More Buggy Whips offended by their pending obsolescence

[AZRedhawk44]

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/07/29/sfo-citizen-arrests-internet-rideshare/

Leading the push:  The cabbie and limo unions.


I've never heard of Lyft, Sidecar or Uber.  But I hope they thrive.

[zxcvbob]

Poorly written article (which is hardly your fault.)  Who is allegedly making these "citizen arrests" and under what authority?  (Citizen's arrests are generally only permitted for a felony personally witnessed by the one making the arrest; CA might be different but I doubt it)  This could end very badly when somebody resists.

[vaskidmark]

MILLBRAE (CBS SF) — In the past month, San Francisco International Airport officials have been citing and arresting drivers from mobile-app enabled rideshare companies that pick up and drop off passengers, an airport spokesman said.

Airport spokesman Doug Yakel said there have been seven citizen arrests issued to “various offenders” since July 10.

The airport had issued cease and desist letters to several rideshare companies, including Lyft, Sidecar and Uber, in April.

Since then, Yakel said airport officials, in conjunction with airport police, had been “admonishing” drivers that came to the airport.

Yakel said the companies are not permitted to offer their services at SFO and they are now being arrested for unlawful trespassing.

If the airport personnel are making the "arrests" for trespassing, they are most likely skirting very close to the line between citizen's arrest and kidnapping/false inprisonment.

Apparently folks out in SF have forgotten why the taxi industry was regulated - exhorbitant charges, taking the scenic way to bump up the meter, and arbitrary decisions about who to carry and who not to carry, as opposed to unsafe vehicles (although there were some).

What is described does not match the definition of ride-sharing that I am familiar with - matching up folks who regularly went from point A to point B, each in their own vehicle, now pooling together to use only one vehicle.  Riders "contribute" to the expenses of the driver.  Nor does it match with "slugging" - generally white-collar hitchhikers whose presence allows drivers access to the HOV lanes and who may or may not offer a contribution to the driver's expenses.  It most closely matches the definition of gypsy taxis - except there does not seem to be a fixed "contribution" schedule.

stay safe.

[HankB]

How can they tell that it's a ride share vehicle dropping someone off, or just a buddy doing a friend a favor? I mean, I've dropped folks off at the airport before, and I've gotten picked up by friends or relatives before . . . is that now illegal?

The article mentions "citizen arrests" and "officials" but doesn't really make it clear how the arrest is being conducted, or who is actually doing the arresting.

While I certainly wouldn't resist arrest by a sworn LEO (badge & gun), things won't go well for any non-LEO who tries the same.

[Jocassee]

A friend of mine uses Uber in Philly, he loves it. A little expensive to use often, but if you're in need of a ride, they're classy and quick.

[brimic]

Leading the push:  The cabbie and limo unions.

The protesters claim that the drivers are exempt from regulation, vehicle inspections, and insurance and driver requirements.

They are calling the growing practice a “clear public safety hazard.”

They are just participating in corporatism democracy at the local level.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

gypsy cabs with an internet twist

[Levant]

Poorly written article (which is hardly your fault.)  Who is allegedly making these "citizen arrests" and under what authority?  (Citizen's arrests are generally only permitted for a felony personally witnessed by the one making the arrest; CA might be different but I doubt it)  This could end very badly when somebody resists.

Citizens arrests are legal for misdemeanors.  In fact, they're really more appropriate for a misdemeanor.  I can't speak for everywhere but I did take a powers of arrest course when I did a part time gig as a security guard in California years ago.  The police cannot arrest for a misdemeanor that they do not witness but they can issue a citation - or choose not to issue a citation.  But if their is evidence of a felony then the police can arrest without having been a witness.  When a person is placed under arrest by a citizen for a misdemeanor then the police must issue the citation.

But a citizen exercising their power of arrest is held to the same legal standard for false arrest as the police - and, perhaps, an even stricter judicial standard.  If no crime was committed then the arrested can and should sue the arresting idiot-citizen.