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Ride share programs need regulation

Owners and employees of the "ride share" companies in Illinois are furious that the Illinois House passed new regulations on their industry. Until now, "ride share" was unregulated. If this legislation is enacted, these new services will be required to have insurance while drivers must have chauffeur's licenses, are limited to driving 18 hours in any 24, and are prevented from gouging riders on fares.

Ride share has been a service under the radar. It started out as private individuals getting together to "share rides." It soon became another taxi service with none of those regulations of regular taxi services. Taxi drivers pay tens of thousands of dollars for their medallions. They are heavily regulated to ensure that passengers are not taken advantage of as they ride in a safe vehicle operated by a properly trained and alert driver.

Ride Share owners and operators should obey the same rules as taxi drivers. If it walks like a duck, and acts like a duck, we have to assume that it is a duck, ahem, a taxi.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows

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