(AP) – The rideshare company Lyft says it will start
providing services in Springfield, Missouri.
The announcement comes Tuesday after the Missouri House gave initial approval
to statewide regulations for app-based transportation companies. Uber and Lyft
say statewide regulations could enable them to expand throughout the state.
Lawmakers showed support in a voice vote for a bill requiring rideshare
companies to pay a $5,000 licensing fee, conduct driver background checks and
vehicle inspections, and exempt such companies from paying local or municipal
taxes.
There was little opposition to the proposal.
Springfield will be the first city in Missouri to welcome Lyft after a 2014
lawsuit by the St. Louis Taxi Commission pushed it out of the city. Uber
currently operates in Springfield, Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis.
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