A representative from Uber, the app-based ride service, and local Uber drivers spoke to the Auburn City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
The City Council tabled an ordinance on vehicle-for-hire services that would allow police to arrest drivers operating without a city-issued business license and commercial insurance until Jan. 6.
Uber spokeswoman Carla Jacobs said Uber provides commercial insurance to its drivers when a passenger is in the vehicle.
"The ordinance before the Council tonight has insurance requirements that would prevent Uber from operating in Auburn," Jacobs said.
Jacobs said other cities Uber operates in have created a new licensing process allowing Uber drivers to collectively buy a license.
Jacobs said Uber does background checks on all its drivers.
City Manager Charles Duggan said the insurance requirements in the ordinance are similar to requirements in Seattle, where Uber operates legally.
"I don't know why (the insurance requirements) would keep them out the market," Duggan said.
Mayor Bill Ham said the city is trying to create a level playing field for taxis and Uber.
Ham said he received a call from Uber's attorney Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 16.
"(Uber) felt like they were just a few things [away] from making the city happy as far as regulations go," Ham said.
Ham suggested the Council table the ordinance to allow the city's attorneys to negotiate with Uber.
Uber drivers also turned out to voice their support for the company.
Ann Wittnebel said she drives part time for Uber and has no previous experience as a taxi driver.
"I have worked as a designated driver, and I'm a mother," Wittnebel said.
Wittnebel added she understands what it's like to send a child to college and worry about their transportation.
"I hope that because [Uber is] new and different that were not going to lose sight of the type of service that we're providing," Wittnebel said.
Anthony Hamilton, junior in industrial design, said he was also an Uber driver.
"When I saw Uber was coming to town, I was floored because I needed a job that allowed me to work on my own time," Hamilton said.
Hamilton said he used to work for Domino's Pizza, but couldn't work the hours and go to school at the same time.
Hamilton said it's a perfect job for him, but other college students may find it hard to meet Uber's standards, such as a driver must be 21 years old, have perfect driving record and have a 2005 or newer four-door car.
Hamilton said he thinks insurance requirements should change -- not just for Uber, but for taxi companies as well.
"I shouldn't be insured when I'm in the bathtub," Hamilton said, referring to the requirement of taxi drivers to have commercial insurance at all times. "And it is unfair for the commercial taxi drivers that they have to be insured when they're in the bathtub."
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