NYC taxi commission OKs new rules for app-based car services
Part of the proposal unanimously passed allows the companies to update their apps without approval from the regulators — a change from the initial proposed rules — a small but important shift that Uber, the multibillion-dollar ride-hailing app that has exploded in New York City in recent years, hailed as a victory.
The rules also include a requirement that companies provide the option for a wheelchair accessible vehicle and inform passengers that official complaints must go through the commission; even if a ride-hailing company ends its contract with a driver, only the commission can revoke a license.
"Lyft applauds the TLC's willingness to rethink their proposed rules after learning about the unintended consequences they would cause for drivers, consumers and competition," David Mack, Lyft's director for government relations, said in a statement.