Gov. Greg Abbott's expected signature on new rules for ride-sharing companies in texas could bring more competition to the bayou city. However, Mayor Sylvester Turner complains the new rules for ride-share apps “circumvent local control” at the “expense of public safety.”
The rules approved last week by the Texas Legislature still require criminal background checks for drivers, but drops a fingerprinting provision adopted in both Houston and Austin. That prompted Lyft to leave Houston, while Austin saw both Lyft and Uber skip town.
A Lyft spokesperson praised the move and said the company is “looking forward to relaunching in Houston in the very near future.”“Ridesharing in Texas took a tremendous step forward,” Lyft's Chelsea Harrison said of last week's vote.
“Thank you to Senator Schwertner and Representative Paddie for defending consumer choice and all the stakeholders who have helped create safer roads and expand reliable, affordable rides for Texans. On behalf of the entire ridesharing community, thank you to all of the legislative champions who have helped guide this bill through the capitol.”