Moody Center
News or Slanted Opinion?
RECEIVED Wed., Oct. 8, 2014
Dear Editor,
Chase Hoffberger’s “Council Moves to Legalize TNCs” article [News, Oct. 3] appears to be a news report, but is actually a negative statement about rideshare services. I found it ridiculous, and it left me wondering what the writer’s agenda could be.
Stating that “strong-arm” tactics have been employed to pressure the city, and that Uber/Lyft “cheerfully” pay off citations is biased and a classic case of using slanted language to interject a writer’s personal opinion upon the public. The news piece is riddled with this kind of language.
The facts are that Austin doesn’t have enough cabs (because of city rules) and that the public is extremely unhappy with the customer service that the taxi companies provide. Market-driven answers have arrived for some of our transportation challenges in Austin and if not for these companies pushing forward, we would not be on the cusp of bringing much-needed transportation options to the area.
So please do us a favor, in the future when you have a specific point of view, clearly state it and be honest with the reading public.
Full disclosure, I drive part time for one of the rideshare companies.
Chase Hoffberger’s “Council Moves to Legalize TNCs” article [News, Oct. 3] appears to be a news report, but is actually a negative statement about rideshare services. I found it ridiculous, and it left me wondering what the writer’s agenda could be.
Stating that “strong-arm” tactics have been employed to pressure the city, and that Uber/Lyft “cheerfully” pay off citations is biased and a classic case of using slanted language to interject a writer’s personal opinion upon the public. The news piece is riddled with this kind of language.
The facts are that Austin doesn’t have enough cabs (because of city rules) and that the public is extremely unhappy with the customer service that the taxi companies provide. Market-driven answers have arrived for some of our transportation challenges in Austin and if not for these companies pushing forward, we would not be on the cusp of bringing much-needed transportation options to the area.
So please do us a favor, in the future when you have a specific point of view, clearly state it and be honest with the reading public.
Full disclosure, I drive part time for one of the rideshare companies.
Eddie Snider