City of Sturgis looking to add Uber & Lyft

STURGIS, S.D.(KBHB) – The City of Sturgis this week continued discussion on an ordinance that would help Transportation Network Companies such as Lyft and Uber come to town.

The city is contemplating repealing some regulations that discourage Uber and Lyft from doing business here.

The current ordinance requires T.N.C.’s to go through extensive background checks and pay a fee similar to taxis that operate within the city. Because of that, Uber and Lyft have  blocked any of their drivers from operating in the city.

Sturgis Council President Beka Zerbst says the goal is to open operation of the T.N.C.’s within the city.

The council is also working on an ordinance that would regulate pedicabs in the city.

Zerbst says currently, no specific pedicab regulations exit under the city’s ordinances and as pedicab use grows, especially during the rally, it appeared more regulation was necessary.

The proposed pedicab ordinance will place limits on their numbers operating year to 10, but would allow them to operate year round.

The council is expected to hold first reading of the two ordinances at its next meeting.