Uber returning to San Antonio immediately

The mobile app was up and running shortly after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The mobile app was up and running shortly after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close Uber returning to San Antonio immediately 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Uber is back, folks.

The San Francisco-based ride-hailing firm that matches riders and drivers through a smart-phone application has signed an operating agreement with the city of San Antonio. The service became available shortly after 3:30 p.m. today.

“Uber is excited to announce that we are returning to the streets of San Antonio. Thousands of drivers will be able to earn money in their own neighborhoods again,” Uber spokeswoman Debbee Hancock told the Express-News. “And tens of thousands of riders will have a safe alternative to drinking and driving with just the tap of a button. We are grateful for Mayor Taylor’s leadership and efforts to bring back Uber San Antonio.”

Both Uber and Lyft ceased operations in San Antonio on April 1, when an ordinance took effect that required drivers for the companies to undergo a city-conducted fingerprint-based background check. Both companies said their third-party background checks based on Social Security numbers are more effective.

In August, the City Council struck a deal with Lyft for a nine-month pilot program that would provide consumer choice regarding background checks. Drivers are required to pass the company’s background check before starting but could also volunteer to undergo the city’s background check. Drivers who do so could then indicate on their driver profiles that they’ve gone through the process.

Despite the August approval, Lyft has yet to identify a start date for its pilot program.

Uber has now agreed to the same operating agreement and will apparently beat Lyft to restarting.

While Lyft left the area completely on April 1, Uber remained – serving suburban cities and unincorporated Bexar County.

At the conclusion of the pilot program, the City Council is expected to revisit ride-hailing and adopt permanent regulations for the technology.

jbaugh@express-news.net

Twitter: @jbaugh