Here is what to expect on the latest Somerville Neighborhood Newscast. SNN is produced by the hardworking staff, volunteers and interns at Somerville Community Access Television. We hope you read, watch and share the latest Somerville news. One news segment covered in the latest SNN is entitled: Taxi Wars by reporter Elijah Kaplan.

New, relatively unregulated “ride sharing” transportation companies like Uber and Lyft earn the praise of travelers but are prompting protests from traditional taxi drivers and others.

Across the country, and the world, the media, public officials and others are discussing how to regulate the multi-million dollar industry. Some places, like Germany, have banned the service altogether. In Somerville and the Greater Boston Area, discussions are underway, but so far no regulations, much less bans, have been announced.

In Somerville, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone likes and has used the services, City Hall reports, but also wants to make sure local taxis aren’t put out of business. “He’s a staunch supporter of innovation and he’s a strong advocate for entrepreneurs and new businesses that are creating new models and new jobs,” Denise Taylor, Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Somerville, told Somerville Neighborhood News (SNN). “Uber is no different. The Mayor loves Uber and Lyft. He’s used both services himself. But he’s also relied for a long time on our traditional taxi services so he understands and believes strongly that we need to find a solution that will both allow new businesses to enter the market while making sure that our long-time businesses aren’t put at some kind of disadvantage.”

For the full news segment visit: www.somervilleneighborhoodnews.org or watch it on Ch.3 Tuesdays at 7 p.m.