Time to share in the US

Taxi apps may be the rage in China but the US has seen rideshare startups, such as SideCar, Lyft InstantCab and Uber, move into the fast lane.

These apps are also facing a stricter regulatory climate, but they have billing functions that users can handle through their bankcards.

However, taxi companies have accused the app operators of acting illegally and endangering passenger safety.

In November, the California Public Utilities Commission issued cease-and-desist letters and $20,000 fines to these ridesharing startups.

But drivers and passengers protested the decision in front of City Hall in San Francisco. A commission of inquiry was set up, and the fines were suspended.

The commission gave a green light in July and created a category called Transportation Network Company, which specifically refers to these startups.

They will remain in operation as long as they can get a license from the commission that mandates criminal background checks on drivers, zero tolerance on drugs and alcohol, a driver training program and a minimum of $1 million per incident insurance coverage.

China may be their next stop.

Uber started a test program in Shanghai in August, focusing on limousine services.

Zhang Lei