Uber close to returning to Portland, with regulations

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Uber is close to returning to Portland.

The city's Private For-Hire Innovation Task Force released details Monday of a 120-day pilot program that would allow ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft to operate legally.

Uber launched Portland service in December, but quickly stopped after the city took legal action. The sides agreed to let things settle for a few months while the task force established regulations that would cover ride-sharing companies.

The proposed rules require Uber drivers to have liability insurance and background checks.

Existing cab companies, however, say the playing field remains uneven. Uber would be allowed to increase prices when demand is high and won't have to provide wheelchair-accessible service.

The city says Uber has paid $67,750 in fines for the period when it operated illegally.