- Associated Press - Tuesday, January 24, 2017

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The rideshare company Lyft announced it will start providing services in Springfield, Missouri, just hours after the Missouri House gave initial approval to statewide regulations for app-based transportation companies.

Lawmakers showed support Tuesday in a voice vote for a bill requiring rideshare companies to pay a $5,000 licensing fee, conduct driver background checks and vehicle inspections, and exempt such companies from paying local or municipal taxes.

Uber and Lyft say statewide regulations could enable them to expand throughout the state, and Uber has promised up to 10,000 jobs if the legislation passes. Lyft will start offering rides in Springfield through the app at noon on Thursday.

There was little opposition to the proposal.

Rep. Lauren Arthur added an amendment that would prohibit the companies from using or distributing any personal data collected by the app including credit card information and rider or driver location.

Springfield will be the first city in Missouri to welcome Lyft after a 2014 lawsuit by the St. Louis Taxi Commission pushed it out of the city. The company decided to move to Springfield after a recent municipal ordinance passed outlining regulations similar to the proposed House bill, according to a news release.

Uber currently operates in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia.

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