DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Transportation Network Companies and Chapter 33
SUMMARY:
Transportation Network Companies (TNC) entered the San Antonio vehicle for hire market in March of this year. They continue to operate although Cease and Desist letters were issued by Chief McManus. The nature of the vehicle for hire industry has changed with the introduction of the TNCs and Chapter 33 of the City Code requires revision to keep pace with the change in the industry.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Police Department has briefed the Public Safety Committee on three separate occasions, providing an overview of the TNCs business model, the regulations contained in Chapter 33, and the traditional industry's position regarding revising Chapter 33. The Department also held meetings with the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and ground transportation industry stakeholders throughout the months April, June, and July. During these meetings, the local industry remained adamant that they were opposed to any revisions to Chapter 33 although both Lyft and Uber expressed a willingness to work towards revising Chapter 33 to fit their business model.
Staff also researched other cities' and states' ordinances and processes. California and Colorado have passed state regulations for TNCs. Seattle, WA, Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, IL, Baton Rouge, LA, Tulsa, OK, Austin and Houston, TX, and the District of Columbia have revised their municipal code to address the TNC business model. Dallas, TX and Nashville, TN are currently reviewing their ordinances and holding meetings with stakeholders.
In review of these regulations, a common approach to regulating the TNCs was identified; (1) Regulations for TNCs were adopted separate from traditional vehicle for hire industries, (2) Responsibility for driver screening and vehicle safety inspections were placed on the TNCs; (3) No...
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