Maryland Legislation on Web-Based, Ride-Sharing Likely

Two Maryland lawmakers who pushed unsuccessfully for measures to address regulatory concerns about Web-based ride-sharing services say they believe the matter will likely come before the Legislature again next year, after a state commission ruled this week that the service is subject to state regulation.

Del. Ben Barnes and Sen. Bill Ferguson said Friday they are concerned that using old forms of regulation on these new business models could harm their ability to flourish as more people are starting to use them.

The Maryland Public Service Commission ruled Wednesday that Uber Technologies Inc. is a common carrier, subject to the same regulations as all other passenger-for-hire services.

Maryland is the first state to categorize Uber as a common carrier. Uber connects drivers with passengers using a smartphone application.