Uber is coming to Montana…but when? [update]
UPDATE – 11/9/2015: We spoke with Uber and have some additional information since our last post.
The Montana Public Service Commission is still reviewing the Uber’s application under the new law, and the timing for their decision is unknown. Once the application is approved, the exact timing of the service’s debut in the state and the cities in which the car service will operate are still being decided, according to Uber spokesperson Kate Downen.
Also, according to the Billings Gazette, the PSC decision could come on November 24 but only if no one protests the application during the Commission’s public comment period.
So, still unclear, but less of a blackbox than we thought. Stay tuned.
Original Post – 11/3/2015: Last spring, we published an April Fool’s joke article about Uber expanding its service to Montana. Two weeks later, we published the article, “Holy Shit! Uber actually coming to Montana” because like some sort of self-fulfilling joke prophecy, Uber is actually coming to the Treasure State.
For those of you that don’t know, Uber can be best described as a free-lance taxi service. If you are out drinking downtown and need a ride home, you can use their app to call a driver and pay for your ride. Uber drivers can be just about anyone that is at least 21 years of age, can pass a background check, is licensed and insured, has a four-door car that is at least 2005 or newer (this can vary by city), and doesn’t mind having strangers in their backseat.
Exactly when and where Uber will debut is a bit of a mystery. Earlier this year, the Montana Legislature passed a law that created a new class of transportation carriers (i.e., Uber) that function as independent contractors and allows them to compete with current shuttle services.
According to the Missoulian, when a new taxi service previously applied to open up shop in the state, “any existing taxi companies in the same market could protest the new competition and force a hearing before the Public Service Commision.” This incredible power from the taxi industry no longer exists.
Uber applied for a license under the new law, but has not yet set a launch date. The popular car share coverage website UpHail says Uber is not officially active anywhere in the Treasury State. Despite this, some Mint readers have claimed they’ve seen active UberX cars already active in the state, and similar stories have been reported on r/montana.
The reaction from Montanans about Uber’s eventual arrival is mixed.
Meg, a student at the University of Montana says Uber will “have an impact on the number of DUIs in Missoula County because it’s much more available and convenient than taxis and definitely not as pricey as taxi services. Not to mention it is fast and reliable.”
Z-Train, a regular contributor to the Mint, worries about the impact of Uber’s business practices, “Uber classifies everyone as an independent contractor, so they don’t have to meet minimum wage or labor requirements and they aren’t liable for the torts of their drivers. In layman’s terms, if an unregulated and nonbackground checked Uber driver gets in an accident, you can’t go after Uber’s deep pockets.”
The true impact of this year’s law will only be known once Uber starts operating in the state.
If you have any scoop regarding Uber in Montana, drop us a note at hello@montana-mint.com.
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