Ride Share moved from local issue affecting local ordinances in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Houston to a statewide solution.
HB 2440 by Repsentative Paddie was heard in House Transportation. Statewide solutions for ride share on the horizon. Cab companies testified in opposition:
- Ride share is getting a business advantage; treat all companies the same
- Criminal background checks should be the same for all drivers
- 24/7 liability coverage or all companies should have the availability of liability insurance only when in service
- Random Drug testing for all drivers.
Texas Association Business President Bill Hammond wrote in TribTalk about a need for a statewide solution. His points:
- Texas supports innovation and technology in Texas
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving talk about the benefit of ride share to prevent drunk driving
- Protect Consumers with clear statewide regulation.
On a less happy note, an uber driver in Houston made headlines, when it was discovered that the driver was a felon, and accused of sexually assaulting a passenger. Houston Chronicle