In a letter to city officials, Brooke Steger said Eugene’s proposed Uber regulations would make the company apprehensive about operating in the city.
BY JACOB PALMER | OB DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
Uber says it is willing to accept regulations in Eugene but rejects City Hall recent proposals.
In a letter to city officials, Uber general manager Brooke Steger said Eugene’s proposed Uber regulations would make the company apprehensive about operating in the city.
Some highlights from the letter (which can be seen in its entirety below):
There is a proposal that seeks to include transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber in the city’s current definition of vehicle for hire. The proposal is flawed, and if enacted, would jeopardize TNCs service in Eugene.
The proposal is seeking to fit a new business model into regulations that were designed explicitly for a different type of transportation service.
Uber is not opposed to regulations. In fact we are making progress working with city representatives towards a solution that would recognize unique aspects of TNCs, create a new framework that embraces this new technology, and allow TNCs to serve residents and visitors of Eugene.
In late January, the Register Guard reported on the Eugene City Council weighing Uber’s entrance into the city.
The City Council heard both views Tuesday night at a public hearing on proposed changes meant to regulate the controversial ride service in the same way as taxi companies.
A proposed code change before the council would make it explicit that ride services like Uber must be licensed by the city to operate, even though Eugene officials say the present code already applies to Uber.
