Opinion: Where in the world is Uber? Not Kansas or Springfield

I don’t understand all the buzz about Uber. I mean, the ride-share program is inventive and capitalistic. Props for that.

But to engage in a fight with an entire state and scout out new markets in a hush-hush manner, just leaves me wondering: Is it worth the fuss? More specifically, is it worth the fuss for Uber-less Springfield?

Last week, the Kansas legislature created regulations for private-driver services, such as Uber Technologies Inc., to carry certain automobile insurance and for those behind the wheel to undergo background checks. Seems sensible given the Uber model connects strangers via a mobile app to arrange for rides for payment with independent contractors.

Yet, according to the Kansas City Business Journal, Uber responded with a message on its app: “KANSAS JUST SHUT DOWN UBER.”

No, it did not. Uber chose to cease operations in the state in response to a new law. The company had been operating in the Wichita, Kan., market since August and was starting service in four other cities.

In Springfield, there are job postings at Indeed.com from April 28 that promote $20 per hour in fares and working on your own schedule. Yet Uber officials are telling us nothing about a planned entry. They only are saying they are interested in all markets. So it seems job postings for Uber drivers are no indication the company has immediate plans. Feels more like testing the waters.

On the face of it, though, is Springfield ripe for Uber? It seems cities with Uber potential would be those with a healthy dose of city transit traffic.

San Francisco-based Uber is doing something right. It operates in 57 countries. In Missouri, Uber drivers are working in Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia, but those markets haven’t been without regulatory fights and threats, akin to that of Kansas.

Can’t play by the rules of the city or state? I say find a ride somewhere else.

Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson can be reached at eolson@sbj.net.