Alabama City Approves Ridesharing Regulations

The ridesharing company Uber says it will soon begin operating in Birmingham, Ala., after city officials approved new regulations.

Multiple media outlets report that city council members voted 7-1 on Dec. 8 to approve the ordinance. The city’s mayor still must sign it.

Companies have to apply and get approval for a permit and conduct background checks on drivers under the ordinance.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft let people use smartphone apps to book and pay for rides. Birmingham officials have been discussing whether to allow the companies for more than a year.

Council members say they will reevaluate the ordinance after six months.