Cab drivers, fed up with an unequal playing field with “rideshare” companies, took their concerns to their aldermen prior to the City Council’s first post-election meeting to let them know that more council action is necessary.

“We want to let them know that what they’ve passed, and what the state’s passed, has not gone far enough for the common cab driver,” said Rocky Armstrong, a veteran Chicago cab driver and Cab Drivers United/AFSCME Council 31 member.

Drivers spoke to aldermen about how the influx of an estimated 13,000 amateur UberX and Lyft drivers threatens public safety, and their livelihood as professional drivers.

Professional cab drivers must attend two weeks of school, hold commercial liability insurance, and pass drug tests and a physical prior to earning their public chauffeur license.

On the other hand, Uber and Lyft have been left to self-police despite numerous reported cases of sexual assault in Chicago.

“At least they should be regulated. Let them have an exam, let them know what they are doing. Let them have commercial insurance, and then, if they pass the exam, we can compete in the free market,” said Tesfaldet Abraham, Cab Drivers United/AFSCME Council 31 member.