Detroit-based rapper Dank Demoss is suing Lyft after a driver allegedly denied her request for a ride due to her weight. Demoss, also known as Dajua Blanding, shared a video of the driver refusing to let her into the Mercedes-Benz. Demoss called Lyft so she could be dropped off at her cousin’s house to watch a football game. She alleged that the Lyft driver locked his doors and tried to drive away when he saw her. After she stopped him and asked if there was a problem, the driver allegedly
Gig Wage, Dallas-based payments platform for the gig economy, has relaunched with a $8.25 million Series A funding extension, bringing total funding to $20.2 million. The company is also rolling out new tools designed to streamline payroll and benefits for independent contractors. A Fresh Start After Challenges Gig Wage’s latest funding round includes new investors Discover, Motley Fool, and Chartline Capital Partners, with additional support from existing backers like Green Dot and Foundry Group. The funding comes after a challenging period for the company, which had to rebuild its platform
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft have helped to mitigate racial discrimination against Black passengers—at least when it comes to wait times, a new study from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has revealed. Researchers found that the technology’s ability to rapidly rematch canceled rides plays a key role in lessening the impact of discriminatory behavior. A Complex Issue with Tech-Led Solutions Historically, Black passengers hailing taxis faced rampant discrimination, often enduring longer wait times or outright rejections. An academic study had revealed a troubling pattern of discrimination by Uber and Lyft
