After the Mobile City Council’s debate over ride-sharing rules drew intense public attention, Councilwoman Bess Rich offered a detailed response to questions about her role in the controversy.
The dispute centered on a proposed amendment that would have required Uber drivers to carry commercial insurance on their private vehicles around the clock, even when not working. Rich and the site that published this exchange had earlier described the amendment as a potential anti-competitive move, and Rich said she wanted to set the record straight.
Rich’s Account of the Process
As chairman of the council’s Public Safety Committee, Rich said her priority was bringing all interested parties together to work through amendments to Chapter 59, the city code governing vehicles for hire.
“It was very important to me to bring all interested parties together to discuss the amendments as originally proposed by the Administration. I always find it necessary to research and ask questions, also to listen and learn from individuals who will be affected by any changes to any code,” Rich said.
Uber maintains it is a technology company rather than a taxi operator, but the city attorney advised that any ride arranged through the app is still a “vehicle for hire.” Rich said the committee ultimately worked toward parity between the two types of services, with one taxi-company attorney describing the result as roughly 95 to 98 percent aligned.
Insurance Concerns
Rich said she became aware of a gap in coverage: drivers’ personal insurers may deny claims once they learn the vehicle is also used for paid rides. She said she raised those concerns with colleagues and the administration.
“My intent was never to ‘Kill Uber.’ I would be remiss if I didn’t try my best to have the most protections for our citizens and visitors,” Rich said.
She also addressed a social-media post from Colby Cooper suggesting she would be responsible for driving Uber out of Mobile, which she said she did not understand. Rich noted that Uber’s own messaging named her directly and generated hundreds of emails to council members, and she credited the company for being skilled at social media.
Rich said her goal throughout was simply to open dialogue and share information with other council members, and she welcomed any further questions.