DEPARTMENT: San Antonio Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William McManus, Chief
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing on proposed amendments to City Code Chapter 33 (Vehicles for Hire) and the Operating Agreements with Transportation Network Companies
SUMMARY:
City staff and the Transportation Network Companies (TNC) have negotiated a new operating agreement for City Council consideration. Staff has also worked with the taxicab and limousine industries to update the rules under which the vehicle-for-hire industry operates. City staff and the TNCs have found agreement regarding operations within the city, while City staff and the taxicab industry agree in some areas and remain divided on others.
BACKGROUND:
Transportation Network Companies:
In August 2015, City Council approved a temporary operating agreement allowing TNC companies the ability to operate for a nine-month period outside of the Vehicle for Hire, Chapter 33 Ordinance. There are currently three TNCs operating in San Antonio: Uber, Lyft and GetMe. In June 2016, City Council extended all three temporary operating agreements to October 31, 2016, allowing the City Manager to execute three one-month extensions if necessary. The City has executed all three one-month extensions, with the current agreement valid through December 31, 2016. This has provided additional time for staff to finalize the next agreement.
The SAPD Ground Transportation Unit (GTU), as of 11/21/16, has received 373 applications for the voluntary fingerprint background check, 282 drivers have completed the process and 249 drivers have picked up their verification cards with an assigned "T" number. As of the same date, GTU had conducted 250 TNC quality assurance rides with no major findings.
The SAPD and Government & Public Affairs Department held two round table discussions with members of the public on May 18 and June 1, 2016, with approximately 215 members of the public in attendance. The thre...
Click here for full text