Uber, taxi discussion rolls into High Desert

Ride-sharing service Uber has grown rapidly since its inception in March 2009. It’s available in 52 countries around the world, and 157 cities in North America. As of now, two of those cities are in Oregon.

But as one of those cities fights to change that, it’s never too early to consider Bend as a third option.

There are several cities with smaller populations than Bend that currently have Uber cars rolling through their streets.

According to city officials, Uber hasn’t been discussed as an option, but City Attorney Mary Winters said over the phone that as long as the company follows regulations, they’d be welcomed.

Speaking with a few cab companies in Bend late Wednesday, the sentiment is similar. They’d be willing to fight for fares, as long as the company plays fair.

“I’ve competed with cab companies for the last 20 years,” said Bend Cab Company General Manager Ben Nichols. “If they’re going to come here, they’re going to come here. But what I want is fairness.”

It’s been the sticking point in Portland. Uber has refused to meet background check guidelines required by the city for taxi companies. According to Taxis of Bend owner Randy Mahaney, Uber’s current employees wouldn’t be up to snuff.

“We tell every aspect of our background,” Mahaney said. “There is no way the common person is going to go through that background check.”

Uber’s response? Change the law, not our company.

“We appreciate the way residents have welcomed Uber into the Rose City,” Eva Behrend, Uber spokeswoman, said via email. “In less than 24 hours, more than 10,000 Portland residents signed the petition in support of Uber and we remain hopeful that the city will listen to Portlanders who want safe, reliable, hassle-free ride options now.”

Safety, however, remains the biggest topic of concern for cab companies on the High Desert.

“I think the general public needs to know that their transportation provider is FBI background-checked and a licensed cab driver in that city,” Nichols said.

At least one resident agrees, to a point. At the Redmond Airport, Shari Cartee just hopped off her flight from Seattle.

“I like the idea of Uber, because of the convenience,” Cartee said. “But I also think it should be regulated.”

However, when asked if regulations would matter if she needed a ride in a pinch, she said, “I don’t think so.”

Bend regulations on cab companies don’t fill much more than a page, but calls for background checks similar to that of Portland. In Eugene, city regulators have shot a $2,000 fine toward Uber for operating without a license. The company is seeking a dismissal of the fine.