Uber, Lyft finally become legal in Philly

Uber and Lyft can legally pick up riders in Philadelphia.

The incredibly popular rideshare apps have been protested, sued, and targeted by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA). But none of that stopped them from operating in the city, as their new approach to the taxi business cannibalized the traditional cab industry by an estimated 60 percent.

Gov. Tom Wolf signed legislation Friday that legalizes Uber and Lyft statewide. The legislation allows a tax on the services that will go toward the PPA and the School District of Philadelphia.

Uber is celebrating the news by expanding their service for the first time to 10 more counties in Pennsylvania: Lawrence, Beaver, Crawford, Mercer, Clinton, Lycoming, Union, Northumberland, Montour, and Columbia.

Uber said in a statement that the app will be available to “100 percent of Pennsylvanians” as of 5 p.m. on Nov. 4.

“We thank the General Assembly and Governor Wolf for their efforts in passing this legislation,” said Craig Ewer, Uber’s Pennsylvania spokesman, in a statment. “Ridesharing benefits cities, drivers and riders, and we look forward to serving communities across Pennsylvania for years to come.”

Lyft also hailed the news.

“The passage of a permanent framework for ridesharing increases modern transportation options and economic opportunity across the state,” said Sami Naim, Public Policy Manager at Lyft, in a statement. “It also ensures Philadelphia’s children and their public schools will benefit from additional funding generated from ridesharing revenue.”