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A Uber driver who jumped in front of a New York subway train last month is at least the seventh professional driver to commit suicide this year in the city, and his supporters say that death is a sign of lingering difficulties which drivers have been facing since the advent of driving. -hailing apps.
The New York Taxi Workers Alliance is planning a vigil Sunday ahead of Fausto Luna, 58, in front of the Manhattan subway station, where he died on September 26.
"Our hearts are with brother Fausto Luna's loved ones," the group said in a statement on Saturday.
Uber spokeswoman, Alix Anfang, said Luna had been driving with Uber since 2013. "We are devastated by this news and our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Luna's family and loved ones at this time difficult, "she said.
The death comes after the suicides of six yellow cab drivers and limo from New York City this year. Lawyers say motorists are falling into despair because mobile phone applications have flooded the streets of the city with cars and made it difficult for motorists to make a living.
New York City Council has approved a temporary limitation on the number of driver's licenses, but there are already more than 100,000 car rentals on city streets, up from 63,000 in 2015.
Lawyers say the glut of cars are forcing drivers to compete for lower fares. Meanwhile, the value of the medallions needed to operate a yellow cab has gone from over $ 1 million to $ 200,000, forcing some medallion owners to go bankrupt.
"The rental vehicle sector is in crisis and is currently affecting thousands of families in our city," said Ryan Price, executive director of the Independent Drivers Guild, a union partly funded by Uber in part. He said that taxi drivers and industry drivers are facing "increasingly burdensome bills and awkward shifts".
Luna was struck by train A in the Washington Heights neighborhood where he lived. The city's medical examiner's office ruled that the death was a suicide.
Ira Goldstein, executive director of the Black Car Fund, which runs a workers' compensation fund for car drivers, revealed that the death shows that drivers need more mental health advice.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Luna's untimely demise is only the latest evidence that the rental vehicle rental industry needs to resolve this crisis quickly and comprehensively," said Mr. Goldstein. "That's why the Black Car Fund is partnering with the Independent Drivers Guild to provide advice on mental wellness, emergency procedures, psychologists, social workers and more. and other useful services directly to motorists. "
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