Ocean Springs will study Uber service

OCEAN SPRINGS -- Resident Shea Dobson told the Board of Aldermen on Tuesday night Uber would be great for Ocean Springs and the Coast.

"Wherever Uber goes, DUIs go down," Dobson said. "Please consider it."

Uber is a national driver-on-demand service that allows customers to call a ride with an app.

Resident Ken Altman said his experience with Uber has been "excellent."

Mayor Connie Moran put the issue on the agenda for discussion and aldermen voted Tuesday night to send it to the city's Economic Development Council for serious consideration.

Alderman Bobby Cox said, "It sounds like a good service, but I'm sure it needs regulating."

Alderman Mike Impey said, "I think Uber is suited for a city like Ocean Springs with no taxi service.

"Personally I'd like to see it expedited and try to keep regulations to a minimum.

"Government tries to regulate things to death."

Uber regulates itself, he said.

Alderman Matt McDonnell said he'd like to see whatever regulations be consistent across the Coast.

One woman told the board she called a taxi recently. It took an hour to arrive and the driver was grumpy, she said.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 9:23 PM with the headline "Ocean Springs will study Uber service ."