Uber Drivers Respond to Sea Isle City Stance

SEA ISLE CITY – In response to the Herald’s Aug. 24 story on Sea Isle City’s prosecution of Uber drivers, the newspaper received additional information and a rebuttal. 
One rebuttal came from Lance Zeaman, the administrator of United Drivers which represents hundreds of Uber drivers in the South Jersey area.
Zeaman provided an “Open Letter from United Drivers for Uber, South Jersey Division, to the residents and business owners of Sea Isle City, New Jersey.”
It noted, among other things, “It is very disturbing to all of us that the leadership of Sea Isle City would take the position of trying to drive Uber out of town, when in fact; our service has dramatically decreased the DUI [driving under the influence] violations, thus saving countless lives.
“Mr. George Savastano, city business administrator, stated that they cannot tell the police to not enforce the ordinance against Uber because it would violate public safety rules … Further, he stated that the public does not want Sea Isle’s laws violated because the law was enacted for the welfare and safety of all, and the Uber drivers’ argument (saving lives) is absurd and not supported by residents.
“The only thing that’s actually absurd is Mr. Savastano’s thinking. If the residents of Sea Isle didn’t support Uber along with the rest of the public, in hundreds of cities around the world, Uber would not be the $70-billion company they are today, soon to be $100 billion, in less than six years.
“Uber has taken the leadership role in changing the transportation industry as we know it and therefore, trying to stop progress would be going against public demand. Besides Uber being responsible for the decrease in DUIs, they are also working with numerous organizations throughout the world bringing about changes that will affect our lives and provide economic opportunities for millions.”
Zeaman added that Uber, plus the New Jersey Licensed Beverage Association (NJLBA) and the HERO campaign, partnered together in order to prevent drunk driving throughout New Jersey by offering free soft drinks and other benefits to designated drivers who sign up for membership with the HERO Campaign.
“As well,” said Zeaman, “Uber provided free rides for people who signed up through the NJLBA. “As a result of this effort, about 1,300 Uber driver-partners signed up with the HERO Campaign and provided more than 30,000 rides to bar patrons at that time.
“Since then this endeavor continues to grow by leaps and bounds. The situation in Sea Isle is unique, and we don’t have problems in any other N.J. municipality because you can’t stop progress,” continued Zeaman.
In response to a question, Zeaman said, “the $64,000 question is: Why are the leaders of Sea Isle City going against a very successful campaign that is trying to prevent drunk driving by trying to drive Uber out of town?
“This campaign is fully supported by all the members of the NJLBA along with their president, James Bennett, who is the owner of a local bar and a restaurant located right in the heart of Sea Isle City.”
The Herald also heard from a couple of current Uber drivers who asked to remain anonymous.
One said, “I drive for Uber and have never heard of or been associated with ‘United Drivers.’ It’s unfortunate that the quote in the article makes it appear that their statement speaks for all drivers. Because whoever issued that statement obviously, has no clue how to conduct a proper discussion with the public or elected officials.
“Their statement will only act to inflame the officials and the public in Sea Isle City. As a local driver, I would like to know how many citations went to out-of-county drivers.
“I do my best to provide a quality service and abide by all traffic laws. In the future could you please clarify that United Drivers does NOT represent all drivers and is not sanctioned by Uber?”
Another driver, Joann Cervantes, remarked on what a game-changer Uber is for both her customers as well as her own way of life.
“As a summer Sea Isle City resident and owner in Sea Isle, I’ve spent summers in Sea Isle for 50 years. I’m also an Uber driver. I’m offended the Uber group would call Sea Isle a grim place, because it’s not. But I’m also very upset that I have to worry about picking up passengers in Sea Isle, my town. All the passengers I pick up are either coming into town from other local shore destinations, mostly Ocean City and Avalon.
“At bar closing in Sea Isle, the passengers I’ve picked up are also going back to their homes in local shore towns. I consider myself a designated driver as Sea Isle suggests people to have; who choose to drink.
“I remember from over 40 years ago when I worked at Vince’s Restaurant as a teenager the death of Billy McKee, killed due to a car ride offshore on prom night after a big party.
“I’m a mother of six and grandmother of five. I drive Uber from my heart, and I love to help people get home safe which also keeps the non-drinkers on the road safe.
“I follow all safety and traffic laws, and hope to continue along with the decent Uber drivers who also have a clean car and follow the traffic laws to keep people safe.”
This driver also noted that the Uber career allows the driver to pursue additional education with the money earned.
Since it does not appear that the state will legislate clarifying regulations any time soon, the Uber controversy is likely to rage.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.