ASHLAND, Ore.--Before today, people had to rely on taxis in Ashland, but starting today at 9 in the morning, riders could open up their ride share apps and request a ride in Ashland.

Before Uber and Lyft drivers start picking up passengers in Ashland, they'll have to register with the Ashland Police Department. 

"Come to the Ashland Police Department and apply for a permit, it's a very quick process, theres's a one page form," says Police Chief Tighe O'Meara.

O'Meara says you must bring proof that you've been cleared to drive by the TNC, your drivers license, proof of insurance, and proof of registration. He says that these are the same rules that apply to taxi drivers too.

"We very deliberatetly, the citys attorney office and the city council very deliberatly made the rules the same for everybody," says O'Meara.

Newswatch 12 talked with an Uber driver who has been driving since the first day Uber came to Medford. Leslie Carpenter says that ride share companies expanding to Ashland will help her to get more rides.

"There's a real concentration of drivers right now in Medford. It will open up Medford a little bit, it will spread everybody out," says Carpenter. 

She has been waiting for this day for a while now. 

"I think all the residents here and especially the college students are really really happy that its here," Carpenter says.