Uber Arrives in Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “They go into different markets, different cities and states, all across the country, and they don’t meet the requirements,” says Peyton Greene, General Manager of Checker Yellow. Greene is talking about the ride-share service, Uber. “They say they’re not a cab company, but they’re operating as a cab company,” says Greene Here’s how Uber works, if someone needs a ride they use the Uber app to request a ride. Then, using the GPS on the person’s phone, Uber finds the closest driver and within minutes, Uber says, a reliable ride arrives. Payment is made by credit card. Uber drivers use personal, privately-owned cars and, according to Uber’s website, from insurance to background checks all drivers meet all local regulations. But, cab companies are speaking out saying it’s unfair competition. “We’re licensed by the City, our drivers have a chauffeur’s license. They are drug tested. We meet all the requirements of the City and the state. Uber comes in and they say, “Well we’re ride-sharing.” Well, that’s not really true, they are operating as a cab company,” says Greene We checked with the City of Columbia business license office and, unlike Checker Yellow – who has a business license, we were told the city has yet to receive an application from Uber. Per city code, we’re told, anyone generating revenue within city limits must have a business license. Another issue to consider, insurance. Not all companies cover services-for-hire. “That’s the difference in a private passenger automobile and a commercial automobile policy. Commercial automobile policy would cover those ride-sharing service,” says Raymond Farmer, Director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance. Farmer offers this advice: “Consult with your insurance professional. Consult your company, consult your agent. Ask them what your own personal insurance policy would cover or would not cover,” says Farmer We reached out to Uber about this story, below you will find their in-depth response: Before a driver partner is able to access the Uber platform, all Uber ridesharing partners must go through and pass a rigorous background check, which includes county, federal and multi-state checks going back 7 years; a national sex offender registry screen; social security trace; and motor vehicle records check (historical and ongoing). uberX is Uber’s ridersharing option – drivers have a personal license and personal auto insurance. Uber holds a commercial insurance policy with $1 million of coverage per incident. This policy covers drivers‘ liability from the time a driver accepts a trip request through the app until the completion of a trip. This policy is excess to the driver‘s own policy, but it acts as primary insurance if the driver‘s policy is not available for any reason, covering from the first dollar. We also have an additional insurance policy covering when drivers are on the platform but not on a trip. Uber is not a transportation company. We’re a technology company that connects riders to drivers with the safest ride on the road. The bottom line is we’ve received overwhelmingly positive support from riders in South Carolina who are excited for access to safe, affordable and reliable transportation alternatives, and from drivers who rely on the increased economic opportunities and flexibility Uber provides. We look forward to continuing conversations with city and state officials to modernize regulations and find a permanent home for Uber in South Carolina. Uber is a supplement to the transportation industry. We’re providing a safe, reliable option for riders and increased economic opportunity for drivers. More choice and opportunity is a win for the people and cities of South Carolina. We welcome any taxi driver to become an Uber partner and enjoy the freedom and economic opportunities the Uber platform offers.