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Uber expands territory across southern Missouri

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Uber is capitalizing on Missouri legislation signed by Gov. Eric Greitens in April.

On Friday, the ride-hailing service launched in Branson, Joplin and Poplar Bluff, as well as their surrounding areas, said Uber spokeswoman Charity Jackson. Adding to existing service in the Springfield area, the latest destinations put Uber in much of southern Missouri.

During a news conference livestreamed on Facebook, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Jeff Seifried said city officials worked for over a year to bring Uber to the market.

“We didn’t actually think it would be possible for them to go live this soon, but thankfully they were committed; our city was committed to making that happen,” Seifried said alongside Branson Mayor Karen Best. “It adds to the visitor experience.

“It’s something our visitors and, frankly, our new residents expect us to have.”

In April, Greitens opened the state to transportation networking companies such as Uber and Lyft when he signed a bill regulating the companies, originally inspired by Springfield’s model. Specifically, it requires TNCs to apply annually for a permit with the Missouri Department of Revenue and maintain required insurance coverage. It also orders TNCs to conduct local and national criminal background checks for each driver and make sure all vehicles meet inspection requirements.

“Now that the governor has signed statewide ride-sharing regulations, we are looking forward to expanding operations across the entire state,” Uber’s Jackson said this morning.

Springfield’s legislation paved the way for Uber to enter the local market in November, followed by Lyft in January. TNCs also operate in the Columbia, St. Louis and Kansas City markets.

Lyft has a southern Missouri coverage area just around Springfield, according to its website.

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