Ridesharing Bill Adopted by D.C. Council

Ridesharing companies suchs as UberX, Lyft, and Sidecar can operate in D.C. under a new bill adopted by Council.

Councilmember Mary Cheh and Councilmember David Grosso introduced the bill “Vehicle for Hire Innovation Amendment Act of 2014” which they say helps provide an alternative transportation method to riders.

“This bill regulates these services to the extent necessary to ensure consumers are safe and protected,” Cheh said in a press release. “For example, we require that drivers must be 21 years old, and they must successfully pass a criminal background check, sex offender database check, and driving history check.”

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The Council voted in favor of the bill Tuesday. It requires that vehicle-for-hire companies register with the D.C. Taxicab Commission. Each driver in the service must have liability insurance, submit compliance certifications to the DCTC annually, and have specific motor equipment in yearly safety inspections as well.

“This bill has been crafted to balance the multiple interests of safety, liability coverage, and the fairness of industry competition,” Cheh said in a press release. “Now that this legislation has passed, the public will finally receive clarification on the operation of these new services.”

For more information visit the Council of the District of Columbia.

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