State Lawmakers passed legislation that could help bring internet ride share services to South Dakota. Currently the company Uber has drivers in cites around the world.
House Bill 1091 makes changes to insurance policies and creates licensing exceptions for online ride share drivers and vehicles. Senators were in contact with the company Uber while creating the bill.
Uber Spokesperson, Lauren Altmin says the company is in favor of the legislation and excited that South Dakota has taken up the issue.
“So this bill sets state wide standers on insurance similar to what’s been put in place in may states across the country,” says Altmin.
Uber requires drivers to have a valid license, commercial registration and insurance that meets the state’s requirements.
Altmin says applicants must undergo a background check and meet the company’s vehicle standards during the prescreening process to become a driver. She says Uber provides services in both large and small cities.
“Uber is available in over 300 cities around the world and these cities very in size from New York and San Francisco and Chicago to cites with smaller populations including Fargo North Dakota and Omaha Nebraska-which are still large cites but tend to be a little more spread out and less compact in the downtown area. What’s important to understand is before we enter any market we certainly take a look at what demand could look like and that may influence our decision moving forward. But we’re always looking for opportunities of where we can next make Uber available,” Altmin says.
She says there is no timeline for any expansion of Uber into South Dakota. But she says the company is always looking to expand.