Mountain Brook gives Uber green light to bring in its ride sharing services to B'ham Metro Area
MOUNTAIN BROOK, Ala.
At a Mountain Brook hair salon, some people there seemed thrilled about ride-sharing company Uber operating in that city.
We'll be happy to have it," a worker said.
Whenever stylist Caroline Schatten isn't working and is vacationing, she says she avoids the traditional taxicabs.
"I take Uber all the time in different cities and I think it's time we have it. The taxi services are not very prompt," Schatten said.
Mountain Brook became the first city in the Birmingham metro area, to give Uber the green light to bring in its services.
"It's great to hear that the Mountain Brook City Council proactively passed sensible regulations enabling Uber to operate in the community, and we thank the council for their leadership. We look forward to providing Mountain Brook residents with safe rides," Uber's Kaitlin Durkosh said.
The city will require drivers to undergo background checks and have car insurance.
Uber drivers can take riders there where ever they'd like to go, but the driver can't pick them up from cities the company isn't allowed to operate.
"My son lives in L.A. and takes Uber all the time and just think it's great," Mena Brock said.
"It's just easier to do on your app and it's more convenient," Schatten said.
City leaders say they have the right to audit Uber to make sure the company follows the city's requirements and to protect Mountain Brook passengers.
The company is deciding on a date to launch.
Uber will have to pay Mountain Brook $500 a year to make runs in the city.