DEPARTMENT: Center City Development and Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program
SUMMARY:
Consideration of an ordinance establishing a dockless vehicle pilot program, adopting fees, and amending City Code to allow for the operation and parking of dockless vehicles.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Center City Development and Operations is proposing a six month pilot program that includes a comprehensive set of regulations and a permitting process for the operation of dockless vehicles in San Antonio's public right of way. CCDO's proposed regulations clarify rules for both dockless vehicle operators and riders. These regulations will cover where vehicles can be ridden; how they should be parked; set a minimum age for riders; create fees; and, require the companies to maintain a local fleet manager.
Dockless vehicles are a new transportation mode that includes GPS enabled bicycles, electric assisted bicycles, or electric scooters. They are introduced by private companies who place the vehicles in the city's right of way so they can be used by customers or subscribers through a phone application. The first company to launch service deployed their fleet in June of this year. Three companies are currently operating in San Antonio with approximately 2,650 vehicles deployed collectively by these vendors. Four other firms have expressed interest in providing service here.
CCDO briefed the Transportation Council Committee on the proposed pilot program at their August 20th meeting. The full City Council was also briefed at B Session on September 12th. In addition, significant public input has been gathered through a public meeting at the Central Library, an online survey that has received over 4,000 responses, as well as through a public hearing that was held on September 12th allowing residents an opportunity to speak to City Council about this issue.
Dockless vehicles provide a first...
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