Uber’s reach is worldwide. According to Google, this ridesharing app works in approximately 70 countries and 15,000 cities.
But the possible exit of Uber in Colorado will be a big deal. A big problem.
Wait, Uber will exit Colorado? Yes, the media are buzzing about this already.
Well, it’s a threat for now. Officially, you can still grab your Uber in Colorado.
House Bill 1291
Right now, there is an ongoing bill in the process of being enacted, aimed at boosting rideshare safety.
When passed, the Colorado House Bill 1291 would strictly require drivers to record the audio and video of trips and prevent them from offering passengers drinks and snacks.
This became an issue when the Ridesharing Forum team here previously reported how drivers trick some passengers into offering complimentary snacks and drinks. The media cited a politician in the United States allegedly sexually assaulted but with Lyft.
That bill, which does not apply to taxi services, also has provisions that require rideshare firms to perform background checks on drivers every half a year and prevent drivers with histories of convictions for assault, menacing, kidnapping, or domestic violence from operating on a ridesharing platform. The bill would also require that ridesharing companies offer yearly reports to the state on assaults, harassment complaints, crashes, and discrimination.
The update: the bill was passed earlier this month, the media reported, and cleared the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee on Tuesday. It is now awaiting a hearing on the Senate floor. The legislative session ends this May 7th.
Is there a backup plan? There is. The Colorado Driver’s Cooperative has already been reported by the media to fill that gap, aiming to benefit riders, drivers, and the community with fairer wages for drivers and fairer fares for riders.
Uber is confident it won’t be enacted
For Uber, this bill is “too big a legal risk.” They are confident it won’t be enacted because they cannot comply with it when it becomes law.
Lyft has opposed the bill but has not threatened to leave Colorado if it becomes law at this point.
The outcome? Well, if Uber exits Colorado, there will be a gap for thousands upon thousands in the state whose Uber is their first choice when going to work, getting medical services, making grocery runs, and getting home safely after a night out drinking.
Previously, the team here also reported that Colorado requires Uber to pay fines. The reason? Misrepresentation.
About Uber
The ridesharing platform connects riders with drivers via the mobile app, administering ride requests, location tracking, and payments.
Riders can utilize the app to specify their destination, request rides, and confirm the pickup location, while drivers accept requests and navigate using the digital map on their phone. Payments can be made directly or via credit cards, otherwise Uber Cash.
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