Uber Statement on Unanimous Passage of Senate Bill 340 by Senate Committee on Judiciary

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – Members of the Florida Senate Committee on Judiciary today voted unanimously for Senate Bill 340, which establishes the regulatory framework for the operation of transportation network companies (TNCs) in the State of Florida.

Uber released the following statement, which should be attributed to Stephanie Smith, Senior Manager, Public Policy, Uber Technologies:

“Today’s unanimous vote on Senate Bill 340 by the Senate Committee on Judiciary is a positive indication that Florida lawmakers support the safety, economic, and mobility benefits that come from ridesharing services like Uber.

“We are grateful to all of the Senators who voted ‘yes’ on the bill, with special thanks to Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) who continues to be a champion for modern transportation options.”

To look at how Uber has been “Moving Florida” (#MovingFlorida) over the past three years visit uber.com/info/florida.

On Background: Insurance and Safety

Uber currently provides $1 million in liability insurance as soon as the driver accepts a trip, and throughout the entire ride until the rider exists the vehicle. Senate Bill 340 and House Bill 221 require all TNCs to carry automobile liability insurance of at least $1 million for death, bodily injury, and property damage during a prearranged ride. This coverage requirement is more than required for for-hire passenger transportation vehicles. This requirement currently exists and is standard practice at Uber.

Drivers who use the Uber app undergo a thorough screening process to ensure they are fit to drive passengers around the city. This includes multijurisdictional (state, local, federal) criminal history screening.

In addition to providing riders with the driver’s car make and model, license plate number, and photo to confirm that the arriving driver is the right vehicle, Uber harnesses technology to better protect riders. Through Real-Time ID Check, using Microsoft Cognitive Services, Uber ensures the driver using the app matches the account on file by simply having the driver take a selfie. This prevents fraud, protects drivers’ accounts from being compromised, and protects the rider.

The Share My ETA feature allows riders to send their estimated time of arrival and a live map of their ride with family and friends. Passengers can also view their route, and the location of their car, in the app throughout the journey. This means they can see that their driver is headed the right way.  All Uber rides are GPS-tracked from start to finish. If necessary, Uber can share important information with law enforcement, and a law enforcement response team is also on call to work with police 24/7.

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