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Ashland City Council overruled Mayor John Stromberg’s veto Tuesday night on an ordinance to allow Uber and Lyft to operate in Ashland. The changes will go into effect in 30 days after Tuesday’s 4-2 vote, and it does not require the mayor’s signature. The council tried to negotiate with the transportation network companies to provide stricter requirements for drivers that are more closely aligned with what taxi cab companies use, including more in-depth background checks and requirements to have vehicles that can transport wheelchairs. But the companies wouldn’t budge, and after more than a year of trying to negotiate, the majority of the council felt that it was worth settling on the companies’ terms. The ordinance originally passed with a majority vote Feb. 5, but the mayor vetoed it Feb. 10, citing a list of concerns, including large corporations paving their way into Ashland and their impact on local taxi companies. A number of Ashland taxi employees spoke at the public forum portion of the discussion Tuesday, including owner of Cascade Airport Shuttle Nancy Buffington. The rules set in place for taxi companies should apply to the ride-sharing companies, she said. The rules are there to uphold safety for customers, such as a required fingerprint background check for drivers through the Ashland Police Department. “What company would have an objection to having their employees fingerprinted?” Buffington asked. “All (Uber/Lyft) are interested in is an online seven-year look back, and I don’t think that’s sufficient.” Buffington cited a Denver Post article that said Uber allowed 57 people with past criminal or motor-vehicle offenses to drive. Several Medford Uber or Lyft drivers are listed on yellowpages.com, Buffington said, and she has a recorded call with one agreeing to pick her up in Ashland. She said her business has been in operation since 1984, and she’s owned it since 2007. “We have a very loyal following, we rely on our locals as our bread and butter,” Buffington said. “I’m afraid I might have to raise my rates for the first time in 11 years.” She said she expects she’ll lose business in the tourist season, even though her flat-rate service is cheaper than Uber’s and Lyft’s. Although the ordinance passed, there’s no guarantee the companies will begin serving Ashland yet. This is a developing story. Check back later today for updates. Contact Tidings reporter Caitlin Fowlkes at [email protected] or 541-776-4496. Follow her on Twitter @cfowlkes6.