The ongoing fight over who can offer people rides around Philadelphiais almost over. The Pennsylvania Senate approved a bill to permanently legalize rideshraing services like UberX and Lyft Monday night by a vote of 47 to 1. Governor Wolf is expected to sign the bill into law.
Under the amended rules, UberX and Lyft will provide funding to the Philadelphia School District and city -- 1.4 percent of their gross receipts.
Ridesharing drivers will be subject to licensing and safety standards set by the Philadelphia Parking Authority. The rules will mimic guidelines taxi and limo drivers must follow.
The app-driven ridesharing services hire everyday people, who use their personal cars, to transport passengers to a destination. Taxi drivers say it's unfair that they pay the PPA high fees for licenses and carry large insurance policies, while UberX and Lyft drivers don't.
Legalization will end a more than year-long fight over the services.
The companies have been in and out of court, fighting the PPA to operate. At times, the PPA suspended the battle to ensure there were enough transports for major events like this summer's Democratic National Convention.
Drivers face heavy fines and impoundment of their vehicles without the PPA's blessing.
