Tag: Uber

Yeager Airport Board to Discuss Contract With Uber

A Yeager Airport committee is meeting to discuss a contract with the ride-hailing service Uber.

The Central West Virginia Regional Airport Authority’s financial committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the contract.

A law that took effect July 1 lets companies like Uber and Lyft offer rides in the state. West Virginia joined scores of states that allow the ride-booking, phone app-based services.

Uber began offering rides in Charleston and Morgantown last week. Uber officials say they hope to expand services.

Uber Opens its Doors in West Virginia

Ride-sharing company Uber is now officially operating in two West Virginia cities. The company opened up shop in Charleston and Morgantown on Tuesday.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin and Governor Earl Ray Tomblin took the first Uber ride in West Virginia Tuesday. They rode from the Capitol Market to the state Capitol to celebrate the service’s opening in the state.

“I think it’s a great service,” Tomblin said, “It’s going to create some jobs out there for those drivers out there and help people coming into town that needs transportation around.”

The ride-sharing service is the result of two years of legislative effort. Lawmakers finally approved the bill during the 2016 legislative session.

The law requires a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.

“The great thing is, if you talk to the drivers,” Manchin said, “…this is extra income; extra opportunities for their families… They can work their own time; they can work wherever they want to work, and it’s unbelievable to be your own boss and have this additional opportunity for income.”

As of Tuesday, Uber rides can be digitally hailed in Charleston and Morgantown. The app is expected to be up and running in Huntington within a month before expanding to other West Virginia cities.

Tomblin Signs Bill Letting Uber, Lyft Offer Rides

Companies like Uber will be able to start offering rides in West Virginia under a new law approved by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

On Tuesday, the Democrat signed the bill letting ride-booking companies operate in the state. The Republican-led Legislature passed it with only a handful of ‘no’ votes.

The law takes effect July 1.

The law applies to Uber, Lyft and similar companies that use smartphone apps to book rides.

Companies will need to have a nondiscrimination policy and comply with nondiscrimination laws.

The law requires a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.

Charleston and Morgantown have been mentioned as likely locations for companies to offer ridesharing services.

W.Va. Senate OKs Uber Bill

Senators approved a bill to allow ride sharing companies to operate in West Virginia. The vote on House Bill 4228, commonly referred to as the Uber bill, was unanimous.

The bill creates operating regulations for companies like Uber and Lyft, requiring them to have a Division of Motor Vehicles operating permit, additional insurance, drug and alcohol policies, and to conduct background checks for drivers. 

A similar bill was introduced by Gov. Tomblin this year. 

Technical changes were made to the bill in the Senate so it will return to the House for an additional vote before heading to the governor’s desk.

A push to bring Uber to West Virginia died in the GOP-led Legislature last year. Among other issues, a pocket of House delegates opposed a provision to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender riders from discrimination.

West Virginia House Clears Bill to Let Uber, Lyft Offer Rides

West Virginia is a step closer to letting Uber and similar companies offer rides in the state.

The bill passed the House of Delegates by a 95-2 margin Monday. It next moves to the Senate.

The proposal would apply to Uber, Lyft and similar companies.

 

It would require companies to have a nondiscrimination policy and comply with nondiscrimination laws.

The bill would require companies to have a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.

“Number one is that it’s safe, reliable transportation. West Virginia should join the 300 cities and 27 other states that allow business travelers and tourists options like Uber and Lyft. But secondly, employment and jobs; the TNCs provide additional opportunities for employment for seniors, young students, veterans, but third is DUI reductions; there’s been a market reduction in DUIs in cities where Uber has been allowed.” – House Majority Leader Daryl Cowles, R – Morgan County. Lead Sponsor of HB 4228.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has introduced a similar bill.

One of the main issues discussed in committee regarding House Bill 4228 was insurance. This bill would require $50,000 dollars in a death or injury per person, $100,000 dollar coverage per incident, and a $25,000 dollar property coverage. In addition, the transportation network company or TNC, like Uber, would have an overriding million dollar liability policy, and if the driver doesn’t have that, the TNC would be required to provide that.

An Uber push in the GOP-led Legislature died last year. Among other issues, a pocket of House delegates opposed a provision to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender riders from discrimination.

Tomblin On Board With Uber, to Introduce Bill

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin is on board with letting Uber offer rides in West Virginia.

Tomblin spokeswoman Shayna Varner says the governor plans to introduce a bill letting ridesharing companies, including Uber and Lyft, operate in the state.

An Uber push in the GOP-led Legislature died last year. Among other issues, a pocket of lawmakers opposed a provision to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender riders from discrimination.

Varner says Tomblin’s version will require that companies have a nondiscrimination policy and comply with nondiscrimination laws.

The bill would require companies to have a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage and a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy.

Tomblin’s bill hasn’t been released yet.

Republican Sen. Chris Walters has also introduced an Uber bill.

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