SUMMARY:
Transportation Network Companies or TNCs have entered the San Antonio vehicle for hire industry by using social networks, smart phones, and GPS systems to connect drivers with passengers. TNCs are not in compliance with the requirements in Chapter 33 of the City Code of San Antonio and are still operating despite the issuance of a Cease and Desist Letter issued on March 26, 2014 and enforcement by the Ground Transportation Unit.
BACKGROUND:
On April 2, 2014 the Police Department presented to the Public Safety Committee an overview of TNCs working in San Antonio. As a result of this meeting, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) began active covert enforcement of Chapter 33. In addition, the SAPD reached out the TNCs, taxicab, and limousine industries to determine the position of each industry regarding the operation of TNCs in the City of San Antonio (see meeting dates below).
* April 10, 2014 Staff held a conference call with representatives from Lyft
* April 14, 2014 Staff met with members of the taxicab and limousine industries
* April 16, 2014 Staff met with representatives from Uber
* April 21, 2014 The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) held a special meeting to discuss TNCs
* April 23, 2014 Staff met with representatives from Lyft
Transportation Network Perspectives - TNCs consider themselves technology platforms as opposed to a transportation company. TNCs connect passengers with drivers but do not consider that action to be a "dispatch" service. However, Chapter 33 defines the terms "connect" and "dispatch" to have the same meaning.
Specifically, both Lyft and Uber assert that their drivers, vehicles and insurance meet or exceed Chapter 33 requirements and are open to establishing a process for verification purposes. However, at this time, neither company desires to license their drivers or vehicles to operate in the City of San Antonio; they are willing to discuss a company permitting process.
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