Portsmouth city councilors last week approved the first reading of a new ordinance that would allow Uber and other ride sharing services to operate in the city.
At the council’s March 2 meeting, councilors voted in favor of the ordinance, which replaces the taxi ordinance already on the books with a new ordinance that bundles taxis, ride-sharing services, and “any other conduct in which a motor vehicle is used for the transportation of passengers for hire” under the category of “transportation services.”
The new ordinance requires all drivers for hire to register with the city and submit to a background check, carry insurance, and obtain a license from the city. Fares would not be regulated; the ordinance requires drivers and passengers “reach agreement” on fare prices, and any disputes over fares would be referred to the new Transportation Service Commission, which will replace the existing Taxi Commission.
The ordinance will be back before the council on March 16 for a second reading. — Larry Clow