Ridesharing Freedom En Route to Pennsylvania

Uber and Lyft provide inexpensive rides to customers across the country despite numerous regulatory hurdles—chief among them the Philadelphia Parking Authority, which has previously thwarted the businesses from operating within the city. Recently introduced Senate Bill 984, however, would allow Uber and Lyft to compete in Philadelphia.  

This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta, establishes the framework under which ridesharing companies can freely and safely operate within all 67 counties of the commonwealth. SB 984 requires background checks and a zero tolerance policy on drug and alcohol use for prospective drivers. Uber and Lyft will also be required to maintain insurance coverage and abide by vehicle safety regulations.

According to a recent study from the Cato Institute, many concerns surrounding ridesharing are unfounded. Critics typically point to safety concerns as their primary objection, but Uber and Lyft actually offer a safer alternative to the taxicab monopoly—both for drivers and passengers.

A major factor ensuring this increased safety is the utilization of an electronic payment system. All Uber and Lyft transactions are completed via their respective smartphone apps. This eliminates many of the risks facing drivers. Since cash never changes hands, drivers are less vulnerable to robbery.

Additionally, unlike a traditional taxi service, where passengers are anonymous, Uber and Lyft customers must create electronic profiles to use the ridesharing services. These measures ensure added safety for drivers, as any criminal activity could easily be linked to a user’s profile information stored on the ridesharing app.

The structure of Uber and Lyft protects the passengers, too. The passenger knows the name of the driver, the make and model of the car, and the license plate number upon ordering a ride.

Immediately after the ride is over, the passenger can rate the driver from their smartphone, which gives passengers influence over future demand for the driver. Indeed, user ratings, combined with the ability to choose your driver, provides riders far more protection than government licensing mandates.

Sen. Bartolotta’s legislation will increase competition and provide consumers with more options at better prices. It’s time to bring ridesharing freedom to Pennsylvania.