After 2014 departure, Lyft operations return to KCMO
July 26, 2017 | Bobby Burch
Kansas Citians now have more ridesharing options than just Uber.
After nearly a three year hiatus, the ride-sharing giant Lyft on Sunday re-launched its operations in Kansas City, Mo., including Kansas City International Airport.
Lyft’s arrival represents more local competition among Uber and Lyft, and more choices for riders in Kansas City. Lyft already was operating in St. Louis and Columbia and several Kansas cities, including Kansas City, Kan., Lawrence, Topeka and more.
Similar to Uber, Lyft allows users to hail a ride from a driver on-demand via an app.
Earlier this month, the Kansas City Council voted 9-2 to amend its vehicle-for-hire law to comply with a Missouri state law that goes into effect in August. That state law changed regulations for companies such as Uber and Lyft, including licensing fees, background checks and inspections. The new law also exempts ride-sharing companies from local and municipal taxes.
Lyft halted its Kansas City operations in October of 2014 after the city established for-hire transportation regulations it deemed as too burdensome. In 2015 the company said it wouldn’t return to Kansas City, while Uber agreed to work within the new regulatory framework.
The self-proclaimed “fastest growing ridesharing service in the U.S.,” Lyft is Uber’s primary domestic competitor. In April, Lyft raised $600 million financing round at a valuation of $7.5 billion. Founded in 2012, Lyft is available in more than 350 U.S. cities.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Founder of defunct Symptomly shares lessons from failure
Failure is a touchy subject. But for Derek Bereit — the former CEO and co-founder of mobile asthma tracking company Symptomly — his company’s failure was an opportunity shrouded in a difficult situation. Rather than sulking, Bereit sat down with Startland News to discuss Symptomly’s demise, the lessons it provided him and the possibilities that…
Founders discuss tough decisions entrepreneurs face
Two founders took the stage at Kansas City’s chapter of 1 Million Cups to discuss the vast variety of tough decisions entrepreneurs face when starting and running a business. Stuart Ludlow, co-founder of RFP 365 and Sarah Shipley, co-founder of BikeWalkKC, offered insights and advice for those launching a business. Read about RFP365’s recent funding…
Lenexa studio joins national coworking relief effort for Nepal
Despite the nearly 8,000 miles between them, a Kansas City-area coworking studio is helping with relief efforts in Nepal after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake destroyed hundreds of buildings and claimed thousands of lives. Lenexa-based Plexpod has joined the international “Coworking for Nepal” movement that has attracted dozens of studios to encourage fundraising for Nepal relief…
KC’s first innovation officer reflects on work, city’s tech future
After more than two years of service, Ashley Hand is leaving the driver’s seat of Kansas City’s innovation efforts. Hand, who soon will be departing as Kansas City’s chief innovation officer, was tasked with implementing innovative strategies to improve how city government can better serve Kansas Citians. The city will be accepting applications for the…