Drivers in the city of Cleveland who make their living on the roads say they've had enough of terrible streets. They told us the conditions of the city streets are so bad, they're threatening the drivers' safety and livelihoods.
"I've experienced a lot of safety hazards on the roads here in Cleveland,” said Uber and Lyft driver Camelia, who didn't want us to use her last name.
Another driver who goes by the name Uber Eddie told us he’s frustrated, too.
"I've had blown out tires a couple times over the last couple of years," he said.
Camelia and Uber Eddie have been hitting Cleveland city streets and hitting a bunch of potholes.
Driving is their sole income. They explained if the roads are rough and they hit unavoidable potholes, customers take it out on the drivers.
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"After a ride they rate us,” said Uber Eddie. “So, we're getting bad ratings for safety issues, stuff like that. It's like these are out of my control."
If the ratings are bad enough, Uber can deactivate a driver.
There was a tweet from the City of Cleveland this week that said it was filling painful potholes in various areas. As soon as we saw it, we sent our cameras. We didn’t find any crews but we did find plenty of potholes.
#CLE Road Work News: Pothole repair today on Detroit-Superior Bridge, E. 55th St from Carnegie to I-490, and Lorain Ave. from W. 25th St to Ontario - More @ https://t.co/hVzOB6xIOW pic.twitter.com/O7CUGJdORK
— City of Cleveland (@CityofCleveland) January 17, 2018
"I think the roads need to be safe not just for us but for the public as well,” said Camelia.
"You're just cruising along and all of a sudden, *bam,* swallows up your car," Uber Eddie told us.
According to the city's website, there are more pothole crews — 10 now, up from three last year — thanks to a tax increase that passed. The drivers we talked to are wondering, though, where those crews are.
"The potential for getting into an accident is much greater when you're experiencing these kinds of issues," said Camelia.
Uber Eddie had a message for Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson: “Mayor Jackson, you've been elected to another term. Get out there and take a look at what's going on and get these things taken care of."
We asked the City of Cleveland for an on-camera interview about the concerns of Uber drivers. We have not heard anything back from the city.
