Kansas City seeks public feedback on new proposed Uber regulations

Kansas City is seeking public feedback on its regulations affecting Uber and other transportation network companies.

In April 2015, the City Council approved regulations designed to allow companies like Uber to operate in the city while guarding public safety. But the deal allowed Uber drivers to work for a 30-day orientation period without getting a vehicle permit.

And that, inspectors say, creates a loophole where drivers can solicit rides over a prolonged period of time while claiming they are just in the 30-day orientation time. So the city’s Regulated Industries Division is considering proposing changes to the city law.

But before that happens, Kansas City municipal government is asking the public for input on suggested changes, including implementing a 30-day temporary driver certificate to give customers, the police and regulators some assurance that the driver has started the permitting process.

Other changes include having standardized background checks for drivers and requiring insurance to cover any trip.

The changes would affect companies such as Uber and others that use a smartphone app to connect passengers with drivers using their own vehicles instead of a standard taxicab.

The public comment period will last a month, until Aug. 17. People can provide information at www.kcmomentum.org or by emailing Regulated Industries manager Jim Ready at jim.ready@kcmo.org.

The City Council is expected to take up suggested changes this fall. That process will include additional public hearings.

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Kansas City seeks public feedback on new proposed Uber regulations."