AUSTIN -- On Wednesday night, for the first time, vehicle-for-hire apps Uber and Lyft joined the discussion on alternative transportation options with the City of Austin.
Representatives from Lyft and Uber were at Wednesday's meeting at One Texas Center, a gathering sponsored by the City of Austin's Transportation Department.
In March of 2014 the Austin City Council appointed a working group to study and research what forms of alternative transportation would work in the city. The public perception is that there are not enough cabs in Austin.
The working group is now looking into whether a pilot program for alternative transportation companies could work in Austin.
Vehicle-for-hire apps like Uber and Lyft are gaining popularity in other places in Texas besides Austin, and Houston officials are struggling with the debate on whether to embrace or ban them.
San Antonio was experiencing similar problems to Austin's Lyft branch, with the city issuing drivers citations and impounding cars.
The City of Austin says stakeholders plan to meet every two weeks for the next 90 days. That's when the City Council is expecting a report and or recommendations.
