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
Beach-loving couple hopes to dissolve fear of sharks with Shark OFF repellent bracelets
Saving limbs, lives, and long-villainized, cartilaginous creatures of the sea — it’s the mission behind a first-of-its-kind Overland Park startup, Shark OFF, said Shea and Geoff Geist. “You’re more likely to get killed by a cow. You’re more likely to die falling out of bed,” said Geoff Geist, half of the husband-wife duo who founded…
LA transplant encourages online shoppers to Continue Good after the sale
Online apparel store Continue Good inspires each customer to complete a small act of kindness, said Mollie Beck, noting the organization’s donations to KC-based anti-trafficking nonprofit Exodus Cry turn the small deeds into a more tangible impact. “I love inspiring people to continue to do good to others, but I wanted to just do more…
Fund Me, KC: Clean Slate hopes to give homeless fresh start with mobile shower unit
Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like those behind Clean Slate Mobile Shower Unit — to share their crowdfunding stories to gain additional support. Who are you and what is your organization? My name is Kelsha James I am…
WiGo trips isolated travel in its tracks, connecting like-minded journeys through years-in-the-works app
WiGo Trips takes the isolation out of globetrotting, said Jaqui McCarthy, connecting people on a “LinkedIn for travellers” social networking app set to launch Saturday. Soon to be available on iOS and Android, WiGo is expected to feature a marketplace through which users can display and discuss travel plans, CEO and co-founder McCarthy said. Selected…