Montgomery, Ala. -- Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday, June 27, that ridesharing will be legal statewide effective July 1, 2018. Both the Alabama Senate and House have approved this law and Ivey signed it into effect on March 1, 2018.
“Alabamians in all areas of our state now have the option to enjoy the many benefits of ridesharing," said Ivey. "I was pleased to have a part in bringing this much-needed service statewide and look forward to watching these platforms grow in the years to come.”
Ridesharing companies, in the past, were only allowed to operate in certain Alabama cities. However, this new law will allow these services to be available in more suburban and rural areas throughout the state. In addition to residents having a safe, alternative mode of transportation, residents will also be ableto gain additional income by working for apps like Lyft and Uber.
“Governor Ivey played an instrumental role in bringing this law to fruition, as did our regulator the Alabama Public ServiceCommission, and we are excited that a new chapter officially begins today,” said Jake Darby, general manager for Lyft.
This bill passed unanimously in the Senate and 97-3 in the House. It was then signed only 11 days after its introduction to legislation. The bill was able to go into effect only months later thanks to help from the Alabama Public Service Commission and its staff.
Alabama is now the 45th state to welcome this law. Ivey encourages all residents of Alabama to take advantage of this new law throughout their summer festivities and throughout their lives in general.
