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New York City offers Uber and Lyft drivers job opportunities

To help gig workers make ends meet during these times of job insecurity amid COVID-19, New York City is offering those who are licensed with the TLC (Taxi & Limousine Commission) to help with delivery work.

While the demand for drivers is currently small, NYC says it expects demand to increase for meal delivery to senior citizens and other residents who need to stay home. The jobs pay $15 per hour, as well as reimbursement for gas mileage and tolls. By law, in New York City, Uber,  Lyft and Via drivers make a minimum of $27.86 per hour, with an allocation for expenses. After you account for those expenses, it comes out to about $17.22 an hour.

Last week, both Uber and Lyft suspended their carpooling services in the U.S. in an attempt to limit the spread of the coronavirus. And just three days ago, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all non-essential retailers and businesses to close.

“The world is changing around us and many of you are without work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the TLC wrote in an email to licensees today. “You are a top priority for the TLC and we recognize that you are among the hardest hit by this public health crisis. As we look at all possible ways to help you and as we assess needs citywide, we ask for your assistance and participation in the City’s response.”

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