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Ride-Sharing Legislation Passes PA Senate, Opens Door For Uber, Lyft In Philadelphia

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- A spokesman says Governor Tom Wolf will sign legislation on the way to his desk that will grant permanent, statewide authorization to Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing services. The state Senate gave final approval to the bill Monday.

Authorization for ride-share services expired in Philadelphia at the end of September and temporary authorization will expire for Uber and Lyft early next year in other areas of Pennsylvania. The Senate has now sent Governor Wolf a bill to grant permanent authorization for ride-share services, and spokesman Jeff Sheridan says the governor will sign a measure he believes is "long overdue."

"Additionally, what's really encouraging about this legislation is that it puts an end to any question about ride-sharing companies' operations in Philadelphia," Sheridan said.

Sheridan also says the governor is pleased that a 1.4 percent assessment levied on ride-share companies' revenues in Philadelphia, two-thirds of which will go to the city's school district, will be extended under provisions of the ride-sharing authorization bill. He says Pennsylvania needs to find ways to fuel the development of these and other high-tech companies.

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Wolf was not alone in celebrating on Monday night. Ride-sharing service Lyft also issued a statement:

"Today's vote is a win for drivers, passengers and communities across Pennsylvania. This is also a huge victory for Philadelphia's schools, one that will help bring in millions of dollars for the district. We applaud the Senate for their commitment to expanding transportation options for all Pennsylvanians, and call on Governor Wolf to act quickly in signing this framework into law."

Earlier in October, a Philadelphia judge ordered Uber and Lyft to cease operations in Philadelphia after the expiration of an agreement between Uber and the city of Philadelphia to operate on a temporary basis.

That order was halted and Uber expresed the company's hope that politicians in Harrisburg would act to once and for all make their service a permanent fixture for Philadelphia commuters.

 

 

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