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Ridesharing companies celebrate as Greitens signs Uber bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov. Eric Greitens signed his fourth piece of legislation since entering office in St. Charles Monday morning, instituting statewide regulations on transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft.

In a statement Sunday, Greitens said the bill would help average Missourians make more money.

“Our top priority is creating more jobs with higher pay for the people of Missouri,” he said. “Services like Uber and Lyft allow people to work and earn extra cash on their own schedule. It’s important that we stand up to special interests and support anyone looking to work.”

Sen. Bob Onder, the Senate handler of the legislation, read letters from constituents who supported the new law.

Immediately after the signing ceremony, Uber officially expanded its services to Jefferson City and St. Charles. Uber had been operating in Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis – though their operation in St. Louis was marred by controversy and fights with the St. Louis Metropolitan Taxicab Commission.

A spokesman for Lyft, which has not operated in the state since 2015 over regulation disputes, was grateful for the legislation.

“Lyft will now be able to expand our operations, bringing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options and increased earning opportunities to those around the state,” Scott Coriell of Lyft said, adding that plans regarding the ridesharing company’s expansion to the Show-Me State would be coming “soon.”