Rules on app-based car services in NC brokered in Senate

The bill, which now goes to another Senate committee, would require local and national criminal background checks of potential drivers and company liability coverage on the private cars at an amount similar to conventional for-hire passenger vehicles when the private cars are waiting for jobs or transporting customers.

The bill would let transportation network companies "provide access to more transportation options for riders and more economic opportunity for drivers," Mehrotra said.

The bill does allow airport operators to charge TNC drivers a reasonable fee to use the airport and can designate a location where they can pick up or drop off passengers.

Lee Churchill of Raleigh, who identified herself in committee as a 40-year taxi industry worker, spoke against the bill, warning legislators that the TNC drivers still have criminal records and aren't following company rules.