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Unjust rideshare deactivations [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-11-07

I started driving for Uber and Lyft in 2015 primarily on Newport, Rhode Island. I have completed 10,451 Uber rides and 542 Lyft rides. I have a perfect 5 star rating on both platforms. I was working a normal shift on 10/7/2023 when I received a bizarre false allegation from Lyft stating that a passenger accused me of touching them in a non-sexual way, stared at them and that there was a child in the car. That is all false except that sometimes adults bring children in the car which I have no problem with. I told Lyft the accusation was untrue and was promptly deactivated. It may have been a passenger who could not afford a Lyft and wanted a credit card refund so they made up a story to get a credit card refund. This false allegation has done tremendous damage to my ability to make money. I have been defamed. This is beyond defamation. What the passenger typed is a verbal obscenity.

On 11/7/2023 I sent a letter to Lyft’s legal department:

Name

street address

November 7, 2023

Lyft, Inc.

Attn: Legal Department

185 Berry sreet, Suite 400

San Francisco, CA 94107

Subject: Demand for Reinstatement and Compensation for Wrongful Deactivation

Dear Lyft, Inc.

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to address a serious matter concerning my status as a driver on the Lyft platform. I am (name), a Lyft driver, my account is associated with the phone number (xxxxxxxxx) . I am disappointed to convey that my affiliation with Lyft ended abruptly on 10/7/2023, without any reasonable grounds. The passenger falsely claimed that I touched them in a non-sexual way and stared at them, despite there being a child in the car. I have completed 10,436 Uber rides and 542 Lyft rides since 2015 , maintaining a 5-star rating on both platforms. This action has caused significant financial loss and damage to my livelihood.

The deactivation has caused me to suffer severe financial hardships and emotional distress. As a full-time Lyft driver, I heavily relied on this source of income to support our household and meet our financial obligations. Because of this, I experienced an abrupt loss of income, Leaving me and my family in an extremely vulnerable position.

I believe that my deactivation from the Lyft platform was wrongful and unjustified, considering my record as a diligent and dedicated driver. Hence, I hereby demand the following:

It is imperative that Lyft provides a clear and specific explanation for the reason behind my deactivation. I have a right to understand the basis for this decision, and it is essential for me to rectify any potential misunderstandings or miscommunications. Thus, Lyft must back up its claims with substantial and credible evidence, which may include photographic evidence, emails and correspondence, data records, video footage, other relevant documentation, and most importantly, witness statements. This is not only essential for the fairness of the process but also for the integrity of any actions taken as a result of the allegations . It ensures that decisions made by Lyft are based on a solid foundation of facts and evidence and not on a mere hearsay basis.

I vehemently deny any breach of Lyft’s terms and conditions and demand immediate reinstatement as an active driver-partner.

While I understand that my deactivation may have been pending investigation, it is unfair that I have been without income during this time. I request fair compensation for the income I have lost because of this wrongful deactivation up to the jurisdictional limit of $5,000 as set by Washington County.

Furthermore, I have incurred various expenses related to my work as a Lyft driver, including vehicle maintenance and insurance costs. I demand reimbursement for any reasonable legal fees incurred in pursuing my rights.

I believe that resolving this matter amicably is in the best interest of both parties. However, if my demands are not met within 14 days from the date of this letter, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action to protect my rights and seek appropriate remedies in a court of law, which may include filing a lawsuit in court.

I would prefer to resolve this matter without resorting to litigation, as it would be time-consuming and costly for both parties. I hope Lyft, Inc. will take this matter seriously and address my concerns promptly and fairly. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter within 7 days upon receipt to avoid any further delay in addressing this issue.

I look forward to a timely and amicable resolution to this matter. Your immediate attention to this matter is highly appreciated.

[END]
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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/11/7/2204323/-Unjust-rideshare-deactivations?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=more_community&pm_medium=web

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