S.L. OKs shuttle use for retailers event

Just in time for Salt Lake City's largest annual convention — the summer Outdoor Retailer convention — the City Council tweaked its transportation rules Tuesday to allow shuttle companies to operate during the convention.

Mayor Rocky Anderson's administration had sent a letter to transportation companies stating that under recently adjusted laws the City Council had inadvertently made it so only taxi cab companies and limousine companies could operate in Salt Lake City.

Suburban shuttle services had cried foul and Tuesday the council changed its transportation ordinances to allow shuttle companies to operate. The outside companies can now contract with hotels to provide service and also can provide on-call service if their customers give 30 minutes notice.

Taxis, as always, can provide service on demand, whenever someone wants a ride. Taxi companies are given the protection because they are regulated by the city and forced to provide 24-hour service, unlike the shuttle companies.

The City Council is considering more sweeping changes to the city's transportation rules, which could be coming in the next few months.