This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Senate advanced a bill Monday to create some state regulation for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.
SB294 passed 25-3, and was sent to the House.
Sen. Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said the services are operating in Utah now without much regulation, and he wants to ensure "they do it in a way that protects the health and welfare" of Utahns.
The bill would require drivers to register with the Division of Consumer Protection and undergo background checks. Vehicles would have to carry $1 million in insurance.
It also would require operations that are now common with such services including using phone apps to show the fare, time and distance for a ride before a passenger is picked up, and showing a picture of the car and driver. It also would ban accepting cash or any form of payment other than electronic payment through the company's app.
The bill would supersede any requirements that cities may adopt. Salt Lake City recently passed its own regulations for such companies.
— Lee Davidson