Editorial: Another transportation option in Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Tuesday, January 5 the Montgomery City Council will vote on an ordinance that would allow Uber to operate in the city. What is Uber and why do I care you may be asking yourself?

If you are under the age of 30 you probably already know, but hang in there for a second. UBER is an app-based ride sharing company. It is an alternative to calling a cab.

Fees are predetermined and paid by a credit card already set up with the company. No money changes hands with the driver. Instead of a taxi, you could be picked up in a Ford truck or a Hyundai Sonata. Uber and a similar company called Lyft have been doing business in cities across the country for a few years now.

Many cities have loved the service, while some including Auburn and Tuscaloosa have shut them down. The main issue is fairness for regular cab drivers and the rules that could hinder a cab company while competing with an Uber. Montgomery City Council has the luxury of being able to see where the business has done well and where it has failed. This will help them to craft an ordinance that should help to level the playing field.

I have used the service many times and am a big fan. If nothing else it will provide more options for transportation.

If you ever stood at the airport for thirty minutes waiting for that cab to come back, or walked out of a bar late at night and of course there was no cab to drive you home then you should want this service. If you, like me were not quite sure where the heck to park at the Camellia Bowl  a few weeks ago and wished you knew someone that could just drop you off and then pick you up after the game then you want this service.

I am happy that the council is continuing to make Montgomery more attractive to the young professionals that we need to help this city grow.

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