Quinn Vetoes Ride-Sharing Legislation


Gov. Pat Quinn says the so-called "Uber" bill--named in reference to one of the companies that offers commercial ride-sharing--would have mandated a one-size-fits-all approach to a service he believes is best regulated at the local level. The taxi industry and supporters vow to fight the veto, and work toward an override of the veto, since the bill passed both houses of the General Assembly with overwhelming support. Meanwhile, Chicago's own ordinance regulating the service, provided by companies like Uber, Lyft and Sidecar, goes into effect Tuesday, Aug. 26.


Read statements from Quinn, Emanuel, State Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside), and Lyft about the veto.

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"The principle of home rule is an important one," Gov. Pat Quinn said. "I am vetoing this legislation because it would have mandated a one-size-fits-all approach to a service that is best regulated at the local level.”

“I want to thank Governor Quinn for his thoughtful approach to regulating an emerging industry so that new transportation options can flourish in Chicago while consumers are ensured a safe and reliable experience,” Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “Beginning next week, the City will implement the commonsense ordinance that passed City Council in May so that rideshare is no longer operating in a regulatory vacuum.”

"I'm disappointed that the two bills I worked on this spring to put consumer safety first and provide a fair marketplace for the ridesharing services were vetoed. I disagree with the contention that this should be decided only locally, as these services stretch across city and county lines and the bills would provide important baseline protections that local governments could build upon,” State Rep. Mike Zalewski (D-Riverside) said. “Both the main bill and trailer bill received overwhelming support in the House and Senate in the spring. I will now talk with my colleagues and evaluate the best path for moving forward. It is clear to me we need to provide consumers with the assurances they will get to their destinations safely when they use these services."

“By vetoing HB 4075 and HB 5551, Governor Quinn has sent a strong message in support of Illinois residents who want access to the convenient and safe transportation options that ridesharing provides. Lyft's peer-to-peer model enables communities to enjoy affordable and reliable transportation alternatives while creating new economic opportunities for residents.” Lyft said in a statement. “The legislation – designed to protect entrenched industries and maintain the status quo – would have stifled innovation and reduced consumer choice. We applaud Governor Quinn’s leadership in standing up for consumers' right to choose ridesharing, which has forged a path for other governors across the country to follow. We look forward to seeing Lyft grow and thrive in Illinois.”

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