April 25, 2014
Ernesto McConnell
Reporter
Headlines
A Maryland Public Services Commission judge has recently proposed that rideshare companies such as Uber, UberX, and Lyft be categorized as common carriers, just as taxis and cabs. In response, SB 919 and HB 1160 have been set into motion; the new bills would require that drivers pass driving and criminal background checks, vehicle inspections, and pay licensing fees. Uber has threatened to leave Maryland if legislation votes against SB 919 and HB 1160 next month, in-turn reclassifying their company as a common carrier. Rideshare companies allow a user to download an app to a smart phone and contact, hire, and pay a driver through the app.
