Uber and Lyft return to Austin

Anyone alive and on the internet in the past few days has heard the news that Uber and Lyft are back in Austin, as of Monday. That’s when Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 100 into law, which creates statewide rules for transportation network companies. It also voids the regulations of local jurisdictions like Austin – a city with voters that a year ago overwhelmingly supported fingerprinting drivers and other safety measures that Uber and Lyft said were too strenuous. “Today, we’re excited to be rolling back into town,” Uber said in an email blast on Monday. “We know we left quickly last year, but we never stopped listening. Our Austin team is working hard to make the Uber experience better than ever—for drivers, riders, and this amazing city you call home.” Lyft struck a similarly conciliatory tone, saying in a Monday blog post that it was “honored and excited to bring reliable, affordable rides back to” Austin. It also highlighted partnerships with local organizations like the Heath Alliance for Austin Musicians and discount deals with local restaurants Kerbey Lane Cafe, Peached Tortilla, Chilantro and Churro Co.