Uber Arrives In Lexington; Cab Companies Want Ridesharing Companies To Follow Same Rules

Ridesharing company Uber launched in Lexington 3PM Friday.  It markets itself as better, faster, and cheaper than a taxi.

Fayette County cab companies need to follow about a dozen pages worth of ordinances.  Uber and its competitor Lyft do not need to follow any of them.

A Lyfter told us people pay for the experience, and not the ride. 

"I am not a cab driver, no, not that that’s a bad thing.  We are a lift with a friend.  We want you sit in the front seat with us.  We want you to make it enjoyable.  I’m gonna offer you to play your music.  I’m gonna offer you a snack, or a candy, or a gum," said Lyfter Marilyn Hoffman-Elrod. 

Lyft charges $1.90 per mile.  Bluegrass cab charges $2.50.  General Manager Dan Daugherty says he has overhead Uber and Lyft don’t need to worry about.

"We spend thousands of dollars every year adhering to the city ordinance.  That’s money that they don’t have to spend.  They can spend that money advertising.  They can spend that money getting drivers. We have to spend it in regulations, taxes, and fees," said Daugherty. 

The public safety committee meets June 24th to discuss the issue.