Pa. House to weigh statewide regulations for ride-shares like Uber, Lyft

A bill making its way through the Pennsylvania legislature could end the war in Philadelphia between legacy cabs and ride-sharing operations such as Lyft and Uber.

Senate Bill 984, which passed through the House Consumer Affairs Committee on Wednesday, would create a permanent framework for ride-sharing services statewide, and legalize the practice in Philadelphia, where local authorities have struggled to rein in the unregulated, app-based start-ups.

The bill already passed through the state Senate in November.

If approved, the legislation would empower the Philadelphia Parking Authority - which already oversees the city's cab industry - to also oversee the ride-sharing companies.

Under current laws, both Uber and Lyft operate illegally in Philadelphia, the only county out of 67 in the state that does not allow the service. (An exception is the higher-end Uber Black limousine service, which the PPA oversees under existing limousine laws.)

Taxi drivers have held public demonstrations in recent months, clogging rush-hour traffic in Center City and arguing that ride-sharing takes money out of the pockets of longtime cab drivers who are subject to stricter regulations, such as insurance and inspection requirements, and who are supposed to have exclusive rights to pick up passengers at Philadelphia International Airport.

Lyft spokeswoman Chelsea Wilson applauded the House committee Wednesday, saying the bill would provide clear and consistent rules for ride-sharing across the state.

"While there are still aspects of the current bill we are concerned with, we are glad it is moving through the legislative process and look forward to continuing the public discussion about the benefits ride-sharing brings to people in Pennsylvania," Wilson said in a statement. "We now look to the full House to finalize this legislation and bring the bill to a floor vote."

Ronald Blount, head of the Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania, said the bill "omits needed language for limiting the number of Transportation Network Companies drivers operating in Philadelphia to avoid market saturation, and also fair living wages."

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