Regulators: Rules for ride-hailing companies could take months to draft

By Riley Snyder, Associated Press

Published Thursday, June 25, 2015 | 2:58 p.m.

Updated Thursday, June 25, 2015 | 3:47 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Nevada transportation regulators say it will take months to create and approve policies allowing ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft to legally operate in the state.

The Nevada Transportation Authority held a public meeting on Thursday morning to discuss and move fast-tracked emergency regulations for ride-hailing company applications to Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Sandoval has indicated that he'll likely sign off on the fast-tracked application process, but transportation regulators still need to hold a number of public workshops and get an interim legislative committee to approve a final set of regulations before they can allow companies such as Uber and Lyft to legally operate.

Nevada business department spokeswoman Teri Williams said that the authority is trying to balance time concerns with public safety concerns.

"They don't plan to be a roadblock to getting them on the road to operate," she said.

In a statement, Uber Nevada head Steve Thompson said the popular ride-hailing company was committed to a fair rule-making process.

"Bringing Uber back to Nevada is important to the thousands of TNC driver partners and riders who expect flexible income opportunities and safe, reliable transportations options," he said in a statement.

Bills allowing for ride-hailing passed the Legislature after much debate. One imposes a 3 percent fare tax projected to raise more than $70 million over two years.