Governor Charlie Baker directed the Department of Public Utilities on Wednesday to issue a public notice clarifying the status of Uber, Lyft and other rideshare drivers in the state of Massachusetts. The issuance allows rideshare drivers to legally operate in the state, while industry stakeholders and local officials, including Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, continue to work with the state on developing formal regulations.
“In order for Massachusetts’ economy to thrive, we must continue to embrace technology and innovation as a means for growth,” Gov. Baker said in a press release, adding:
Emerging transportation options such as Uber and Lyft present a real opportunity for our evolving transportation ecosystem to more efficiently serve residents and visitors to Massachusetts alike. We also have a responsibility to step up to ensure consumer choice and public safety prevail, and that Massachusetts continues to develop as a global destination for business and tourism.
Proposed rideshare regulations were submitted to the state at the end of December 2014. Regulations have the DPU serving as the agency in charge of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) – Uber and Lyft – operations. Additional regulations specific to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which went in effect January 16, require ridesharing companies to be licensed by the state and permit drivers to use their personal vehicles as a taxi.
Ridesharing is officially recognized as a mode of transportation in the state of Mass., however, the licensing framework is still in limbo. The RMV regulations allow rideshare drivers for services like Uber’s low-cost uberX to operate legally for the next six months, while the Baker Administration, city governments and industry stakeholders iron out licensing details.
“The City of Boston looks forward to working with Governor Baker in developing a sensible, comprehensive regulatory framework for all for-hire transportation services across the Commonwealth that ensures transportation services are safe and accessible,” Mayor Walsh said in the press release.
Mayor Curtatone echoed the Boston mayor’s statements, adding:
Entrepreneurs and new businesses like Uber are creating new business models and new jobs, but at the same time, we need solutions that work for both those new businesses and for long-time businesses and their employees. We look forward to rolling up our sleeves in partnership with the state to find the right solution.
In January, Uber Boston asked drivers to pick up the company’s signature U emblem to stick on their personal vehicles as a form of identification when making pick-ups.
