California Legally Approves Peer-to-Peer Ridesharing

The California Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously on Thursday to legally approve peer-to-peer ridesharing as provided by companies like Lyft, Sidecar, and UberX

The decision has been long-awaited by many in the state of California as the CPUC dealt with how best to regulate these new transportation services. The ridesharing companies will be allowed to operate legally under CPUC jurisdiction, and will now fall under a newly created category called Transportation Network Company

Ridesharing apps like Lyft, Sidecar and UberX allow users to request a ride from a driver who then picks them up in his or her own vehicle. The main points of concern from the State of California were safety and insurance-related. The CPUC came down with 28 rules that TNC drivers will need to adhere to in order to operate legally in the state Read more...