City of Columbia tests out designated rideshare pickup zones
Euphenie Andre
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia rolled out five taxi and rideshare locations this weekend in an effort to help keep traffic moving. But some rideshare drivers said it’s been difficult to navigate this new system.
“It’s been a challenge,” is how most rideshare drivers are describing this weekend.
“Which when you’re dealing with kids that have been drinking all day or adults that have been drinking all day, it’s a great challenge just to get them out the front door to the curb much less a whole block and a half to two block away from their destinations,” Lili Waller said.
The production started 5 p.m. Friday and will go through until 5 a.m. Sunday, according to a press release from the city. Anyone ordering a rideshare downtown during these hours will be directed to the nearest designated pickup spot. Drivers will also be required to meet passengers at those locations.
Here’s where you can find them:
Broadway, north side — between Waugh Street and 280 feet east of Waugh
Cherry Street, south side — between Hitt Street and Tenth Street
Locust Street, north side — between Ninth and Tenth
Ninth Street, west side — first four spaces south of Elm
Tenth Street, west side — between Broadway and the alley just north of Broadway
Parking meters in these areas will be bagged, and signs will mark each stand, blocking about six to seven spots. One woman told ABC 17 the block-off is inconvenient for her, as she can’t even park in front of her apartment building on Locus Street.
Rideshare apps have been updated, so drivers and riders will be directed to the nearest stand automatically, the city said. The spots are apply to pickup only. The purpose of these zones is for pick-ups only, but an ABC 17 reporter has seen some passengers being picked up not at exact pinpoint locations.
City officials said the change should help traffic flow through downtown and keep pedestrians safer during the weekend rush.
“I do appreciate them blocking off locations close to our destinations, the main place of habit so that they can get in and out. I have seen it help a little bit,” Waller said.
However, they’re also running into problems with law enforcement.
“While we’re trying to load people in the car coming up and laying on their horn behind us, what we’re trying to get people in the car. I get you call are trying to do a good job. You’re exceeding it that good job. But at the same time, give us a little break too,” Waller said.
Drivers said it is difficult to move prominently with intoxicated passengers.
“We’re not trying to impede traffic, we’re not trying to hold up the line. We’re trying to get drunk people, intoxicated, inebriated. I don’t mean no disrespect to anybody that’s been drinking all day, celebrating and partying, but get them home safe,” Waller added. “It takes a lot to get them into a car and make sure they’re in the correct car to get them to their destination in a safe manner.”
The rideshares will contiune until 5 a.m. Sunday. The city said this is not a permanent downtown policy.
This comes after the downtown shooting that claimed the life of Aiyanna Williams. Since then, city leaders and officials have stepped up police presence in the area.
Last week, MU President Mun Choi led a public walk through downtown to address safety concerns. Following that, city leaders said they plan to conduct their own private walkthrough without media present to assess the area and discuss next steps without drawing major attention.