City of San Antonio - File #: 16-1863

• File #: 16-1863
• Type: City Code Amendments
• In control: City Council A Session
• On agenda: 3/3/2016
• Posting Language: An Ordinance amending Article I (General Provisions), Article IV (Horse-Drawn Carriages), Article V (Limousine Services), Article VI (Pedicab Services), Article VII (Tour and Charter Service) and Article VIII (Taxicabs) and adding Article III (Group Cycle Services) to Chapter 33 of the City Code of San Antonio, Texas, to amend the definitions, modify the procedures and regulations relating to operating permits, drivers permits and vehicles, allow for equine drawn carriages, modify certain fees, and to adopt rules and regulations for the operation of group cycles, with penalties for violations. [Erik Walsh, Deputy City Manager; William McManus, Chief of Police]

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
3/3/2016	1	City Council A Session	Motion to Approve	Pass

DEPARTMENT: Police


DEPARTMENT HEAD: William McManus, Chief of Police


COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide


SUBJECT: Chapter 33 Proposed Revisions


SUMMARY:

The San Antonio Police Department recently presented to the Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Services Committee proposed Changes to Chapter 33. This Chapter regulates the vehicle for hire industries in San Antonio, which include Taxicabs, Limousines, Tours, Charters, Pedicabs, and Horse-drawn Carriages. Recently the introduction of a new industry, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), has changed the market environment for the existing companies and unlike non-regulated industries the vehicle for hire industry cannot adjust to their changing environment without changes to the City Code.

Since October 2015 the industries have been working with the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and City staff on developing changes to Chapter 33 that will assist them in this changing market place. The TAB approved all of these changes on October 26, 2015. Although a number of requirements were relaxed to assist the industries, public safety remained a primary focus.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

On June 22, 2015, the TAB recommended approval of the addition of Article III Group Cycle to Chapter 33. Group Cycles are pedal driven vehicles that accommodate multiple passengers operating as a short-distance shuttle between various entertainment, dinning, hotel and nightclubs.

On August 13, 2015, the San Antonio City Council passed an ordinance allowing the City Manager to approve an operating agreement with TNCs that would allow them to operate in San Antonio for a nine-month trial period. Other parts of the vehicle for hire industry began to request changes to Chapter 33.

On August 29, 2015, SAPD Interim Police Chief Anthony Trevino addressed the TAB encouraging them to review and recommend changes to Chapter 33. The TAB created a TAB Sub-Committee to propose revisions.

During th...