Uber, Lyft want records kept private

Uber and Lyft want to keep parts of their applications to become licensed transportation companies in Columbus from the public.

The two San Francisco-based companies wrote in court filings that all or parts of applications they filed with the city last month contain proprietary trade secrets that are exempt from Ohio’s public-records laws, according to a Columbus Dispatch story.

Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Kimberly Cocroft granted on Friday Uber Technologies Inc.’s request for a temporary restraining order.

Lyft Inc. filed for a similar order on Monday that would shield its entire application, plus the applications submitted by potential drivers.

No licenses have been issued, though, because Columbus has asked the two companies to clarify their insurance policies, said Amanda Ford, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Uber officials said last week they had not talked to city of Dayton officials, but added they welcomed opening communication with the city.