Ridesharing Gets Green Light in West Virginia

Companies like Uber and Lyft can soon start offering rides in West Virginia under a new law approved by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

The Democrat signed a bill Tuesday letting ridesharing companies operate in the state. The Republican-led Legislature passed it with only a handful of `no’ votes.

The law takes effect July 1.

It applies to companies using smartphone apps to book rides.

Companies will need a nondiscrimination policy and must comply with nondiscrimination laws.

The law requires a Division of Motor Vehicles permit, car insurance, underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy, and driver background checks.

Charleston and Morgantown have been mentioned as likely locations for ride-booking companies.

In a statement, Uber said it looks forward to offering rides in the coming months.