Uber And Lyft Officially Legal In Philadelphia

After a lengthy battle between Uber, Lyft, the city of Philadelphia, lawmakers, and taxi cab companies, the drama's done.

Governor Wolf's office announced Monday that legislation had been passed authorizing the ridesharing services across the state.

“I am pleased the legislature worked with me to finally pass a long-term solution for ride sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate everywhere in Pennsylvania," Governor Wolf said. "The commonwealth has proven itself to be a place where these companies can invest and grow, and we must continue to find ways to fuel the development of these and other high-tech companies. We can do this by fostering an economic climate like we have seen in Pittsburgh that has resulted in the surge of tech development."

Although Wolf has not signed the legislation yet, he will soon.

UberX and Lyft have been at the center of an ongoing battle, as the Philadelphia Parking Authority, taxi cab companies, and some advocates for individuals with disabilities fought against the legality of the ridesharing business within the city.

The companies technically operated illegally for a lengthy period of time until Governor Wolf signed temporary legislation in July allowing them to operate. That measure was designed to help alleviate traffic after the DNC and surrounding SEPTA's Regional Rail fleet woes.

Uber and Lyft made more than $53 million during the time in which they operated legally in the city, Philly.com reports.

However, that legislation — Act 85 — expired on Sept. 30, and the temporary ceasefire between the city and the popular ride-sharing services seemingly ended. Judge Linda Carpenter issued a cease and desist order to the ridesharing services earlier in the month in the wake of a lawsuit from Taxi Workers Alliance of Pennsylvania.

The conflict has been ongoing for years and has been fought on several fronts. Cabs have protested the loss of business and their alleged unequal treatment by the city. Several cab-organized demonstrations during the past 18 months have shut down traffic around City Hall. Specifically, protesters allege that Uber X and Lyft run “illegal” operations, and that for as long as they have existed, they have spent money on licenses and training which they say Uber X and Lyft ignore.
Cab companies are also supported by advocates of handicapped individuals, who claim that UberX and Lyft do not provide enough handicap-accessible vehicles. Uber adamantly rejected these claims.

The legislation that has been passed by the Pennsylvania state legislature will finally end the years-long battle. It will also allocate much of the companies' revenue toward local schools.

“It is encouraging that this legislation puts an end to any question about the operations of these companies in Philadelphia," Governor Wolf said. "Equally important is that two-thirds of the revenue derived from ride sharing in the city of Philadelphia will go to the Philadelphia School District to help the district continue to strengthen its financial footing. This funding, on top of the additional $97 million I worked to secure in my first two budgets for the school district, will help provide the resources our children need."

Wolf recently asked the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office to investigate the Philadelphia Parking Authority, which happens to be the agency which had long enforced the restriction of ride-sharing services in the city. While there does not appear to be a connection on the surface, Wolf noted "disturbing and unacceptable accounts of alleged sexual harassment and assault perpetrated by the agency’s executive director, and potentially ignored by the board."

Patch file photo.