Today's Question Blog

Are you inclined to use a car service that lacks a taxi license?

Lyft
A Lyft customer gets into a car on January 21, 2014 in San Francisco, California. The cars are identified by their pink mustaches. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

"The ride-sharing company Lyft announced it is kicking off its service in Minneapolis. However, Minneapolis officials say the company's model violates city ordinances," writes MPR News reporter Brandt Williams.

"Lyft allows people to use their own cars to give other people rides. Riders can use a mobile phone app to find a participating driver in their area. The company is already operating in St. Paul and about 20 other cities around the country."

Minneapolis city officials, however, say Lyft is like a taxi service and should be regulated as such.

"The point of licensing is to ensure that drivers and passengers are protected," said city spokesman Matt Lindstrom. "Customers should have confidence that the service they're using is meeting safety and other standards."

Today's Question: Are you inclined to use a car service that lacks a taxi license?