PUC rideshare rules move ahead as Uber celebrates 5 million CO. rides

Rules to regulate Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing services in Colorado are now waiting for final review by the state’s Public Utilities Commission, after administrative law judge Harris Adams made last Friday.

The rules will regulate rider safety and driver qualifications for ridesharing services in the state. “While this is not the final decision, we are encouraged by last week’s recommendation, which follows the intent of the rideshare law passed last year.

We look forward to continuing to serve Coloradans for years to come,” said Will McCollum, general manager of Uber Colorado. Ridesharing became legal in Colorado in June 2014, but the lack of regulations has miffed the taxi industry.
Dozens of cab drivers expressed their concerns at the final public hearing, held in August. On Wednesday, Uber Colorado said its drivers have completed five million trips since it launched here three years ago. Of those, 80 percent took place last year after Colorado passed legislation authorizing the service The company plans to celebrate with its drivers on Thursday at City Park. The company said it has more than 7,000 active drivers in Colorado. Collectively, drivers have earned $80 million in three years. Most of its drivers are in the Denver area