HOUSTON (AP) – Anybody using Uber in Houston during Super Bowl week can thank the big game for their ride.
Up until a couple of months ago, it was unclear if the popular ride-hailing service would be helping shuttle many of the more than 1 million people expected to take part in Super Bowl-related activities in the host city.
Uber had threatened to leave Houston ahead of the festivities, insisting various city regulations, including fingerprint background checks of drivers, were too burdensome and prevented drivers from working.
Houston officials and Uber reached a compromise in November, keeping the service in the city through at least the Super Bowl. But the dispute highlights the ongoing debate many cities across the country have had with the app over how to balance sufficient regulation and public safety.
Kyle Chank, director of transportation and operations with the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee, said organizers are “definitely glad” Uber will be one of transportation choices for people.