The city of Galveston new regulation requires TNC companies drivers to pass the fingerprint and background check which don’t go into effect until March 1, the regulation also has other requirement such as control of the rates charged, control of the number of vehicles operated per driver and even an additional operating license, to name a few.

Uber management were very disappointed about the new regulation, and pointed the finger at the City of Galveston for being too harsh on them, and that the city is anti enovation and does not want to provide alternative choice to the city resident.

Galveston’s city officials comment about the new regulation were very simple, and stated that the new revaluation requires TNC’s to do the same thing that other vehicles for hire do

According to the Galveston Police Department, during the first weekend of Mardi Gras celebrations, more than 100 tickets were issued to Uber drivers for oerating illegally on the street of the city.

For other transportations alternative you can always call Galveston Shuttle and book a private car with them

Until something change with the city of Galveston, there is no UBER in Galveston TX.

 

This is the message that was send to Uber drivers in Galveston:

Since Uber first became available in the City of Galveston in 2014, you have played a significant role in making the streets a safer and better place for everyone. You made it easy for people to make the right choice not to drink and drive. And you extended a friendly, Texas-sized welcome to visitors who needed a ride around town. We can’t thank you enough for all of your hard work, and we appreciate and value your partnership. Unfortunately, as a result of new rules passed by Galveston City Council, we are disappointed to announce that we will be ceasing operations in Galveston effective today, February 1. These new regulations will make it difficult for partners to earn extra money on a flexible schedule and create barriers to entry instead of improving access to reliable transportation options such as ridesharing.

Cities across the U.S. have embraced Uber’s innovative model – including College Station, San Marcos, and Beaumont in the past few months – but a very small handful of cities have decided to impose burdensome regulations on this new economic engine. We know from experience in other markets that these rules can have a devastating impact on our ability to provide the experience that riders and drivers have come to expect. As an Uber partner, you will still be able to receive requests outside of Galveston and drop off within Galveston, but you will no longer be able to receive requests within Galveston city limits.

We hope the City Council will reconsider their decision so drivers like you can once again serve the community while earning extra income on your own schedule.

Thank you again for your partnership. It has been a pleasure to help serve the people of Galveston with you.

We will keep you updated on any progress related to the City’s ordinance. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at partnershouston@uber.com.

Uber General Manager,

Sarfraz Maredia