Lyft, a car-sharing app that has spurred regulatory fights and taxi protests in cities across the country, could encounter similar obstacles in Minneapolis.
The San Francisco-based company connects willing drivers and would-be passengers via a free smartphone app. It isn't operating in Minneapolis just yet but is already soliciting drivers on Facebook and other social media sites.
"Join the Lyft community and earn up to $20/hr while meeting great people around Minneapolis," reads an online ad from the company, beside a photo of a car bearing one of Lyft's signature pink mustaches.
Minneapolis' head of business licensing, Grant Wilson, believes Lyft drivers would need licenses in order to operate in the city. He said Minneapolis has not been contacted by the company, however, nor has the city discovered Lyft operating.
Obtaining taxi licenses would run against Lyft's business model, which relies on easily signing up people with a vehicle and time to drive. Lyft's website says drivers must be 23 years old and pass through a phone screening, in-person meeting and background checks.
Lyft, which is now live in six U.S. cities, said it has not determined a launch date for Minneapolis.
"As we always do, we will review all city and state regulations prior to launch," Lyft spokeswoman Erin Simpson said in a statement. She noted that California regulators have recently proposed rules to accommodate services such as Lyft, as long as they adhere to certain safety and liability requirements.
Minneapolis City Council Member Gary Schiff, the council's authority on taxicab ordinances, said licensing taxis is important to ensure that drivers are not fugitives, that vehicles are inspected, and that consumers can lodge complaints.
