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Uber is apparent big winner

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Illinois

* This may be more a face-saver than a major compromise…

Two key lawmakers agreed Thursday to work on a new package of ride-sharing regulations that would require background checks of drivers and a minimum of $1 million in insurance coverage when carrying passengers.

The move means sponsoring Rep. Mike Zalewski and Sen. Tony Munoz will not seek an override of Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of legislation the two Democratic lawmakers passed in the spring. They have agreed to a craft statewide proposal for minimal regulations with an eye toward getting a vote in the current General Assembly before newly elected lawmakers take office in mid-January. […]

Along with background checks and the $1 million minimum when a passenger is aboard, the new legislation would also require ride-share drivers to be licensed and ride-share companies to dispatch only drivers with proper licenses. The legislation also would require service to underserved areas, wheel-chair accessibility and other safety and business provisions, according to the lawmakers.

Zalewski said in a statement he has led the discussions between the taxi and ride-share companies and that “both groups have respectfully agreed to work towards a compromise bill to be considered by the current General Assembly.”

* Greg Hinz lays it out…

Zalewski said a little more at a Springfield press conference today, but it’s pretty clear that he’s settling for a tiny fraction of what he originally wanted.

He said he indeed will not move for an override, but is working toward “a compromise bill” that is still being negotiated, but which may come in the Legislature’s January session.

The requirements for licensing “remain to be negotiated,” according to a news release. On insurance, a $1 million liability clause will be required only when a passenger is in a vehicle or a driver is on the way to pick up a passenger, but coverage while a driver is ‘on-app’ but not has accepted a trip request will be limited to $100,000 “unless the personal policy expressly excludes coverage according to its terms.”

Oh, and everyone agrees to serve underserved neighborhoods. But no agreement on how that would be enforced.

Like I said, Uber won the war.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 11:49 am

Comments

Good.

Comment by A guy... Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 11:55 am
With all the ads this week, Rich Miller is the winner from this ride sharing war.

Comment by 309 Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 11:58 am
309, anybody with a website is a big winner on this. I’m seeing their ads everywhere.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 11:59 am
Rahmbo and the Democrats took the cab medallion owners for a ride. Their Uber mistress does more trix.

Comment by admin Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 12:02 pm
Looks like Rep. Zalewski has finally awakened from his Rip Van Winkle type sleep and realized he’s not in the 1990’s any more.

Wow, is he going to get surprised when he wants a cup of coffee (Starbucks, Keurig,French Presses, etc.).

Comment by Judgment Day Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 12:34 pm
Interestingly, the Polish word for honorable is Zalewski, unfortunately, in Polish, the name Mike means, NOT VERY!

Comment by William j Kelly Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 12:37 pm
How could Uber lose when Rahm’s brother is a funder?

All those years of buying fundraiser tickets and making campaign contributions have netted a poke in the eye to the medallion owners.

Comment by plutocrat03 Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 1:04 pm
@William Kelly - LOL

Comment by admin Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 1:08 pm
I am seeing Uber’s money everywhere. They might not be as big as the insurance industry, but they certainly play big-time lobbyists.

Comment by walker Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 2:22 pm
I will never use Uber.

Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 5:31 pm
Why don’t the cabbies get rid of their medallions and just call themselves “ride sharers”?

Comment by Are Ya Kiddin' Me? Thursday, Nov 20, 14 @ 5:46 pm