With Promise of Rideshare
By ALEC BERRY
Staff Writer
WHEELING — When will Uber, Lyft or another rideshare service, for that matter, establish a presence within the Ohio Valley?
Those who ask this question certainly want such a service to exist in their location, as it’s believed it would improve the menu of local transportation options for those without a personal vehicle or those adamant about not driving.
Also, Uber and Lyft represent amenities common in large, lively metropoles, and they may make some impact by adding to the presentation of a revitalized, post-industrial valley.
To define: a rideshare service typically links consumers with contract drivers through a smartphone application.
A digital payment is exchanged for transportation. The driver takes home most of the fare, while the company collects a percentage.
The West Virginia Legislature approved a bill in February 2016, so rideshare companies may operate within the state’s borders. Since then, Uber has popped up in a few cities, such as Charleston, Huntington and Morgantown, while Lyft has yet to commit.
Local leaders and residents of Wheeling have expressed a desire primarily to Uber for the company to make its mark in the Friendly City, though, so far, the effort has not materialized.
They’ve petitioned with a Facebook campaign; a formal resolution of encouragement to the company issued by Wheeling City Council; and with a mixed conversation between leaders of Moundsville and Wheeling to collectively persuade the business.
Mayor Glenn Elliott has said Uber does not want to operate in a city where it will not be an absolute success. Uber spokesman Bill Gibbons has said the company is encouraged by local enthusiasm but would need to assess its position and formalize a strategy before making a decision.
Elliott said the city has spoken with Lyft, but this conversation has yet to result in action.
Annaliese Rosenthal, a general manager with Uber, said though the perception of the company may be that it’s designed for larger cities, small towns that lack efficient public transit will benefit, especially late at night when people tend to drive home drunk. Washington, Pa. ,is home to Uber.
Megan Bobes, a millenial from Elkins, echoed this, saying there’s more reason for Uber in a town with limited transportation options.
As the new year progresses, the subject of rideshare services certainly will remain on the minds of people of the valley.