Newark Uber Wars: City Takes Another Step Towards Regulation, License Fees

Newark, NJ - Newark took another step closer to regulating services such as Uber and Lyft on Wednesday when the City Council voted to advance an ordinance that would license rideshare drivers for a $1,000 fee.

The contentious public hearing – held during the Newark City Council meeting – included dozens of supporters and opponents of the proposed law, which may come up for a final vote at the council’s April 20 meeting.

In late March, city officials unveiled details about the proposed ordinance, which would allow Uber and Lyft drivers to pick up passengers from Newark Liberty International Airport and/or Newark Penn Station.

The rideshare drivers would be required to pay a $750 yearly license fee, in addition to an annual “Transportation Network License” fee of $250, city officials stated.

In addition, drivers would have to submit to drug testing and backgrounds checks, as well as pass a vehicle inspection every two years.

• See related article: Newark Uber Law In The Works: Drivers Would Be Licensed, Drug Tested

The proposed ordinance is a change in policy for an administration that declared it would be cracking down on unlicensed Uber and Lyft drivers in February, then abruptly rescinded its enforcement announcement.

• See related article: Newark Uber Crackdown Delayed, Port Authority Won't Ticket Uber Drivers

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