Lyft Agrees To City's Demand For TLC-Licensed Drivers
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Ride-sharing service Lyft has taken new steps toward making itself available to New York City residents in a way that won't ruffle the feathers of city officials.
As WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported Friday, the company has agreed to meet the city's demand that their drivers be licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Lyft Agrees To City's Demand For TLC-Licensed Drivers
In a statement Lyft said it would work with the agency toward finding a solution that would bring Lyft's peer-to-peer model to New York City.
The model is currently operating in more than 65 cities, Diamond reported.
Lyft's business model has incensed the taxi industry, including advocates like Cira Angeles.
"You say 'I'll hire anyone that wants to work for me as long as you put this ridiculous mustache,' no. I'm sorry it doesn't work that way," Angeles said.
A judge has given Lyft until July 25 to come into compliance with certain requirements, a tall order given the expensive and lengthy TLC licensing process.
In addition to the TLC-approved drivers, Lyft must also get approval from the TLC for the operators of its dispatching system.
The judge said Friday that if Lyft does not meet the conditions, she will issue a temporary restraining order to prevent it from operating while a lawsuit is being heard.
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