Ride-sharing companies, such as Uber and Lyft, have operated legally in Austin under a temporary agreement since late November. These companies, also called transportation network companies, or TNCs, have gained popularity in other states by providing an alternative to traditional taxi service. Existing Austin cab companies have criticized the new services for violating city ordinances and permit requirements for their respective services. Yellow Cab Austin President Ed Kargbo said he is not against TNCs; however, his company and other Austin cab companies are against unequal regulations. There are some inherent advantages for the TNCs that make their operations advantageous over taxis, Kargbo said. Two such advantages, Kargbo said, are that TNCs do not have to provide handicap-accessible vehicles or endure city- or state-led background checks on drivers, instead opting for faster third-party verifications. Also, taxis cannot give free rides during popular events the same way Uber did during the two-weekend Austin City Limits Music Festival because taxi meters and fares cannot change without approval from city government. Uber and Lyft, on the other hand, have come under fire for increasing prices during peak demand periods. Uber responded Jan. 8 by announcing a 25 percent price cut to encourage more people to try the service and encourage more drivers to sign up, Uber spokeswoman Debbee Hancock said. Chris Nakutis, general manager for Uber in Texas, said his company is happy with the conditions set in the temporary agreement approved late last year, with hopes the regulations can soon become permanent. He also said ridership has continued to increase since first launching in Austin in early 2014. The agreement TNCs made with Austin is valid for one year but is up for review in April. Kargbo said he intends to continue the discussion with the new City Council members about putting taxis and TNCs on an equal playing field.