Hillsborough County's Public Transportation Commission is delaying a decision on how to regulate ride-sharing once again.
Last month, PTC chair Victor Crist outlined a tentative plan to regulate companies like Uber and Lyft. The proposal includes requirements for driver background checks, insurance coverage, vehicle inspections and more. But Wednesday, after a lengthy discussion, the PTC opted to suspend talks on the agreement until after a June 22 court hearing dealing with the ongoing lawsuit with Uber.
Despite the setback, Uber and Lyft think eventually a deal will get done to legalize ride sharing in the county.
"What we're discussing here is not creating anything new. These are regulations and rules that are on the books in other jurisdictions. But unfortunately we're not at the point where we got a vote today. We're open to continuing negotiations with the PTC in the future," said Stephanie Smith, Uber Technologies public policy manager.
The court hearing June 22 on Uber's current lawsuit could clarify whether Hillsborough County's PTC even has the legal authority to regulate ride-sharing companies. But it's possible a judgment might not be issued for weeks, or even months.
