Vermont City Approves Rules for Taxi, Ride-Hailing Services

Burlington, Vermont, officials have approved new rules for ride-hailing services and taxi companies in the city.

The Burlington Free Press reports city councilors on Tuesday adopted a proposed ordinance that permits traditional taxi companies and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft to operate legally.

It also requires all transportation companies to conduct background checks on drivers through the city or an accredited third party.

Traditional taxi companies and ride-hailing services will be treated equally with the exception of liability insurance rules under the new ordinance. Taxi firms would be required to maintain $500,000 of commercial liability insurance, companies like Uber would have to insure drivers with $1 million in coverage.

Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger says the new rules create a level playing field for all transportation companies.