NEW YORK (AP) — Ride-hailing app company Uber says it is banning its riders and drivers from carrying guns.
Uber Technologies says it is banning firearms of any kind during rides arranged through the Uber platform, and drivers or riders who violate the rule may lose access to the platform. The rules also apply to Uber’s affiliates.
The company says it changed its firearms policy this month based on feedback from riders and drivers. Previously it had deferred to local law on the issue.
Competitor Lyft also has a “no weapons” policy. According to Lyft’s website, if a driver or rider is found to have a weapon in a Lyft vehicle they’ll be barred from the platform regardless of local laws on weapons possession.
Under the new Kansas law, Uber and other ride-hailing companies are allowed to do their own private background checks on subcontracted drivers, but the attorney general also can sue them if drivers are found to have criminal backgrounds.
Uber is available in Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan and Topeka Wichita, Kansas City, Kansas, and Johnson County.