Uber fans in Richmond, Va., can rejoice, as the service has finally been made available in the city after facing several obstacles.
The San Francisco-based company's app became available for Richmond residents to use on Wednesday, the same day rival ride-sharing company Lyft was given permission to operate legally in Virginia, according to RichmondBizSense.
Uber, which competes with traditional taxi services most of the time, was ordered to stop offering its service in the state in June, while Virginia legislators tried to figure out how to regulate them. The taxi company argued at the time that the rules made for the company were outdated.
The smartphone app allows users to request a ride from their location and provides them with a list of drivers in the area. The app's GPS lets users track their chosen driver in real time so they know exact when the driver will arrive to pick them up, WRIC reported.
"Really helps cut down the wait time, lets us know exactly where we're going, when we should step outside. It's really convenient," said Raymond Bullock, a downtown resident.
Uber representatives said in a meeting Wednesday that the company operates in 162 cities and close to 50 countries. Uber faced many challenges in its road to Richmond, such as being fined $26,000 by the Virginia DMV for operating in Hampton Roads without receiving proper authority from the state, as well as receiving a cease and desist letter in June to end services in Virginia. However, Uber and Lyft, which also received notice to , decided to continue offering their services in the state anyway, RichmondBizSense reported.
The governor's office said that the deal between Virginia and the two companies "will help make ensure the safety of passengers, bring the companies into compliance with Virginia law, provide transparency into their operations, and promote a level playing field for transportation providers."
The agreement had Uber and Lyft receive transportation brokers licenses and temporary operating authority from the DMV, RichmondBizSense reported. The companies have to also follow regulations for promoting safety, possess appropriate insurance and abide by the state's laws. In addition, the companies agreed to pay the DMV fines.
Uber will also have to run background checks on its drivers as part of the deal, WRIC reported.
Fans will also be happy to know that Uber will offer rides for free in its first two weeks of operation in Richmond.
"Technology- specifically related to smart phones - continues to advance at a rapid pace, and I am pleased that we were able to work together to find a swift solution that will provide Virginia's workers, students, and families with more transportation options," Gov. Terry McAuliffe said.
