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
New state awards aim to honor ‘Cool things made in Kansas,’ unconventional talent sources
Kansas businesses and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the Sunflower State, said David Toland, announcing the return of Kansas’ annual awards program aimed at recognizing businesses across the state for the contributions they make to the state economy and to the well-being of their communities. “They are what make our state strong, prosperous and successful…
Healthtech app bridges care access gap: Recovery takes time, but patients need mobility today
As an occupational therapist for the past 15 years, Dr. Brandy Archie noticed a hole in the healthcare system, she said. “Your medical insurance covers things that accommodate your body, but doesn’t cover things that accommodate your environment,” she explained. That observation led Archie in 2017 to found AccessAble Living in Kansas City — now…
Generation least likely to vote wants yours: How Gen Z candidates are jumping on MO ballots to energize interest
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series on the 2022 election produced by the KC Media Collective, an initiative designed to support and enhance local journalism. Members of the KC Media Collective include Startland News, Missouri Business Alert, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, KCUR, The Kansas City Beacon and American Public Square. Ray Reed sat…
Kansas City startup tapped for $100K investment through Omaha growth accelerator
Particle Space isn’t just big in Japan — it’s seeing momentum and scaling opportunities closer to home: earning a spot in the newest NMotion accelerator and another $100,000 investment for the proptech startup, David Biga said. NMotion powered by gener8tor announced Kansas City-based Particle Space’s selection alongside five other companies joining the inaugural NMotion Growth…