Pittsburgh Gets Cold Feet With Uber

Uber began testing its driverless car program in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in September 2016. Now, after initially being accepted by the mayor and the city, Uber might be done testing its new futuristic technology in the city. The New York Times first reported on May 21 that the slowly deteriorating relationship between Uber and Pittsburgh might be coming to a close based on a continuing string of issues.

For one, the company backed out of Pittsburgh's $50 million application for a federal transportation grant. Uber has also started charging for the driverless practice rides it originally promised would be free. And maybe, more importantly, Steel City officials and residents feel Uber didn't make good on its promise to bring jobs to the city.

In response to the allegations that the company is failing to pull its weight, Uber told the New York Times that it has created 675 jobs in the area, while also having contributed to local organizations.

Uber also reportedly became an issue in the city's recent mayoral primary election, where the incumbent mayor and early Uber supporter Bill Peduto won easily.

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