Ridesharing Regulation in the USA

Abstract

After initial resistance by some regulators and incumbent taxi drivers, ridesharing is now legal throughout the USA. Indeed, taxi markets were one of the last transportation markets subject to significant regulation, and deregulation followed the model established in previous decades, when the USA deregulated railroads, airlines, telecommunications, and many other transportation and utility services. Some important controversies continue, such as congestion, universal service, and safety regulation; the status of drivers; and emerging issues of data privacy. But the rapid transition has resulted in more open and competitive markets across the USA.