Uber bosses routinely encourage drivers to make illegal pickups in the Hamptons by enticing them with the promise of “higher earnings” and “double NYC” rates, The Post has learned.
City-based drivers are permitted to make out-of-town pickups only if the car is dispatched from the five boroughs.
The only exception is East Hampton, which grants Uber special permission to operate.
Yet Uber regularly sends out mass emails telling its employees how to cash in on the East End — including Bridgehampton, Southampton, Amagansett and Montauk.
“They are telling us everything is OK,” said Uber driver Tony Anton, who went out to the Hamptons after receiving one of the invitations.
“They told us that you can go out there and wait for business and you can pick up and drop off anywhere.”
One of the ads that caught Anton’s eye reads, “Manhattan heads to the Hamptons for the summer weekends, and so should you!” and claims that drivers who head out there “can make double fares. Minimum fares are $25!”
Another flier instructs, “Drive to the Hamptons for the weekend and accept dispatches as you would in NYC,” and even offers advice on how to beat the dreaded Friday-evening Long Island rush.
“Pro tip: Get there early! Traffic to the Hamptons can be heavy Fri. from 3pm – 7pm and Sat. from 8am – 12pm,” one ad reads, while bragging that hoity-toity towns like Southampton, East Hampton and Bridgehampton are the biggest moneymakers.
Anton said he went out several weekends last year until he was chased away by cops.
“I asked Uber about it and they said that the cops don’t know the law and they’re working to come to an agreement with [Suffolk] County,” he said.
An Uber spokesman didn’t deny the company is violating the law.
“There is an unquestionable need for reliable rides in the Hamptons because alternatives in the area have been so unreliable,” said Matt Wing, an Uber rep.
“Hamptons riders voted with their actions, making Uber a widely popular option, and we hope to ensure they continue to have this service in the future.”