Ride share programs discussed in Jefferson City

Alternative cab companies like Uber are popping up in cities across the country, often before local governments can figure out how to regulate them.

It’s happening in Columbia as the city council tries to work out an ordinance for ride share companies and now Jefferson City is trying to get ahead of the topic. City leaders met today to get the conversation started.

Michael Olive manages the only cab company in Jefferson City, Checker Cab. He said they have 12 cars and run 300 to 400 trips a day.

“We are required to have newer vehicles. Our drivers have to be screened with background checks and urine analysis yearly and we have to carry heavy insurance that meets the criteria for the city,” said Olive. With companies like Uber spreading across the nation, Checker is wondering if the new businesses will also have to operate under the same requirements.

“The administration thought it was important for ride sharing companies to meet the same requirements as taxi cab companies for example on insurance and quality condition of cabs, certain liability insurance, those kinds of things,” said Jefferson City Manager Steve Crowell.

Olive said if you download the app “Nex-Taxi,” you too can find one of their cabs easily, with the touch of a finger.

“We just want them to play by the same rules as we do, if they come to town competition is always a healthy thing, but we do a very good service with Checker Cab,. We’ve got less than 20 minutes for our wait time, we have clean comfortable cars with professional drivers. But if they do they are going to have a very hard time because we have very good customer service here in town,” said Olive.

The topic will be discussed at the next city city meeting on December 15th.