DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
A briefing on proposed policies and regulations for dockless vehicles
SUMMARY:
Center City Development & Operations (CCDO), in coordination with key stakeholders, has developed a regulatory framework to regulate the emerging dockless vehicle industry.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In January, CCDO staff briefed the Transportation Council Committee on the introduction of dockless vehicles in several cities throughout the country, including Austin and Dallas. At that time, the dockless industry was largely comprised of companies utilizing GPS enabled bicycles. Since January, the dockless vehicle market has changed dramatically with the widespread introduction of electric scooters. These scooters were introduced here locally by Bird in June and they were joined by Lime in late July. At this time, approximately 745 scooters are in operation on a daily basis. Five other companies have expressed interest in launching service in San Antonio.
This industry continues to adapt, as demonstrated by the complete withdrawal of Ofo from the US market. At the time of the January Transportation Committee, Ofo was the largest dockless vehicle company. However, their vehicle fleet is for traditional bicycles which have proven to be less popular and less profitable than the emerging dockless scooter and electric assisted bicycle industries.
CCDO has been working with City departments, vendors and key stakeholders to develop a regulatory framework that will mitigate concerns related to parking and safe operation of this new transportation alternative.
ISSUE:
Dockless vehicles can address first and last mile transportation needs. They can operate as a transportation alternative in alignment with the SA Tomorrow Multi-Model Transportation Plan and the Sustainability Plan's goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled per capita and reducing trave...
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