City of San Antonio - File #: 19-4301

• File #: 19-4301
• Type: Staff Briefing - With Ordinance
• In control: City Council A Session
• On agenda: 5/30/2019
• Posting Language: Ordinance modifying the Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program by reducing the number of authorized vehicles and prorating the term of permits to expire on September 30, 2019 to allow for the completion of a Request for Proposals to select companies with the exclusive right to operate. This ordinance is anticipated to generate approximately $53,955.00 in revenue for prorated permit extensions through September 30, 2019 that will be deposited into the General Fund. [Lori Houston, Assistant City Manager; John Jacks, Director, Center City Development & Operations]

DEPARTMENT: Center City Development & Operations


DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks


COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide


SUBJECT:

Allowing currently permitted dockless vehicle operators to apply for permit extensions through September 30th so that dockless vehicle services continue uninterrupted until the conclusion of a Request for Proposals.


SUMMARY:

An ordinance authorizing the modification of the Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program by (1) allowing currently permitted dockless vehicle operators to apply for permit extensions through September 30, 2019, (2) a 50% reduction in permitted vehicles for companies that currently have over 1,000 vehicles, and (3) the $10 per vehicle permit fee will be prorated from the date the operators' permits expire until September 30, 2019. This extension will allow the City to complete a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select three vendors to operate a total of 5,000 dockless vehicles.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

In June of 2018, dockless vehicles were introduced in San Antonio. Companies launched service prior to the adoption of a regulatory structure and the development of rules for riding and parking vehicles. On October 11, 2018, City Council adopted the Dockless Vehicle Pilot Program, which established a six month permit for dockless vehicle operators and a light-handed regulatory approach under which there were no caps on the number of operators that could launch service or the number of vehicles they could seek permits for. Following the adoption of the pilot program, seven companies applied for and obtained permits to operate a total of 14,100 e-scooters and 2,000 e-bikes. The initial six month pilot program resulted in $154,500 in revenue from application fees and per vehicle permit fees. These program fees are used to pay for program related costs, such as enforcement staff that monitor sensitive areas and correct vehicles in violation, SAPD overtime shifts to enforce the riding rules and correct dangerous riding, and...