GONZALES - The Ascension Parish President says the Parish Council is to consider the introduction of an ordinance that would allow ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft to operate within the boundaries of the parish.

The ordinance will be discussed at a Thursday meeting of parish officials.

“This ride sharing ordinance will be great for Ascension Parish,” President Matassa said. “It not only provides residents with a cost-effective mode of transportation, but it also opens up the possibility of new jobs for interested drivers.”

Uber, which currently serves Baton Rouge, operates in over 400 cities in 65 countries. Lyft, a competitor, is also seeing great expansion into new markets.

“We look forward to expanding safe, reliable transportation options and flexible work opportunities throughout the Ascension Parish community,” said Thomas Hayes, general manager of Uber Louisiana. “If passed into law, Ascension Parish would join their neighbors in East Baton Rouge, other Louisiana communities like New Orleans and Lafayette, and 30 states across the country that have welcomed Uber with sensible, modern ride sharing laws.”