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Uber agrees to settlement with PSC staff
Uber Technologies Inc. and the Public Service Commission staff have agreed to a settlement that would place part of the ride-sharing company’s operations under state regulation.
The agreement must still be approved by the commission.
In August, the commission ruled that Uber, which allows users to schedule a ride using an app on their smartphones, was a common carrier and that certain services were subject to state regulations. The company argued it was not a common carrier because it does not directly employ the drivers or own the vehicles they use.
The agreement would change part of the company from Uber Technologies Inc. to Drinnen LLC and place that entity under state regulation. Drinnen would be required to file for a motor carrier permit and would provide the state with a list of the identities of drivers who have agreed to accept trip requests via the company’s UberBlack and UberSUV services.
If the commission approves the settlement it would require the company to file a schedule of its times, rates and charges including minimum and maximum price as well as surge pricing.
The company’s practice of charging higher rates during peak demand hours came under scrutiny when some riders complained they were charged hundreds of dollars for rides home on Halloween.
