Uber, Lyft rules fine-tuned by California regulators

The state Public Utilities Commission voted 4-1 to accept “Phase II” rules drafted by Commissioner Liane Randolph that makes such changes as legalizing the fare splitting involved in the shared-ride services Lyft Line and UberPool; requiring drivers to show company logos on the back as well as front of their cars; and mandating that licensed auto shops perform all car inspections.

California was the first state to legalize the new generation of what it called transportation network companies — entities that arrange paid rides from drivers in personal vehicles.

Today’s decision allows Lyft to continue bringing innovative new features to market in California, such as Lyft Line which allows passengers to share rides for a reduced price, Lyft said.

“We are very happy that the Commission endorsed forward-thinking products like UberPool and listened to Californians advocating for programs to allow more drivers to earn money on their own time,” it said.

After receiving a deluge of emails, regulators said they would delay consideration of whether the definition of “personal vehicles” should include leased and rented cars, and if so, for what length of time.

[...] that would have excluded Lyft’s deal with new investor General Motors for renting GM cars for eight weeks or less, as well as an Uber rental program with Enterprise Rent-A-Car.