Sarasota Backs New Uber Rules

Posted by Jacob Ogles on Monday Jul 6, 2015 9:06 pm

A new set of regulations governing Uber drivers and other similar services was passed unanimously by Sarasota City Commissioners tonight, but officials said they still want to conduct further research before regualtions reach final approval and go into effect.

Licensed taxi cab drivers operating under a different set of strict regulations said Uber drivers have significantly cut into business without going through proper channels before doing business in the city. But city commissioners said ultimately that a set of ruled needed to be put in palce or Uber would continue to operate without any regualtion at all. "We do not say it cannot exit in the city of Sarasota, becuase it will exist in the city of Sarasota," said Commissioner Susan Chapman.

The rules require Uber drivers to have vehicles independently inspected and to have criminal background checks. Uber attorney Morgan Bentley said drivers cannot be treated under old oridnance because the bsuiness model is differnt than a taxi cab company, as drivers own their own vehicles and work on their own schedules, serving customers who call on drivers using smartphone apps.

Taxi drivers and business owners, including lobbyists speaking on behalf of the industry regarding both lcoal rules and state law, said Uber should be governed by the same set of rules as other drivers, who must have vehicles inspected by the city and be licensed under city and state rules.

Filed under Government

Tags:   featured  Sarasota City Commission  Uber

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