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PPA Vows To Tighten Reins On Uber & Lyft, Relax Taxi Regulations

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Parking Authority is going to go after ride sharing services in the city while relaxing regulations imposed on taxis in the city.

The new mindset was outlined on Tuesday as the PPA prepares to enforce prohibition of services like Uber and Lyft.

"While we understand that TNC services (Uber X and Lyft) are very popular with the public and many elected officials want to see them continue, with the expiration of Act 85, TNC service in now illegal in Philadelphia and the PPA is committed to enforcing the law" said PPA Deputy Executive Director Corinne O'Connor in a released statement.

"As a result, the PPA is providing 48 hour notice that it will resume enforcement against illegal TNC service in Philadelphia," she added.

O'Connor also announced the waiving of a number of current taxi regulations.

  • With an approved camera installed, taxi operators may remove their shields.
  • The PPA will increase the mileage limit for taxis to 350,000, but vehicles must remain 8-years-old or younger.
  • The requirement for semi-annual inspections is waived until a vehicle hits 200,000 miles.
  • The requirement for two-way radios is being waived, but they will enforce the panic switch for drivers.
  • Drivers can use stand-by vehicles in the event of an issue with their approved vehicle.
  • Will allow all driver training to be done by operators or third parties, provided that a training program and syllabus is first approved.
  • The PPA invites new considerations for meter technology.
  • The PPA invites consideration for alternative rate arrangements.

It is unclear what the regulations against ride-sharing apps will mean for commuters in the city. The popularity of apps like Uber has been something that the city has dealt with for some time now as taxi drivers continue to fight back against the rise of those services.

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