A bill currently under discussion in Colorado seeks to enhance the safety of passengers booking rides via ridesharing apps. Believe it or not, Lyft and Uber want politicians to veto the bill. What? Well, here’s the scoop.
Safety for drivers, passengers
The bill being issued, House Bill 1291, is a Colorado legislation titled “Transportation Network Company Consumer Protection,” featuring measures that increase protections for persons engaged with transportation network companies.”
Under this bill, transportation network companies, such as Lyft and Uber, are barred from letting drivers drive or offer to drive for more than 10 consecutive hours. This should come as a no-brainer because driving for 10 straight hours is bad for a driver’s health and can peril the passenger’s life, too.
This is toward safety, but the two ride-hailing apps are pressuring Democratic Gov. Jared Polis to veto the bill or prevent it from becoming a law.
Uber’s spokesperson revealed that the company had already formally requested a veto. Meanwhile, Lyft forwarded a letter to the governor today, Thursday, outlining their respective reasons why the bill should be vetoed.
Lyft is saying that while the intention is there, it features poorly thought-out provisions, which include the private right of action and language that would make it easier for people with recent DUIs to drive.
“We remain committed to continuing this important dialogue and working together to identify common-sense solutions to make [ridesharing] even safer,” stated Jerry Golden, the chief policy officer of Lyft.
Lyft and Uber recognize how it contributes to promoting passenger safety, but the companies say it would just “add costly, vague, and unworkable burdens without achieving its goals.”
Threats
Uber is willing to cease its operations in Colorado if this bill becomes law. However, Lyft is more lenient, never dropping those threats.
However, Polis is unfazed, saying he would continue the legislation.
“Riders in every corner of the state depend on Uber to get around and thousands of drivers depend on Uber as a reliable source of income,” stated the appeal for Polis.
The bill also adds more background check requirements, prohibits drivers from offering passengers food and drink, and requires drivers to record inside their vehicles, though both the passenger and driver must agree to the monitoring.
The proposed legislation will also give passengers the freedom for passengers to sue either the driver or the ridesharing company in “the most egregious situations,” or particularly those that involve death, sexual assault, personal injury or kidnapping. Currently, these cases are required to go to arbitration.
Some of you may have noticed this message as you launch your Uber app: “Save Rides – Urge a Veto.”
Which side are you with?