Ridesharing company again offering free rides after drivers cited

Associated Press

BOISE - The ridesharing company Uber is going back to offering free promotional rides in Boise after two of its drivers received citations for failing to have commercial transport service driver's licenses.

The company on Thursday said it is reinstating free rides after learning drivers could face arrest and jail time for charging riders.

In an email to Uber drivers in

Boise, the company said it's making the move for the "safety and well-being of driver-partners."

The company had been offering free rides until late last month when it activated the "pay feature" on its ride-hailing app.

But the city Dec. 31 sent Uber a cease and desist letter to stop charging.

Lalst weekend, city code enforcement officers using the app cited two Uber drivers who picked up passengers but didn't have the required licenses.

"City officials wanted Uber to work under regulations that other Boise cab services do, meaning they would insure their vehicles, offer complaint options for passengers and undergo routine vehicle inspections.

Uber has been offering rides in Boise since October.