The public got its first opportunity to weigh in on Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed plan for statewide regulation of new ride-sharing services life Uber and Lyft at a meeting this morning before the Department of Transportation and Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Passions ran high in a packed meeting room as union reps, police, insurers, and a stream of taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers stepped to the mic to plead their case. Patrick's proposed plan would give the go-ahead to ride share services in the state, provided they perform background checks on drivers drivers and have adequate insurance. Representatives from both Uber and Lyft spoke in support of the plan, while a myriad of those in the taxi industry blasted the regulations as inadequate or unfair, and challenged whether the state has the authority to enact them without action by the legislature. MassDot officials say they will review all public comments and decide whether to move forward with the plan.
Officials also announced this morning that the written comment period has been extended to noon on Friday, when a second public hearing will be held.
