Legitimate regulation

Our esteemed editors know that I am generally an opponent of vast and overarching government, and I do agree with them that it would be better for the economy and the city if small operators could more easily break into the livery market, that is transportation of people for hire.

However, the city’s banning of Uber and Lyft ride services may well have been not only a legitimate use of regulating power, but beneficial to our citizens.

I know these phone app services supposedly screen their drivers, and supposedly they have insurance, but what kind? If you do not have a much more expensive commercial policy, if your vehicle you might use to offer rides is covered under a typical personal auto policy most of us have for our commuters and personal vehicles, turn to the section called “exclusions.” Look for the word “livery” in about the first one. It means when Bubba picks up Mac to give him a ride for $1, Bubba’s personal auto policy is void.

Surely the editorialists would not want dozens of amateur taxi drivers running around the city with no insurance coverage, which would probably come as a surprise to rider and driver both.

Let’s loosen the taxi monopoly, but not pretend amateurs without proper insurance can be a solution. I have sold both kinds of policies for over 37 years. KARL T. KIMBALL

Little Rock