Lyft and Kansas City may reunite thanks to new ride-sharing law
April 27, 2017 | Bobby Burch
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens on Monday signed legislation that could bring the ride-sharing company Lyft back to the Kansas City market.
Passed with strong support from Missouri lawmakers, Gov. Greitens’ signature sets forth regulations for ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft, including licensing fees, background checks and inspections.
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. Uber and Lyft issued statements saying the new law — which also exempts ride-sharing companies from local and municipal taxes — will allow them to expand throughout Missouri.
The law should help create a more competitive environment for ride-sharing firms in Kansas City, Mo. and create more jobs around the state. Lyft is now in operation in Kansas City, Kan. and Johnson County.
The Kansas City Star reports that the new law will spur most area taxis to operate like Uber and Lyft vehicles. Bill George — the CEO of Kansas City Transportation Group, which operates hundreds of taxis in the area — said that cabs operating under Yellow Cab and 10/10 Taxi will be shifted to zTrip, a “transportation network company” or TNC. TNCs fall under the same state licensing rules as Uber and Lyft.
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Google’s billion-dollar announcement comes with $100K for NKC schools; Here’s how they’ll use it
A $1 billion Google data center will begin impacting Kansas City before the tech giant officially opens its new facility in 2025, company and local officials said Wednesday, announcing a $100,000 investment to support North Kansas City schools. “This partnership is more than just about technology, It’s about empowerment,” said Dr. Rochel Daniels, school district…
WyCo is kenough for Mattel: Toymaker says theme park coming in 2026 — driven by Barbie, Hot Wheels, He-Man
Fresh off a blockbuster summer-turned-Oscar season, the toymaker behind the hit “Barbie” movie announced plans Wednesday to open a new theme park — featuring some of its most notable product lines — in the Kansas City region by 2026. “Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters,…
Google to build $1B data center in Kansas City; aiming for 24/7 carbon-free energy use
Corporate and government officials Wednesday announced an ambitious plan to build a billion-dollar data center in the Kansas City region — supported by new-to-the-grid carbon-free energy capacity. The facility could open as soon as 2025. “Google’s major investment in KC will have multiple positive impacts long term. Not only will the tech company invest hundreds…
Boulevardia drops two-day festival lineup with nearly 70 acts (and 60 local performers)
When Boulevardia’s sprawling urban street festival returns to Crown Center and Washington Square Park this summer, dozens of local artists are expected to take the stage alongside national headliners. Organizers on Tuesday announced the nearly 70 acts Tuesday with the two-day June festival capped with performances by German rock band Milky Chance and 1990s pop…