Lyft returns to New Mexico
Gov. Susana Martinez welcomes the ride-booking company back to state
Gov. Susana Martinez is welcoming the ride-booking company Lyft back to New Mexico.
Regulatory uncertainty had forced the company to pull the plug on its New Mexico operations in 2015, but legislation requiring background checks among other things cleared the way for Lyft and other ride-booking companies, such as Uber, to offer services.
The governor on Thursday shook hands with Lyft drivers and the company’s manager for new markets, saying New Mexico is sending a clear message that the ride-booking industry is welcome in the state.
“Lyft provides New Mexicans with an easy way to hail safe rides home and keep drunken drivers off our roadways while embracing innovation and bringing our transportation services into the 21st century,” Martinez said during a news conference.
Flanked by two cars outfitted with small pink moustaches, a signature of Lyft, Martinez also said the industry will help tourism by providing visitors another option for roaming the state.
Lyft and Uber use smartphone apps to connect their drivers with people seeking rides.
The legal status of the companies in the state had been in limbo since they began offering service in 2014. The companies had argued that the state’s Motor Carrier Act did not apply to them because they do not operate as commercial taxi businesses.
Rep. Monica Youngblood, R-Albuquerque, was among those leading the fight to get the legislation through the GOP-controlled House and the Democrat-led Senate.
Youngblood said the legislation regulates ride-booking services in a responsible way while encouraging entrepreneurism and economic development.
Martinez signed the bill into law earlier this year.
Lyft is currently operating in Albuquerque, but company officials will be evaluating opportunities to expand to other parts of the state.
Jaime Raczka, general manager of the company’s new markets, said the signing of the legislation makes it much easier for Lyft to operate in New Mexico. She said hundreds of drivers have already signed up in Albuquerque.
Lyft in the last month also has launched new operations in cities in Georgia, Michigan and Oregon, Raczka said.