Uber and Lyft Authorized By Gov. Wolf In Philadelphia

Governor Tom Wolf said Thursday that he had signed legislation officially authorizing Uber and Lyft to work in Philadelphia under a temporary agreement.

In addition, Wolf said he was calling for additional legislation to permanently authorize the ride-sharing companies in the city.

It seemed clear that some kind of legislation was imminent when the City of Philadelphia recently said that they would temporarily allow Uber and Lyft to officially offer rides in the city while SEPTA's Regional Rail fleet was diminished, causing significant commuter woes.

While Uber was not technically allowed to operate within city limits - and the Philadelphia Parking Authority even has a hotline number for residents to report sightings of Uber and Lyft - it continued to do so, anyway.

“I have supported the legalization of ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, and I believe we should be finding ways to help these companies grow across the commonwealth,” Wolf said in a statement.

In addition, the legislation dictates that two-thirds of the revenue generated from ride sharing be given to the Philadelphia School District.

"I will work to make sure the school district is a primary beneficiary in the final legislation," Wolf said. "I was pleased to sign this temporary agreement into law, and I look forward to working with the legislature to finalize a long-term solution to allow ride-sharing in Philadelphia.”