uberX Legislation Proposed

Last updated: 7 Dec 2015

Will McCollum

Uber Denver General Manager

It’s been an amazing ride for uberX since we launched the lower-cost, eco-friendly vehicle type in Denver in October 2013. Since that time, uberX has been embraced by the riding public as a reliable transportation option that’s affordable and just as convenient as the original UberBLACK. Moreover, an increasing number of drivers have been able to utilize uberX to increase their earnings and live a more comfortable lifestyle with flexible hours and the ability to own their own car. It’s truly a win-win combination for Colorado riders and drivers.

Ridesharing is a recent innovation that allows drivers to use their own cars and choose their own hours. It has rapidly spread across the country and has been embraced by a number of cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta and Dallas. It’s popularity is due to a number of factors:

• More transportation options and more drivers on the road utilizing the Uber app means more reliability covering all neighborhoods, which also helps reduce drinking and driving
• It has given rise to a new industry generating many new, well-paying driver jobs
• Traffic congestion and carbon emissions are reduced by eliminating more single occupancy vehicles on the road

We are pleased that Senators Ted Harvey and Cheri Jahn and Representatives Dan Pabon and Libby Szabo are introducing legislation to ensure that ridesharing will remain a permanent option for Coloradans by creating a new vehicle class called “Transportation Network Companies.” The bill would require that:

• Every driver-partner go through a rigorous background check that includes driving records and felony offenses
• Every vehicle on the road has been inspected for safety and quality
• Every trip is insured up to $1 million

This bill will do two things: provide a safe, flexible and secure source of income for driver-partners while giving consumers the option to choose an affordable, dependable and convenient way to get around the state. Working together with policy makers this bill will ensure that safety, innovation and consumer choice will continue to thrive in Colorado.

#COLOVESuberX