MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis is among cities nationwide deciding how best to regulate app-based rideshare companies that connect drivers to passengers.

A hearing at Minneapolis City Hall Tuesday drew a large crowd. Taxi industry representatives argue that companies such as Uber and Lyft should be subject to the same regulations. But the smartphone-based companies say their services are unique. Their chauffeurs use their personal vehicles to transport customers and allow both the user and the provider to rate the experience.

“I have now built relationships with many of the drivers in the Lyft community,” said Lyft customer Jesson Hunt. “I know them, they know me. I know their back story, they know mine.”