Here’s the deal on Lyft returning to Kansas

Last week, we reported that Lyft was hiring drivers in the area. Then a Lyft representative denied to us that it was launching in Kansas City. So why were local drivers getting texts from Lyft about training and orientation? 

The answer arrived today: Lyft is relaunching in the area, but only in Kansas, not Missouri. 

“The current regulations in Kansas City, Missouri place unnecessarily burdensome requirements on part-time drivers, which make up the majority of Lyft’s platform,” Mary Caroline Pruitt, a Lyft spokesperson, tells The Pitch. “These rules make it nearly impossible for Lyft’s peer-to-peer transportation to thrive, which is why have no plans to relaunch in Kansas City, Missouri.”

In 2014, Lyft was sued by Kansas City, Missouri for operating illegally in the city limits. After the Kansas City, Missouri, City Council passed an ordinance amending taxi regulations, Uber stuck around, but Lyft did not. In the meantime, both ride-hailing companies have been lobbying our state governments to pass laws that would allow them to circumvent ordinances like the one in Kansas City, Missouri. 

“As of today, people can request Lyft rides in Kansas to be dropped off in Missouri, but they will not be able to request Lyft rides in the state of Missouri,” Pruitt explains. “Drivers who make drop-offs in Missouri will have to cross the state line back to Kansas to make additional pick-ups.” 

Lyft’s coverage zone in the area includes Kansas City, Kansas; Lawrence; Olathe; and Overland Park.