Bill Would Open State to Ride-sharing Companies

Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft would be allowed entry into Montana under a bill that seeks to deregulate the taxi cab industry. House Bill 267 by Rep. Ellie Hill, D-Missoula, would repeal the requirement that a motor carrier prove public convenience and necessity in order to obtain a certificate from the Public Service Commission to operate in the state. The bill would also create a Class E certification for transportation network companies, or TNCs, including Uber and Lyft that use smart phone apps to connect passengers with drivers. And it would prohibit any local go...