Laws that protect Chicago taxis are unfair

I don't generally get involved in politics, but as a rideshare driver, I've been closely following the debate over regulations to rideshare services. I traveled to Springfield on recently to discuss the proposed regulations in HB 4075 with state Sen. Thomas Cullerton.

Anyone who lives in or visits Chicago knows cab service is, well, less than ideal. When rideshare services entered Chicago, it offered consumers something they never had before: choice and peace of mind. Rideshare services provide the rider additional safety, security and ease of use not offered by taxis.

Consumer choice is important, and in transportation it's helped to lower costs for customers while providing better service. It's allowed me to earn extra income on a schedule entirely created by me.

I hope legislators don't implement laws aimed at protecting taxis. Protecting an industry in order to protect a monopoly is something this country works hard at making sure doesn't happen. The rideshare companies are not against sensible legislation, similar to the ordinance being proposed in Chicago, but are against any arbitrary part of legislation that is obviously in place to protect the incumbent players that only want to protect the status quo that existed before rideshare service existed.

Scott Van Maldegiam

Bartlett