Anaheim officials have decided not to ask voters this fall about implementing a tax on ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft for trips to local attractions, including Disneyland.
This decision comes amid criticism from industry representatives who argued that the tax would increase costs for both tourists and local workers.
The proposed measure, which would have imposed a 10% tax on rides to the Disneyland resort district, was expected to generate $3.6 million annually. However, concerns were raised about its impact on residents, particularly those working in the resort district who rely on ridesharing for their daily commute. Councilman Carlos Leon expressed concerns during a recent meeting, stating that while a $2 fee might not deter tourists, it could significantly affect workers who depend on these services.
The proposal also faced opposition from rideshare companies. Nick Johnson, Lyft’s public policy director, argued that the tax would drive up commuting costs and discourage rideshare use. Similarly, Danielle Lam from Uber criticized the lack of industry consultation and noted the existing fees rideshares already face.
City officials are now looking to further explore the proposal, with Mayor Ashleigh Aitken requesting data on how many resort employees use ridesharing services. The tax was initially proposed as a means to address Anaheim’s budget shortfall, which required pulling from reserves and utilizing funds from a parking lot sale to cover a $40 million gap.
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