Newsradio 1020 KDKA Editorial: Ride-Sharing Service Dilemma

It's all about getting you where you want to go –

If you don't have a car - or don't want to drive.

Cabs can be hard to find in and around Pittsburgh.

So a lot of people were excited when two ride-sharing services –

Lyft and Uber –

Hit town earlier this year.

Drivers are volunteers.

Passengers use a smartphone app to get a ride.

Almost everybody – from residents to elected officials –

Embraced the concept –

And protested when the companies were fined and their drivers cited.

Problem was – Lyft and Uber started operating in Pittsburgh –

Months before they asked the Public Utility Commission for permission.

The PUC has now given them an emergency – temporary – thumbs-up –

Provided they meet a number of requirements.

In the meantime –

The commission is considering their applications to run an "experimental" service –

And state lawmakers are working on legislation to allow it.

There probably would have been a lot less trauma and drama –

If Lyft and Uber had gone to the PUC first.

But at least there seems to be progress now.

And hopefully – Allegheny County residents will soon have a much-needed new – legal – transportation option.