Northeast News
April 25, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The city is sharing the roads again.

At the most recent Kansas City, Mo. City Council meeting, the council approved a committee substitute to the vehicle for hire ordinance [ordinance 150203] which establishes city-wide requirements for companies and drivers operating under Kansas City’s vehicle-for-hire code. The amendment is a allows Kansas City to uphold public safety requirements while improving the ways Kansas City does business with tech-based transportation companies.

Amendment to ordinance 150203 establishes:

  • An option for transportation companies to pay an increased annual Vehicle Permit Fee of $45,000 which will then waive the $100 vehicle permit fee for drivers.
  • Transportation companies or drivers may provide background checks to the city; background checks must still meet Kansas City’s established requirements for public safety.
  • The city will be named as an insured entity on the insurance policies for Transportation Network Companies.
  • Drivers will get a 30-day orientation period from the start of their service to comply with the city ordinance.
  • Council will review the amendment to ordinance 150203 after six months and make adjustments as necessary to continue to improve vehicle for hire operations in Kansas City.

Mayor Sly James said the city welcomes all tech-driven, ride-sharing companies, as long as the city is able to ensure residents and visitors safety. James thanked Mayor Pro Tem Circo for her committment to finding a solution and also thanked the tech industry working with the city.

“After the ordinance passed on April 9, I contacted Uber to see if we could find common ground, and I’m glad we got there for the entire industry,” James said.

The amended ordinance is the result of discussions with leaders representing vehicle for hire companies operating in Kansas City. Andy Hung, Uber’s General Manager for Kansas City, said in a statement that this compromise shows why Kansas City is a destination of choice for the tech industry.

“We applaud the Mayor and the City Council for their leadership that will ensure Uber can continue to grow, create jobs and provide safe rides in Kansas City for years to come,” Hung said.