| JEFFERSON CITY – Senator Bob Onder, R-St. Charles, announced today that House Bill 130, the transportation network company bill, has passed both houses of the legislature and now moves to the governor’s desk for his approval.
“I am pleased to see my colleagues come together to approve a statewide transportation network company framework. Now companies such as Uber and Lyft can operate freely in every county in Missouri,” stated Sen. Onder. Transportation Network Companies (TNC) services, also known as ridesharing, such as Uber and Lyft are in great demand by the public, and they give drivers a chance to earn extra income. They are as safe as and less expensive than taxis. Additionally, TNCs have the ability to almost instantly create thousands of new jobs in Missouri. There are few economic development tools that can match that. However, without a statewide framework, ridesharing companies are subject to municipal regulations that often prevent drivers from crossing city or county lines – such as from St. Charles County to St. Louis County. These restrictions have prevented these companies from operating at full capacity in Missouri. With the passage of HB 130 there will be a framework for the regulatory treatment of TNCs, like Uber and Lyft, allowing them to freely operate across all county lines, as well as ensuring high safety standards are in place for both riders and drivers. Missouri can now join 39 other states that have statewide ridesharing laws, including all states neighboring Missouri. “The time has come for Missouri to enter the 21st Century and allow this innovative industry to thrive across our state. I am grateful to my colleagues in the senate and especially Rep. Kirk Matthews in the House for passing this bill, and I fully expect Gov. Greitens to sign it soon. This is a great day for Missouri. ” concluded Sen. Onder. |