DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
A briefing on the Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program and recommended program changes
SUMMARY:
Center City Development & Operations (CCDO) will provide a briefing on the Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program and the recommendations related to regulating dockless vehicles.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On October 11, 2018, City Council adopted a pilot program that created both a permitting structure and operational rules for dockless vehicles. These regulations established rules for how companies are allowed to deploy vehicles in the right-of-way and also clarified rules for users. Staff has been monitoring the program and coordinating enforcement with the San Antonio Police Department. By February 2019, seven companies have obtained permits and there are currently 14,100 scooters and 2,000 bicycles permitted.
On February 14th, City Council amended the pilot program to address issues with scooter clutter, safety, and impacts to Centro's Ambassador and power washing services. There was also significant concern that there are too many dockless vehicles in the San Antonio market and a moratorium was approved that prevented issuing additional permits. The mid-point amendments included hours of operation between 6 am and 11 pm and imposed stricter standards for correcting vehicles in prohibited area. Since implementation in late February, the number of total accidents reported to EMS since nighttime riding was prohibited has decreased by 36.4% and the number of accidents requiring medical transport has decreased by 27.4%.
Throughout the course of the pilot program, staff has engaged our stakeholders, the community, and riders on this issue. A community survey was initiated in January through the City's SAspeakUp platform and was widely shared on social media and through partner organizations. The SAspeakUp survey received 4,666 responses from...
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