You are correct, Carmel does have a different business model than Lyft. I mentioned it though, because /u/trouser_tiger was implying that MTC was not going to allow competition, unless bribed, which is a pretty bold lie. Carmel

And, you also are correct, that Lyft is not a taxi service. But, they still fall under MTC's authority (emphasis added, mine):

No Person shall own, operate or lease a vehicle for hire service, purchase any assets from a vehicle for hire service to be issused in the conduct of a similar service or conduct dispatch operations without first obtaining a CCN or appropriate permit, permission or license for the operation of such service from the MTC. (revised 10/21/13)

But, this extends beyond MTC's jurisdiction too. Missouri requires a Class E license for the following:

You must obtain a Class E license if you receive pay for driving a motor vehicle that transports 14 passengers or less, or if you transport items as part of your job. This rule applies to workers such as messengers, taxi drivers, chauffeurs, shuttle bus drivers, pizza delivery drivers, and day-care-center employees, to name a few.

Also known as a for-hire license, a Class E license allows you to drive any vehicle with a 26,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that does not require a hazardous materials placard.

Now, I don't want to come off as if I don't support the idea of alternatives to traditional transportation. I want companies like Lyft, Uber, and Carmel to be welcome, and accepted in St. Louis. But, I also think it's kind of insulting for a company to come into our town, and tell us that our laws are wrong, and because of that, they're not going to follow them. If Lyft came to town, applied with the MTC, and was rejected without any indication of negotiation, then I'd be with you. I also believe that many regulations that the MTC has, should not apply to companies like Lyft.

Just because people like their business model more, or dislike the competition, or have similar insurance and safety policies (which is all true) does not mean they do not have to work within our legal system, by complying, or getting the laws changed.

In conclusion, I brought my points up to address /u/trouser_tiger's accusation that Lyft was banned because they had not bribed the MTC, which is not true. They are currently banned in St. Louis, because they are not complying with our laws (whether they are just or not).