Newsradio 1020 KDKA Editorial: Ride-Sharing Service Dilemma
It's all about getting you where you want to go –
If you don't have a car - or don't want to drive.
Cabs can be hard to find in and around Pittsburgh.
So a lot of people were excited when two ride-sharing services –
Lyft and Uber –
Hit town earlier this year.
Drivers are volunteers.
Passengers use a smartphone app to get a ride.
Almost everybody – from residents to elected officials –
Embraced the concept –
And protested when the companies were fined and their drivers cited.
Problem was – Lyft and Uber started operating in Pittsburgh –
Months before they asked the Public Utility Commission for permission.
The PUC has now given them an emergency – temporary – thumbs-up –
Provided they meet a number of requirements.
In the meantime –
The commission is considering their applications to run an "experimental" service –
And state lawmakers are working on legislation to allow it.
There probably would have been a lot less trauma and drama –
If Lyft and Uber had gone to the PUC first.
But at least there seems to be progress now.
And hopefully – Allegheny County residents will soon have a much-needed new – legal – transportation option.