Bob Clifford Testifies Before City Council Licensing Committee on UberX and Other Ride Sharing Vehicles

Robert A. Clifford, senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, testified Thursday (April 24, 2014) before the Licensing Committee of the Chicago City Council on its proposal to regulate ride sharing in the city. Safety of consumers was the underlying theme of the hearing. An ordinance is being considered that would require ride sharing companies to keep better track of its drivers, require testing of the drivers and the vehicles as well as pay taxes to the city. Clifford spoke before a crowded room about his concern over insurance issues involving those who are using their own cars to drive people around the city. It was estimated that as many as 5,000 people may be doing this part-time around Chicago, it was said at the hearing. Clifford said insurance coverage issues are a “nightmare” and asked the Committee not to “compromise or experiment,” but that its members must “take greater care before deciding what to do.” His remarks drew applause from audience members. At the same time, the Illinois state legislature also is proposing a statewide law. Clifford also recently spoke before the Illinois Transportation Committee of the House that recently passed a bill that is set to go to the Illinois Senate shortly.