TLC: App-based car services should buy phones for regulators

Uber and other car-service apps should have to buy gadgets such as smartphones for city officials to test the companies’ technology, according to the Taxi & Limousine Commission.

The proposed rules, opposed by the app companies, would require them to buy the devices so city regulators could check whether their software updates actually work before approving them.

Uber currently updates its app about once a week.

If Uber, Lyft or the other app companies don’t give the TLC the free devices, they would face a $500 fine and suspensions under the taxi industry’s proposal.

“The proposed rules are a big step back for consumers and contrary to Commissioner [Meera] Joshi’s recognition of how platforms like Lyft have improved the market as a whole,” said a Lyft spokeswoman.

The TLC said the regulations were designed to make app companies accountable and protect consumers, while giving developers the flexibility to be creative.

Filed under 4/29/15