By JIM TURNER AND DARA KAM
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, March 1, 2016………. The Senate has scuttled efforts to reach a compromise on a heavily lobbied proposal involving app-based transportation services, an official from the ride-sharing service Uber said Tuesday.
But Senate leaders said they’re still working to advance legislation, as the annual session prepares to end next week.
The Senate and House have taken different positions on legislation that has been called the “Uber bill.” Senate leaders have focused on adding insurance requirements for drivers, while the House has approved a more-sweeping measure that would block local governments from regulating ride-sharing services.
Colin Tooze, public affairs director for Uber, blamed Senate President Andy Gardiner for the stalled talks and pointed to close ties between the powerful lawmaker and Orlando-based Mears Transportation.
“We have not had the same opportunity to make our case in the Florida Senate because of one termed-out individual’s cozy relationship with one taxi company in his district,” Tooze said in a conference call with reporters.
