N.J. Cab Drivers Want Ridesharing Firms to Face Taxi-Like Rules

Dozens of cab drivers lined the street outside the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton and crammed a legislative hearing to protest ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft.

Drivers and their allies called on lawmakers to require those companies to follow regulations similar to what they face. Communications Workers of America Local 1039 President Lionel Leach says about 275 drivers attended Monday’s event.

The state Senate transportation committee is considering bills that would require companies like Uber and Lyft to register with the Motor Vehicle Commission, carry insurance and perform driver background checks.

Similar legislation has passed out of committee in the Assembly, but awaits consideration on the floor of that chamber.

Ridesharing companies are critical of the legislation, saying it amounts to unreasonable regulation and could threaten their business models.

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