Delaware and Uber sign agreement for operation

It looks like Uber is heading to Delaware. On Thursday, the Delaware Department of Transportation announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding with Uber, a ride sharing company, to approve the operation of its transportation network within the state. The agreement creates background check requirements for drivers, minimum insurance coverage, and other standards to promote safe and responsible service.

“Uber offers a new, innovative, and in-demand model of providing public carrier services, and the effort to establish this agreement shows Delaware’s continued commitment to embracing the innovations of our new economy” said Governor Markell. “I applaud the work of our Department of Transportation and Uber representatives to give Delaware riders the opportunity to benefit from the Uber experience, and to provide employment opportunities for Delawareans who choose to partner with the company to provide rides.”

“With the leadership of Governor Jack Markell, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan and DMV Director Scott Vien, Delaware has signaled it embraces innovation and supports more choice and opportunity,” said Jon Feldman, General Manager for Uber. “We look forward to continuing to work together to create a permanent regulatory framework for ridesharing, connecting residents and visitors with safe, affordable and reliable rides and creating jobs along the way.”

The agreement also makes sure that the drivers meet licensing and vehicle requirements, and will block them from picking up or soliciting riders from a designated street hail area, like in front of train stations and airports. Officials say Uber, and any other ride sharing companies that want to operate in Delaware, will be frequently audited to make sure that the company, and its drivers, following the requirements.

“I am happy that the Department was able to come to an agreement with Uber on the terms of its operations here in Delaware. Transportation Network Carriers have the potential to provide the public with new options for transit, and this MOU ensures that those options are provided to Delawareans in a responsible way,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan.

Officials say the new requirements will increase driver, and passenger safety.