Gov. Edwards signs Louisiana ride-hailing regulations into law

Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed the new rideshare bill, which is expected to bring Uber and Lyft to Central Louisiana.

The measure by Houma Republican Rep. Tanner Magee was signed by Gov. Edwards on Tuesday at Nicholls State University in Thibodeaux. This follows passage through the legislature after failing the previous two years.

The law creates a state-wide framework of regulations for app-based rideshare services like Uber and Lyft and will put it under the authority of the Dept. of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

The law will officially go into effect on July 1, and will take several months before Uber and Lyft do business in the Central Louisiana area.

Uber and Lyft have only operated in a handful of markets in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and the greater New Orleans area.

The companies refused to continue negotiating on a municipality-by-municipality basis. They pushed Louisiana to join the 44 other states with statewide rules.

“Creating a statewide framework for ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft benefits our smaller and rural communities where rideshare services aren’t currently available," said Gov. Edwards. "Bringing these services to these areas opens up new places and businesses for people where they live, makes it easier for visitors in Louisiana to connect with our local experiences and helps reduce impaired driving. This bill is an example of how when people work together to find solutions, our state is improved and I am thankful that Representative Magee championed it.”

“I’m excited to have this bill signed at Nicholls State, because it is the kind of place that can benefit from this legislation. Rideshare services decrease the number of DWIs and increase jobs and it is beyond time that we brought them to all of our communities in Louisiana,” said Rep. Tanner Magee.

"This statewide framework for ridesharing will bring Uber's access to reliable rides and flexible work opportunities throughout Louisiana," said Evangeline George, Uber Southeast Public Affairs Manager. "We thank Governor Edwards and all those who have worked hard to bring one clear set of rules for ridesharing to Louisiana - from the House and Senate to local elected officials and organizations in the Let’s Geaux Louisiana coalition to the many Uber riders and drivers who spoke in support.”