I read with great interest that ridesharing companies are being considered in Port Townsend. I want to thank Councilmember Amy Howard for her prudent and measured response.  

Having had a small business in one of the most densely populated areas of Seattle, Capitol Hill, I watched the evolution of ridesharing and was disturbed by the results.  Not only was there a precipitous increase in vehicles on the road, endlessly circling, but the number of inattentive rideshare drivers looking for addresses and “fares” congested roadways making it impossible for walkers, cyclists and other drivers to safely reach their destinations.  

Needlessly idling vehicles were a constant source of irritation, as were rideshare vehicles that not only blocked access to our parking, but used our parking illegally on a regular basis, while “waiting.” It is impossible to both run a small business and “police” your parking for legit customers.  

The nonprofit advocacy group, Union of Concerned Scientists, has examined the impacts of rideshare companies on seven large U.S. cities and the results are not pretty.  

In short, they found one-passenger ride sharing trips contributes to 50 percent more carbon emissions than driving your own solo vehicle! It also reported it contributed to a drop in use of public transportation.

Allowing rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft is not a solution. Rideshare vehicles spend 42 percent of their time waiting or driving toward their “pick-ups” bringing noise and congestions. Allowing rideshare companies into Port Townsend also appears diametrically opposed to the city’s sustainability goals to cut emissions. 

We can do better in seeking creative solutions that are in keeping with our climate goals. How about covered pedicabs or electric golf carts? We could have a contest each year for the most creatively decorated pedicab or golf cart rideshare, creating more fun and community cohesion in the process.  

I would like to urge city councilmembers to re-think rideshare companies such as Uber or Lyft. Let us be guided by scientific studies in making sound decisions and avoid irrevocable harm to our planet and to the character of this special city. 

Once the rideshare genie is out of the bottle, it is unlikely we can put it back.

J.A. Schneider
PORT TOWNSEND