Uber Back In Business In Broward
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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - Uber is gearing up to hit the road again in Broward.
The ride-sharing company will begin operating again this week after commissioners approved looser regulations for ride-booking services.
Following the decision, Uber said their app will be up and running by Thursday.
"We're back. We're very happy with the decision today. We will have the app back on very soon," said Trevor Theunissen, Uber's public policy manager.
On Tuesday, several commissioners felt their counterparts caved in, but others felt transportation network companies provide beneficial choices for residents, and make the region more convenient and attractive for tourists.
"We're an economy built on tourism. Uber, Lyft, TNCs are very important. It inspires people to come here, it lets our residents get to and from places, so I am very excited that this vote went the right way today, in the way people wanted," said Broward County Commissioner Marty Kiar.
Uber stopped service in Broward on July 31st after the county passed tough new rules for transportation network companies (TNC) like Uber and Lyft.
Fans of ride services companies gave their commissioners an ear full and demanded that they work out looser rules.
Commissioners attempted to do that during their September meeting but there were too many proposals to consider for a single meeting.
The county wanted county qualified mechanics inspected cars, unpaid fees owed to the airport be paid up, and Uber provide an emergency phone number for customers. All items the ride-sharing companies didn't want to bend on.
Changes in the ordinance will remove the requirement for the county to check on Uber's drivers and vehicles. That would be up to the company.
Uber would also be allowed to get a six-month permit to operate in the county even if Broward leaders believe the company lacks the type of car insurance required by the state.
In that period, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles could determine that the company's insurance is sufficient.
Another sticking point expected to be addressed Tuesday is whether convicted felons would be able to drive for TNCs. The county stance was that no convict released from prison in the past seven years should be able to be a driver-for-hire.
Uber wants felons to be allowed to drive, as long as they weren't convicted of sex crimes or violent acts like murder and kidnapping. They want the county to come up with a list of felonies that would make a potential driver ineligible.
Uber and Lyft assured commissioners that they can check a person's complete criminal history to assuage concerns about public safety.
