N.J. Legislature tightens rules for Uber, Lyft

Updated: DECEMBER 29, 2016 — 1:08 AM EST

by Andrew Seidman, TRENTON BUREAU  @AndrewSeidman

Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have been operating in New Jersey for years, but the state doesn’t regulate how they contract with drivers, insure, or provide other protections to consumers.

That could change soon, pending Gov. Christie’s approval.

During a marathon session before the holidays, the Democratic-controlled Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill that specifies how much insurance ride-hailing companies must maintain, and establishes requirements for conducting background checks on drivers.

So-called transportation network companies would be prohibited from discriminating against riders based on their destination, race, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity, among other things.

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