Austin City Council approves paid ridesharing, companies like Uber, Lyft OK to start in month

The Austin City Council has cleared the way for online-based ridesharing companies such as Lyft and Uber to begin operating in 30 days.

Council members on Thursday approved the interim ordinance pending the drawing up of final rules.

Taxi and limo companies have objected to ridesharing companies. Critics of the businesses, where drivers use their personal vehicles to transport riders, have an unfair advantage and light regulation.

The measure approved by the Austin City Council requires drivers with such transportation network companies to be covered by insurance while hauling passengers.