PITTSBURGH — The state Public Utility Commission approved emergency permits Thursday for two ride-sharing companies to operate in the Pittsburgh area.

The PUC had previously obtained cease-and-desist orders — which the San Francisco-based firms Lyft and Uber ignored — over concerns that drivers, their vehicles, and — especially — their insurance didn’t meet regulations for taxi cabs and other similar services.

Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft use smart phone apps to dispatch drivers who use their own personal vehicles to give people rides. The drivers then share the fares they collect with the companies.

Mayor Bill Peduto and scores of ride-sharing customers had lobbied the PUC to allow the services to continue operating in Allegheny County, saying they provide a much-needed alternative to cab and limo services. The five-member commission agreed the “emergency temporary authority” it granted would provide an “immediate and substantial benefit” to the public.

Uber and Lyft praised the ruling.

“With this decision, the PUC has recognized that regulations can and should be modernized to allow innovative industries to thrive while maintaining the highest level of public safety,” Lyft said. Uber’s statement was similar: “Today common sense prevailed, and we applaud the PUC for recognizing the critical need for safe, reliable transportation options in Pittsburgh.”

Both companies have separate applications pending to operate permanently in the county and statewide. Permanent licenses require hearings before administrative law judges and other proceedings.