Lyft lands in San Antonio but faces banishment

Back in March I attended the Lyft kick-off party at the Ocho bar in Havana Hotel. The event was sponsored by Yelp and featured the Lyft pink mustache logo. The concept seemed simple enough:

Regular people sign up to be added to the Lyft app database of drivers who act like a taxi service. From the Lyft app on your phone you can request a ride and pay with the touch of a button. It's called "Ride-sharing". The drivers are put through a background check and face-to-face interview before being approved.

Although I haven't needed to use the service, it seems like a clever idea and it's cheaper than using a traditional taxi cab.

Lately Lyft has been getting some bad rep in the news. Apparently the city of San Antonio has been sending out its law enforcement to, not just give out tickets but, actually impound the cars of the drivers. The concept has so far been successful in Dallas and Houston so I'm confused as to why city officials are against an idea that benefits the community financially and encourages designated drivers.

Although Lyft remains illegal in San Antonio for now, the organization is working with city officials to have that changed. Meanwhile, the app on my phone seems to still be working and the company's signature pink mustaches are still up around downtown.

I like the concept but, until I hear that it receives city approval, I'll stick to yellow cab for now.

#lyft