Letter: Bring Uber’s great service to Kennewick

I was poking around the Internet to update myself with Tri-Cities progress on Uber and other TNCs (transportation network companies). I saw Kennewick Mayor Steve Young’s quote, “We’re not going to suffer because Uber is not here.”

I am assuming the “we’re” stands for “I,” because as a resident of Kennewick, he is not speaking for me with that quote. Now there are certain levels of “suffering,” and I want to be clear that not having Uber is on the low end, but I sure would like to have Uber in the Tri-Cities. All of my experiences with a taxi vs. Uber have had a hands-down winner — Uber!

On the issue of background checks (Uber vs city), Uber is valued at $68 billion and is in 76 countries worldwide. I have confidence Uber can handle background checks as well or better than the three local cities, simply based on experience and resources.

I am sympathetic to the red tape and the thought of treating businesses (taxis and limos vs. TNCs) equally, but let’s get out of our own way on this one and bring this great service to our town because I’m tired of “suffering.”

This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 3:26 AM with the headline "Letter: Bring Uber’s great service to Kennewick."