State Legislation Introduced To Regulate Uber And Lyft
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Pennsylvania state senator wants to permanently legalize transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft throughout the Commonwealth, including Philadelphia.
Senator Carmera Bartolotta, whose district is in southwestern Pa, says these companies are operating under a two-year authority granted by the PUC, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and it's important that "state laws keep pace with the rate of modernization."
"It's going to strike a good balance between innovation, convenience and public safety." says Bartlotta.
She says the legislation calls for vetting drivers and ensuring proper insurance coverage and vehicle safety requirements.
The Philadelphlia Parking Authority, which currently regulates taxis and UberBLACK - primarily SUVs and limos - is hoping the legislation includes a carve out - so that the Parking Authority, not the PUC, retains regulatory jurisdiction in the city.
PPA Executive Director Vince Fenerty says in the meantime, the Authority is seeking $1,000 a day fines, retroactive to last October, against the service, UberX, because he says its drivers and vehicles, are unregulated.
"The drivers aren't checked, the cars aren't inspected, it's just a basic hack service."
The PPA has impounded UberX vehicles and fined drivers and the company for allegedly operating an illegal dispatch service in the city.