City Issues Statement Regarding Uber Operations Within the City Limits
January 18, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – On January 15, 2015, the South Carolina Public Service Commission (“PSC”) issued an order directing that Rasier, LLC or its related companies and affiliates and/or its network partner drivers to cease and desist operating unless and until the Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity is approved and a Certificate is issued.
Currently, Columbia permits vehicles for hire compliant with the regulations found in Chapter 24 of the City’s Code. The ride-sharing platform utilized by entities such as Rasier, LLC and/or Uber, does not comply with those regulations and as such is not permitted in the City.
In the City, taxicab companies are required to be approved by the Office of Regulatory Staff (“ORS”) and PSC before a business license can be issued. The City will be unable to license ridesharing services until the PSC and ORS have made a decision on how to regulate ridesharing services and provide the companies with the approvals needed for a City business license.
The City of Columbia Police Department’s officers have the authority to issue citations for any violation of the City of Columbia Code and will act on violations occurring in their presence.
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