State lawmakers are poised to discuss ride-hailing for the second time in two weeks on Thursday, attention many expect to carry into the upcoming legislative session as some legislators attempt to wrest regulatory power from cities.
Transportation
Reporting on roads, transit, infrastructure, and policy shaping travel and mobility across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
Texas Planning to Block Car Registration Renewal for Child Support Evaders
This fall, the Attorney General’s Office will be implementing a new enforcement measure for parents who are behind on child support payments: blocking them from renewing their vehicle registration.
Austin Drivers File Suit Against Uber, Lyft
A pair of former drivers for Uber and Lyft filed dual class action lawsuits Thursday against the ride-hailing companies over their abrupt exit from the Austin market last month.
Ride-Hailing Companies Bring Battle to the Legislature
Representatives from Uber and Lyft urged lawmakers to adopt statewide regulations for the ride-hailing industry during a Texas Capitol hearing on Wednesday.
With Uber and Lyft Gone, Ride-Hailing Startups Swarm Austin
Less than a month after Uber and Lyft left Austin over the city’s regulations, at least six new companies offering similar services have launched in the city and are fighting for market share.
After Austin Vote, GOP State Senator Announces Ride-Hailing Legislation
State Sen. Charles Schwertner said Sunday he would file legislation next year โdesigned to establish consistent and predictable statewide regulation of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft.”
Austin’s Proposition 1 Defeated
Austin’s Proposition 1, a ride-hailing ordinance supported by Uber and Lyft was defeated Saturday. With all precincts reporting late Saturday night, 48,673 voted against the ordinance and 38,539 voted for it.
Austin Battle Over Ride-Hailing Will Resound Beyond City Limits
A hard-fought Austin special election over regulations for ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft might signal the new normal as the companies aggressively battle to dominate the emerging industry on their own terms.
Uber Annouces Plan to Leave Houston if City Keeps Existing Regulations
Uber announced Wednesday the company plans to cease operations in Houston if the city council does not repeal its existing regulations relating to vehicle-for-hire companies.
Company Says it Will Fill Gap if Uber, Lyft Leave Austin After Vote
Uber and Lyft have pledged to leave Austin if the city votes down an ordinance preventing fingerprint-based background checks. But a smaller Austin-based company called getme insists it can fill the gap.


