Video footage recorded by a private investigator showed at least ten drivers for Uber and Lyft accepting cash for rides illegally, after working outside of their apps (despite having used them to find the job) in an illegal move called an “off-platform transaction”. The investigation also revealed that some ride-hailing companies have been using software known as Greyball to hide information about its users from law enforcement. Notably, the undercover operation was financed by Bell Transportation, which operates taxi companies in the local area and therefore the operation can presumably be seen as the latest move in the ongoing battle between traditional taxi firms and app-based services such as Uber and Lyft.
Video footage recorded by a private investigator showed at least ten drivers for Uber and Lyft accepting cash for rides illegally, after working outside of their apps (despite having used them to find the job) in an illegal move called an “off-platform transaction”. The private investigator documented every ride with a report and a mobile phone video showing everything from the initial solicitation to the drop off. Notably, the undercover operation was financed by Bell Transportation, which operates taxi companies in the local area and therefore the operation can presumably be seen as the latest move in the ongoing battle between traditional taxi firms and app-based services such as Uber and Lyft.