New Push to Legalize and Regulate UberX Statewide

By STEPHEN SILVER (Patch Staff)

Legislation has been introduced in Harrisburg to both legalize and establish a regulatory framework for ride-sharing services like Uber, UberX, and Lyft.

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, who represents a district in the Southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, has introduced a bill that would authorize such services statewide, while also putting into place safety regulations.

As of now, under a temporary authority, such services are permitted in every county in Pennsylvania except for Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, Uber is allowed but UberX- the service that does not require commercial licenses for its drivers- is not. Legalization of UberX would affect the transportation options of those in the suburbs in addition to the city.

“Legislation is necessary to ensure these companies are allowed to operate after the temporary authority expires. It is important for state laws to keep pace with the rate of modernization,” Sen. Bartolotta said in a statement. “While there is a golden opportunity for transportation network companies to provide new options for consumers, it is also necessary that we ensure these new services operate responsibly and safely.”

Throughout the country, as Uber has expanded, it has often found itself opposed by incumbent taxi services and sometimes by local governments.