Uber operating in Jefferson City

In this photo taken Wednesday, March 1, 2017, is an exterior view of the headquarters of Uber in San Francisco.
In this photo taken Wednesday, March 1, 2017, is an exterior view of the headquarters of Uber in San Francisco.

Uber began operating in Jefferson City at noon Monday, about a half-hour after Gov. Eric Greitens signed legislation regulating ride-hailing services statewide.

House Bill 130, which Greitens signed into law at St. Charles Community College, mandates background checks for all drivers of ride-hailing services, establishes how ride-hailing services may charge fares and mandates other regulations.

The law, effective Aug. 28, clears the way for transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft to operate legally statewide after both companies' initial expansion into just a handful of cities.

"We are extra excited to be entering the Jefferson City market," said Uber spokeswoman Charity Jackson. "We've had a lot of interest not only from potential riders, but potential drivers."

Jackson said hundreds of drivers have signed up to work for the service in Jefferson City.

The law requires TNCs to apply for business licenses with the Missouri Department of Revenue, establishes guidelines for background checks, and says companies must establish "zero tolerance" policies for drivers who use intoxicating substances.

The law also says drivers must not solicit street hails like taxi drivers.

Uber's move into Jefferson City ends a more than two-year saga that included several attempts by the Jefferson City Council to regulate ride-hailing services and allow TNCs to operate in the city.

A council committee first deliberated an ordinance to regulate ride-hailing companies in December 2014. After years of stalled deliberations, a breakthrough came in January when Uber offered more than 1,000 free rides in Jefferson City during Greitens' inauguration.

The City Council voted unanimously March 6 to amend the city code to allow ride-hailing companies to operate within city limits after first applying for TNC permits with the city.

Jefferson City Counselor Ryan Moehlman confirmed Uber applied for a TNC license last Friday and the permit was approved Monday. Moehlman also said neither Lyft or any other TNC had applied for a city permit as of Monday afternoon.

Previously Uber operated in just Kansas City, Columbia, St. Louis and Springfield, where local laws allowed them to operate. Lyft currently operates in Springfield. Uber also began operations in St. Charles on Monday.

Jackson said the company decided to begin operations in Jefferson City immediately because of the new local law.

Last week Lyft began sending out text messages to drivers in Columbia and Jefferson City who had indicated an interest in driving for the company. Lyft spokesman Scott Coriell said the company wants to enter Jefferson City but will announce expansion plans at a later date.

"Lyft is incredibly excited by passage of this bill, which will allow us to expand operations in Missouri and bring increased economic opportunities and transportation options to those around the state," Coriell said. "We are working with cities around the state on expansion plans and hope to announce those soon."

Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin praised the new law in a news release Monday.

"Whether it's complementing existing public transit networks or providing safer alternatives to impaired or distracted driving, Uber can play a key role in expanding and connecting our community in new ways," Tergin said. "I'm pleased that our state legislators were able to pass a comprehensive, statewide ride-hailing regulation that allows us to welcome Uber to Jefferson City."