Ocean City officials say they are aware of illegal rideshare operations taking place in town during the fall music festivals.
The issue was brought to light on Monday, when Ocean City resident and local Uber driver John Biggs came before the Ocean City Council to complain about the proliferation of unauthorized individuals soliciting rideshare or “for hire” transportation services during the C3 Presents music festivals.
With pictures and screenshots in hand, he showed numerous examples of individuals advertising and operating such services without the appropriate licensing, inspections or background checks.
“We get a lot of people that are opportunists,” he said. “As an Uber driver, I have to have a vehicle safety inspection done on my vehicle every year, I have to have a background check done every year, and I personally have commercial insurance to cover me in case anything goes wrong. People like this, they wake up on Friday morning of the festival and decide they are going to go make some money.”
Biggs said he saw vehicles last weekend driving down the bus lane, soliciting rides from those waiting at bus stops. He showed pictures of some of those vehicles, which had expired tags. He also showed pictures of one vehicle involved in a rear-end accident.
“We don’t know who these people are,” he said. “Predators? Murderers? We don’t know.”
Biggs was joined by Jaclyn Crook, another Ocean City resident and Uber driver. She said such operations not only hurt their income, but posed a safety threat.
“I don’t want it to become a breeding ground for predators,” she said.
now you know how the taxi companies feel! didnt see you crying then!