Uber says it will begin operating in Broward County again after commissioners approved looser regulations for ride-booking services.
Commissioners voted 6-2 for the new regulations during a Tuesday meeting. Uber officials say they plan to turn the app back on Thursday for the county.
"I'm just thrilled. I'm just thrilled to be back. I'm like ready to do back-flips down the street," said Cheryl Purchase, Uber driver.
Uber previously ceased operations in Broward County in July. The company said new rules raised substantial barriers for their drivers and made it impossible for the company to continue operating in the area.
Commissioners had previously pushed for more thorough background checks for drivers conducted by the county and commercial insurance.
The new regulations call for more basic background checks and letting the drivers follow state law on insurance.
"It is a very comprehensive ordinance. We wanted to make sure that whatever we passed had safeguards for our residents," said Broward County Vice Mayor Marty Kiar. "This is an evolving technology."
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Many drivers have waited tirelessly for this compromise and say it arrived just in time.
"We're getting ready to come into season. We've got Halloween coming, the holidays and that's our busiest time," Purchase said.
