New Mexico Governor Signs Ridesharing Bill

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez arrived earlier this month in her first Uber ride and signed a bill allowing ridesharing companies Uber and Lyft to operate in the state.

The Republican governor said the measure ends the confusion over whether the companies are welcome in New Mexico.

“After one ride I can see why Uber is so amazing,” Martinez said. “It makes the state accessible.”

Martinez said the companies will help reduce drunken driving in the state and allow tourists to roam.

The legal status of the companies in the state had been in limbo since they began offering service in 2014.

The companies had argued that the state’s Motor Carrier Act did not apply to them because they do not operate as commercial taxi businesses.

The dispute forced Lyft to pull out of New Mexico. Martinez said she hoped Lyft would give New Mexico another look after she signed the new legislation into law.

In a statement, Lyft praised the passage of the bill but did not say if it would return.

The new regulations include background checks for drivers against criminal and sexual offender databases.