Soon people in Sioux Falls will be able to ride and possibly even drive with Uber.

According to the city attorney's office, Rasier LLC, a subsidiary of the transportation network company Uber, the civilian taxi referral service filled paperwork last week to begin operating in Sioux Falls.

The application paves the way for Sioux Falls drivers enlisted with Uber to use the smartphone app provided by the company to connect drivers with people looking for rides.

Details on the exact date when Uber will begin operating in Sioux Falls is still unclear. Carla Jacobs, a spokesperson for Uber said, we should know more in the next few weeks.

The soonest Uber can begin operating in the state is July 1, 2016. That is the date the new state law regarding Transportation Network Companies takes effect.

In November of 2015, the Sioux Falls City Council established TNC regulations, which require things like background checks and insurance requirements.

In March of this year, South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard signed into law the rules that allow TNC drivers to operate without commercial license plates, the main difference between traditional taxi cab companies and transportation network companies. The law also requires Uber or other TNCs to protect their drivers and customers with their own insurance policies.

Another speed bump Uber must cross before they can hit Sioux Falls streets is obtaining a sales tax license through the South Dakota Department of Revenue. Once obtained they will need to provide proof of it to the city licensing office.

As of Monday, June 20, 2016, that hadn't happened yet.

According to Sioux Falls licensing specialist, Jamie Palmer, nothing can be done with the application until July, 1, 2016.

Source: The Argus Leader

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