Nov. 20--Two key lawmakers agreed Thursday to work on a new package of ride-sharing regulations that would require background checks of drivers and a minimum of $1 million in insurance coverage when carrying passengers.
The move means sponsoring Rep. Mike Zalewski and Sen. Tony Munoz will not seek an override of Gov. Pat Quinn's veto of legislation the two Democratic lawmakers passed in the spring. They have agreed to a craft statewide proposal for minimal regulations with an eye toward getting a vote in the current General Assembly before newly elected lawmakers take office in mid-January.
Both the outgoing Democratic governor and Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner found rare agreement in opposing the bill. The legislation and the governor's veto created a massive fight between the taxi industry and ride-sharing companies like Uber, Lyft and Sidecar.
The goal is to work in good faith with all parties involved to ensure safety, insurance and more transportation options, according to the lawmakers.
Taxis have viewed the ride-sharing companies as interlopers that steal business and don't face the same costs as cabbies. In ride-sharing services, drivers use their private vehicles to give rides to passengers who request them via apps, such as on smartphones. Ride-sharing companies have argued taxis ignore some neighborhoods, such as the poorer areas in Chicago.
Zalewski, of Riverside, and Munoz, of Chicago, pushed through legislation in the spring that would set standards for vehicle safety, including insurance requirements. The city of Chicago has put in place its own standards, but the lawmakers have wanted to make sure there are minimums throughout the state.
Along with background checks and the $1 million minimum when a passenger is aboard, the new legislation would also require ride-share drivers to be licensed and ride-share companies to dispatch only drivers with proper licenses. The legislation also would require service to underserved areas, wheelchair accessibility and other safety and business provisions, according to the lawmakers.
Zalewski said in a statement he has led the discussions between the taxi and ride-share companies and that "both groups have respectfully agreed to work towards a compromise bill to be considered by the current General Assembly."
rlong@tribpub.com
Twitter @RayLong
