Ride Share Versus Taxi Regulation Saga Continues In Everett Tomorrow Night

Back when it started it was supposed to be a simple project. Level the playing field in the regulations between traditional taxi cab companies and new ride share methods like Uber and Lyft inside the Everett city limits.

So far it has been anything but simple and once again the Everett City Council will re-open the public hearing on the issues to go over a proposed ordinance. Last time the issue was being discussed Uber representatives told the city council they wouldn’t operate in a city that requires it to hand over a list of identified drivers. The city attorney’s office says they think they have come up with an acceptable alternative. This is to make sure that they can get a truly random sample of operators for audits.

Another issues has been the city requiring independent contractors to get a business license. Whether you operate a nail salon, aircraft manufacturing business, work as a tradesperson or a professional consultant you have to get a general business license to operate in Everett. Drivers for rideshare companies complain they will have to get a business license for every city they work in but that is exactly what other independent business owners have to do and it does not appear the city is willing to budge on that issue.

There are other concerns to be worked out including insurance and safety issues. You can click here to see the latest proposed changes in the ordinance. If you’d like to weigh in, the meeting is set for 6:30 PM Wednesday (6/7) in the Everett City Council Chambers at 3002 Wetmore.