LITTLE ROCK (KTHV) – A recently-passed senate bill sponsored by Sen. Jason Rapert, R-Conway, could make ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft legal throughout Arkansas.
The apps became legal in the northwestern part of the state back in August 2014, and Little Rock started in September 2014. Now, with its possible expansion on the horizon, some other businesses are still giving push back, but not because of the fear of lost business.
“I like the idea behind Uber- it’s something other than just a taxi cab, but my biggest issue is that they don’t have to follow the same regulations that we have to,” said taxi driver William Spencer, who has driven for Conway Yellow Cab for two years.
“It’s not fair,” added his boss Andrew Lewey.
If SB800 passes, it would allow anyone over the age of 19 to operate as a driver- much lower than the current stipulation of 25 many cab companies hold.
“I have no problem with Uber but they have to [have the same regulations],” Lewey added. “Other than that, honestly they’re a ride-share program that is just stealing from other people.”
It would also tag cab companies with a higher insurance burden.
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