CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cab drivers' biggest competition could be getting a new rule book.
A bill proposed in the N.C. Senate suggests stricter safety standards for digitally dispatched ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft.
Senate Bill 541 would require annual inspections of cars used for the services, and increased insurance coverage for drivers.
Charlotte city leaders, however, say the bill doesn't go far enough to protect passengers.
A city council committee created in January 2014 has been evaluating ride-sharing services in the city, and trying to work with them on regulations.
If Charlotte lawmakers like Mayor Pro Tem Michael Barnes had their way, they'd require continuous background checks for drivers, place caps on prices to avoid surges during busy nights, and require visible logos on all the cars.
"Those regulations are in place for the taxicab companies, but the digital dispatch services have resisted," Barnes said.
Their biggest problem for his committee right now, is that cities don't have the authority to place additional restrictions on the companies. The new bill in the senate will keep it that way.
"The proposal, in my opinion is a detriment to the travelling public," Barmes said.
Barnes hopes the state will consider Charlotte's concerns, being the largest city in the state to use the popular services. It's especially important to him, because his hands are tied when it comes to regulations.
"It is (frustrating). We know what happens in Charlotte better than people who may not necessarily ever come to the city. It's always helpful when folks who are legislating will listen to the concerns that we express," Barnes said.
CMPD has already seen examples of what city leaders calls unsafe situations that could have been avoided. Barnes told us of a recent traffic stop.
"The driver had multiple weapons in vehicle, and had not been allowed to get a license to drive a taxi, so this person was driving one of the digital dispatch vehicles," he said. During Monday night's council meeting, Assistant City Attorney Thomas Powers said the driver had a gun and a knife.
"We're not trying to eliminate digital dispatch services, we're just simply saying there should be more safeguards so that the vehicles, the drivers and the travelling public is safe," Barnes said.
Senator Jeff Tarte, a representative of Mecklenburg County is a sponsor of the bill. He said there are multiple bills filed dealing with ride share services, so we can expect changes to the senate's proposals as they combine them into one comprehensive bill.
He said his goal is for the final proposal is to strengthen documentation, information and safety requirements so the rider has the information needed to accept or decline a ride.
"We have so many older drivers and teachers who want to put in a couple extra hours each week to supplement their incomes. These bills are intended to not put undue regulatory burden on a job that is not a huge money maker for the driver, while providing a safe environment for the rider," he said in a statement.
Tarte also noted the additional option of ride-sharing services helps to encourage people who may be under the influence of alcohol to not drive. "That keeps us all safer," he wrote.
Uber told NBC Charlotte they have background checks and driver evaluations in place to keep riders safe. They also said, "We support legislation that embraces innovation, protects public safety, and ensures greater choice and opportunity for all North Carolinians. We look forward to continuing to work with lawmakers to establish a uniform set of ridesharing rules across the entire state."
