Uber, the ridesharing service that is becoming popular in cities around the country, has yet to move into St. Louis, but that may change.
Officials from St. Louis and the surrounding area are set to meet with the company to discuss possible revisions to the code governing taxi operations. If the two sides can reach agreement, Uber might soon be operating in St. Louis.
The agency governing taxis, the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission has been butting heads with Uber over three major issues: insurance, background Checks, and drug testing.
The MTC wants Uber to carry commercial auto liability coverage for property damage or injury up to $200,000. Uber does not use the term ‘commercial’, but would provide up to $1m coverage per accident, as well as meeting the minimum insurance requirements established under the Missouri Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law.
The MTC wants Uber's drivers to have a background check by the Missouri Highway Patrol to include fingerprints, but Uber wants the checks run by a third party, which would do a “criminal history research report”.
Uber has a zero tolerance policy on drug use, but relies on passengers to report if drivers are violating the policy. If a complaint is received, Uber would immediately suspend its driver, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Since this could have a great impact, officials might work with a flyer printing company on a mailer for residents informing them of the discussions.
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