Okaloosa County BOCC — May 19, 2015 — Uber at VPS Letter

Page A8 Letters Uber at VPS Iredd in this newspaper that state Rep. Matt Gaetz supported a bill to allow Uber ridesharing in Flerida. I was intrigued and imvestigated Uber’s business model. After background checks for DUI, my credit record, proper insurance coverage and so on, I was approved as a driver. I am a retired fighter pilot, drive part- time and usually not at night. I enjoy meeting interesting folks; all of them have expressed positive views of Uber because of its lower prices, ease of cellphone automated order and tracking, prearranged automated payment, and confidence in drivers. e 1 get cellphone notifications every day for pickup to or from Desiin-Fort Walton Beach. Airport (VPS) from experienced Uber passengers. Recently I was stopped by VPS poliee; 1 was unaware I was violating a county ordnance. 1 did not have the county- required business license and airport annual service permit ($400). I was informed that if I made future passenger pickups, I would be arrested for trespassing. Other airports have identified ridesharing passenger pickup points and have allowed Uber drivers to enter the commercial taxi shuttle lane for a $5 charge when they choose to do s0.1 - would like Okaloosa Cotinty commissioners to immediately adopt a ridesharing pickup point and allow ridesharing cars to Sunday | May 10, 2015 hold in the free cellphone waiting area until the prearranged customer is ready for pickup. A $5-each-time fee to enter the commerecial line in lieu of the annual permit would also 3ave travelers money. - You may go to my Facebook to sign a petition to the Legislature in support of Uber in Florida. = JIML.KEELER shalimar