As Orlando prepares for a final vote today on rules that would allow ride-hailing apps Uber and Lyft to operate here legally, 11th-hour negotiations have led City Hall to relax some of the proposed regulations — including forcing them to charge more than taxis. A city official told the Orlando Sentinel that City Hall would back away from the most controversial part of the proposed rules: requiring Uber and Lyft to charge 25 percent than traditional taxis. The ridesharing companies — which typically adjust rates up and down based on demand — would still have to charge the taxi rate of $2.40 a mile as a minimum, but could charge more. In addition, a $500 vehicle permit fee — which was seen by some as a steep barrier to entry for some drivers — would be cut to $250. That annual fee would also be cut for the citys existing taxis and limousines. City officials are also now willing to allow an approved third-party service to check the driving and criminal histories of Uber and Lyft drivers. When I moved to Orlando I was shocked at how expensive it is to take a cab and I came from the northeast. Its obvious whose pockets Mears resides in. Whats wrong with a little competition? Plus just think about getting more people that drink and drive to drink and cab it instead. Thats the way the ride-sharing companies handle it now, but the issue of background checks could still be a sticking point. Orlando officials say the safety of residents and visitors is their main priority, and they want to know the names of the drivers. So far, Uber has resisted sharing that information. Its still not clear whether Uber and Lyft can swallow the new rules. The two San Francisco-based companies began operating in Orlando over the summer. Each one offers a smartphone app that allows a user to hail a driver in their personal vehicle to give them a ride for a fee thats generally about 30 percent less than a traditional taxi. Orlandos tightly regulated taxi and limousine industry has called on the city to force the newcomers to adhere to the same rules they have to follow. The City Council heard from dozens of people for and against the proposed regulations last week before giving granting preliminary approval. Commissioners are scheduled to take a final vote at their 2 p.m. meeting today. This is a developing story. Click on the link to view the meeting.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 21:12:55 +0000
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