Anchorage to consider giving Uber second chance

ANCHORAGE — Anchorage officials are set to consider a proposal that would allow ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft to operate in the city this coming year.

The ordinance has been drafted by Anchorage Assembly member Bill Evans. He said the measure is necessary because the city’s transportation code was written before people began using their smartphones to access the ride-hailing services, The Alaska Public Radio Network reported Friday.

The draft ordinance requires Uber drivers to have insurance and undergo background checks. The companies would also have to pay a yearly fee to operate in Anchorage.

“If Uber comes to town, that’s what Uber has to pay: $15,000 to operate all their vehicles,” Evans said.

Uber previously operated in Anchorage from September 2014 to March 2015, when a judge ordered the company to either continue offering its rides for free, comply with all local taxi rules or cease operations.

Uber drivers had given free rides while the company negotiated with the city over regulations. But the negotiations ultimately failed and Uber suspended its Anchorage operations.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 3

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, speaks to members of the Senate majority caucus’ leadership group on Friday, April 12, 2024. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Education, energy and elections among priorities of Alaska Senate’s post-election agenda

Senate’s previous bipartisan majority will continue, albeit a bit smaller, after election.

A statue of William Henry Seward stands outside the Dimond Courthouse in downtown Juneau. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau man gets 18-year prison sentence for sexual abuse of a minor

Craig Foster, 63, pleaded guilty to charge involving girl between 9 and 11 years old.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Monday, Nov. 4, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, speaks in favor of Senate Bill 48, the carbon credits bill, on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in the Alaska House. At background is Department of Resources Commissioner John Boyle and staff supporting the bill. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Alaska House control flips from predominantly Republican coalition to mostly Democratic coalition

Preliminary election results show the new House majority will have at least 22 members.

West Juneau homes on Douglas Island late Thursday afternoon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
What will Trump as president again and a more liberal Alaska Legislature mean for Juneau?

Election appears to shake up federal and state governments in different ways, leaving lots of unknowns.

Most Read