DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William McManus, Police Chief
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Vehicles for Hire
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 on the proposed revisions, discussions on taxi permit caps will continue during the coming months.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
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 two one-month extensions, with the current agreement valid through December 30, 2016. This has provided additional time for staff to finalize the next agreement.
Taxicabs and Limousines: Since 2011, the City has steadily modified the rules to reduce regulations and allow more flexibility in the taxicab and limousine industries. However, traditional vehicles for hire companies, primarily Taxi and Limousine companies, have voiced concern that TNCs have eroded their market and that the regulations in Chapters 33 and 3 (Airport) of the City Code impede their ability to remain competitive. Over the past several months, staff has met with industry representatives and the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) to identify the regulations they believe stifle the competitive environment. Several discussion...
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