https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHjtZocmk10&feature=youtu.be

Representatives from the city of Baltimore, the NAACP, and the Greater Baltimore Urban League joined Uber Chief Advisor David Plouffe and 149 Maryland Uber driver-partners for the first-ever Maryland driver-partner event. The event highlighted the impact flexible work on-demand opportunities are having on the Maryland economy and the 11,000 driver-partners currently on the Uber platform in Baltimore and Greater Maryland.

“You are entrepreneurs, small business owners, and your own boss,” said Baltimore City Council President Jack Young. “You provide a very valuable and much-needed service to the city, all while setting your own schedule.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 20 million Americans are forced to work part-time for “non-economic reasons” like child care or education. Research has also consistently shown that most people in America say they have too little money and too little time. The two are closely connected and Americans say they want more control of both. Here in Maryland, Uber helps solve for both of these pain points.

“I am now able to stay home with my 19 month old instead of having to put him in daycare, all the while still being able to pay the bills,” said Felicia Dibabo, a Baltimore driver partner. “Having the freedom of no schedule and no boss has taken a lot of stress out of my life.”

The Maryland Uber driver-partners in attendance at the event spoke to the importance of flexibility offered by the Uber platform, while local policymakers and community groups highlighted the positive impact Uber is having on the local economy and the valuable transportation services these local drivers provide.

“Uber does well in the Inner Harbor, but the real missing link is how we’re impacting underserved communities all throughout Baltimore”, said Uber’s chief advisor and member of the Board David Plouffe.

uberX allows drivers to make money on their own time, and the flexibly gives them the freedom to meet family commitments, further their education, or continue to work in their full-time profession. On the rider side, uberX enables them to get a safe, affordable and reliable ride regardless of the neighborhood in a matter of minutes. For both riders and drivers, ridesharing can have an important impact on their lives.