Driven to Change:
Barry Burghfield's Experiences
I'm an ordinary individual from Santa Rosa, CA with modest ambitions. I joined this well-known ride-hailing firm, thinking it could improve my life. I invested in a newer car, an essential requirement for the job. But, boy, did I face some hard times!
For the longest time, I put in my best effort, chauffeuring passengers across town and ensuring they reached their destinations comfortably. I strived to be as pleasant as I could on every trip.
Then, out of nowhere, I received a notice that I had accumulated too many complaints from passengers. I was baffled. I couldn't recall any major issues, except for a lone incident when an inebriated passenger accused me of taking a longer route, which wasn't the case. I always follow my GPS.
The company didn't provide me with an opportunity to explain or present evidence to clear my name. No specific complaints, like passenger names or the dates and times of these complaints, were shared. It seemed like they had little concern for us drivers.
Another issue had been brewing. I sensed I wasn't being paid the correct fare amounts, so I began keeping a record in a small notepad. A few weeks back, I started asking passengers about their ride costs, comparing them with my payments, and it was clear that I was paid closer to 65% or even less of the fare. I tried to reach out to the company, phoning and sending messages, but received no response.
However, my situation took a turn for the worse. They referred to it as "deactivation," but let me assure you, it felt like being dismissed from a job without any chance to defend myself. It was akin to isolation, and I was left jobless, still burdened with car payments.
Feeling lost and frustrated, I discovered I wasn't alone in this ordeal. I connected with fellow drivers, and I wasn't surprised to find many others facing similar injustices. All of us felt powerless against the big, wealthy corporation that dictated terms without consulting its drivers.
So, we took matters into our own hands.
We decided to create
– a ride-hailing service - called Jumps-in that genuinely respects and values the riders as well as the drivers like us.
We're making it happen, and we call it "Jumps-in."
At "Jumps-in," we pledge to treat our drivers with respect and offer comprehensive training. Our goal is to make all our drivers feel like valued partners rather than disposable cogs in a machine. We understand that when drivers are content, passengers are happier.
We intend to grant those who use our service a stake in its development and a share in its profits. It's only fair, isn't it?
The word is spreading, and we hope drivers from all over California (and beyond) will want to join "Jumps-in."
The support we've garnered from the community is astounding. People recognize the care we have for our work and appreciate our intention to distribute all profits among the very individuals who support "Jumps-in" – not only drivers but passengers and anyone contributing to its growth and operation.
We believe "Jumps-in" will become a resounding success. It demonstrates that a service that cares about drivers and passengers can be both functional and beneficial to all involved.
My fellow drivers and I, who've faced challenges, are now the heroes of our story. We aspire to change the ride-sharing industry into something more respectful, fair, and supportive. We're here to prove that fairness, respect, and driver-passenger collaboration aren't distant dreams but the right way forward.
In the near future, as "Jumps-in" extends its reach to more areas, we're committed to improving our treatment of drivers and supporters. We're proving that everyday individuals can indeed bring about change. I'm proud to be part of this transformative journey.
We invite you to support us by sharing photographs related to ride-sharing – pictures of ride-share cars, drivers, situations, or anything related to the industry. Additionally, if you have a story or even just a few sentences to share, please send it our way, and we'll incorporate it.
In return for your support, we have something to offer. Once Jumps-in launches, you can become a major partner because we will reward you with benefits and profit galore. These benefits can accumulate, and you'll find yourself with a share in Jumps-in. It may be a small stake, but who knows, if we grow as planned, it could open up new opportunities for you."
ALSO SEE OUR SPECIAL OFFER TO THOSE WHO WANT TO BE PART OF JUMPS-IN. FOUNDER MEMBERS OFFER
