Did you ever wonder what the regulations are for a ridesharing platform with drivers that cross city lines? If you get picked up at the Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner, you drive through Metairie and then well into New Orleans before you reach the French Quarter.
Louisiana does not currently have statewide legislation that allows companies like Uber and Lyft to operate. That’s where Let’s Geaux Louisiana comes in. The brand new coalition supports new legislation that would bring ridesharing to the entire state, under one agreement.
Let’s Geaux Louisiana is sponsored by TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of technology CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of the innovation economy. The organization is joined by statewide groups, non-profits, and safety organizations, including One Acadiana, Laitram, Louisiana Retailers Association, Jefferson Parish Chamber of Commerce, Fresh Junkie Racing, National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives, Upper Lafayette Economic Development Foundation, Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Hampton Inn & Suites – Baton Rouge, Raising Cane’s River Center, Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, Hammond Downtown Development District, and Gnarly Barley Brewing.
“Let’s Geaux Louisiana will promote the economic and practical benefits of ridesharing in support of HB 527 to establish a consistent statewide framework for ridesharing in Louisiana,” revealed the press release.
Both Uber and Lyft are available in the New Orleans area in 2014 and 2016, respectively. The on-demand ridesharing platforms have provided Louisiana residents with tens of millions of rides to date.
When Lyft San Francisco-based Lyft launched in 2012, there were no universal ridesharing laws. Thirty nine other states currently offer statewide ridesharing regulations. Let’s Geaux Louisiana is pushing state legislators to agree upon platforms such as Uber and Lyft to operate under one agreement.
Texas, New York, and Florida are some of the other states that have no come to any agreement over ridesharing platforms.
“Embracing innovative and forward thinking technology platforms such as Lyft and Uber will continue to move Louisiana forward,” said Caroline Joiner, Executive Director of TechNet. “Creating a stable and consistent regulatory framework for ridesharing in the Bayou State will drive the economy, reduce traffic congestion, and increase public safety.”
To find out more about Let’s Geaux Louisiana, visit geauxridesharing.com.