Uber drivers must obtain a license to operate in Auburn city limits

Last month, representatives of several local taxi companies expressed concerns about Uber to the Auburn City Council.

Uber is an online service that connects contract drivers with customers. The arrangement occurs through a smartphone application and Uber drivers are compensated for their work, similar to a taxi service. The service launched in Auburn earlier this summer.

At the September meeting, City Manager Charlie Duggan said the city will require Uber drivers to pay city taxes and license fees in order to operate.

“This appears to be a taxi service, so we’re going to treat it like one and be fair go every one that meets the regulations,” Duggan said.

The city stated in the recent release that all drivers operating “vehicles for hire” must have a city taxicab driver business license. A driver must submit a completed taxicab driver license

application and copies of the following documents to obtain a license:

» A valid Alabama driver’s license.

» A recent criminal background check.

» A driving history record.

» Proof of commercial auto insurance.

Those wishing obtain a license should go to the city’s revenue office at 144 Tichenor Ave. in downtown Auburn. If approved, they will be issued a photo ID that must be visible in the vehicle at all times.

Penalties for drivers without a license can include a fine of up to $500, and even jail time.

“Proper licensing helps protect the public safety through background and driving history checks, by ensuring that commercial licensing and insurance requirements have been met by drivers, and by informing police about authorized commercial drivers locally,” the city states.

“Proper licensing also ensures that all transportation services have a level and competitive playing field on which to operate locally, and that the same taxes, fees and requirements are equally applied to all similar commercial transportation services locally.”