Ride share companies do not want to be held to the same standards as taxis.  While many customers enjoy the ease, availability and reliability of rideshare services, some lawmakers have concerns about companies such as Uber, Sidecar and Lyft.  Most services that transport passengers for hire are classified as common carriers. Taxis, buses and trains are considered common carriers. 

 By law, common carriers must use the “highest care and the vigilance of a very cautious person.  They must do all that can be done under the circumstances to avoid harm to passengers and property."  But a typical driver only owes a duty of ordinary care to a passenger.  Enhanced duties allow an injured passenger to recover more easily from a taxi driver and the taxi company. The ride share services have fought the common carrier classification.  They want to be held to the lower ordinary care standard.