The ride-hailing service Uber has suspended operation in Kansas. That comes after lawmakers voted to override the governor’s veto of a bill that puts new regulations on Uber. As KPR’s Stephen Koranda reports, the bill adds new insurance mandates and requires background checks for drivers.
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In a statement, Uber says Kansas shut them down, cost jobs and blocked consumer choice.
Senate President Susan Wagle calls Uber’s decision to halt service “political theatre.”
Senator Jeff Longbine says they pursued the override as a solid base for negotiations.
“Without the legislative position we had too many ideas and it was becoming very hard to bring them together,” says Longbine.
He says the intent is not to have the current bill become Kansas law.
“Unless the parties are unwilling to come together and continue to work on it. I’m more than willing to continue to entertain thoughts and ideas from all of the interested parties,” says Longbine.
When he vetoed the bill, Governor Sam Brownback said Kansas needs to embrace innovation to spur economic growth.