Vote on Taxis, Caps for App-Based Transportation Network Companies (Seattle Forward)

February 27, 2014

Vote on Taxis, Caps for App-Based Transportation Network Companies

Update: the Full Council vote has been rescheduled for Monday, March 17.

This evening the City Council voted in committee to expand the number of licensed drivers who can drive for app-based transportation network companies (TNCs) like UberX and Lyft. The latest version of the legislation had capped the total number of TNC driver endorsements at 300, but the committee changed the limitation to 150 drivers active on a single TNC system at any one time. This approach allows for unlimited TNC driver endorsements to be issued, but limits the number of vehicles on the road for a TNC.

Two weeks ago I wrote to explain why I do not favor a cap. I voted for no caps today; when that measure failed to garner a majority of votes I supported this compromise proposal.

This debate has layered complex policy choices with the recognition that the City’s regulatory function will directly affect people’s livelihoods. I know none of my colleagues made this decision lightly and we will monitor its impacts closely.

As discussed at the last committee meeting, the bill places a strong emphasis on public safety and dictates that all for-hire drivers (this includes TNC drivers) will be treated the same: same licensing, same training, same insurance requirements.

All nine councilmembers attended today’s meeting and all nine will tentatively vote again on the final legislation at the Full Council meeting on Monday, March 10.

And one clarifying point for users of these services: Uber town cars are licensed and regulated by the state and can continue to be in service; the City’s discussion about TNCs only touches on the apps that use personal vehicles like UberX, Lyft and Sidecar.

Posted by Tim Burgess on February 27, 2014 at 07:03 PM in Environment, Public Safety, Transportation | Permalink

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Burgess Bookshelf

Snyder, Timothy: Our Malady: Lessons in Liberty from a Hospital Diary
This book, along with Snyder's earlier, On Tyranny, is packed full of useful policy ideas that can help rebuild our country. Snyder's understanding of the rising threat of authoritarianism is exactly what needs to be understood today, coupled with his diagnosis of how we have failed to support all of the people of America.
Putnam, Robert D.: The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again
Here's a hope filled historical review of how America has made itself more inclusive and equitable and can do it again. Very encouraging.
Sacks, Jonathan: Morality: Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times
Rabbi Sacks' book is essential reading, in my opinion, especially now when freedom is under such attack. His wisdom fills every page, his defense of liberal democracy is compelling.
Epstein, David: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
This is a compelling and great read. I love it since I'm a generalist.
McCaulley, Esau: Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope
While the white Christian church, especially evangelicalism, was the dominant influence in my family of origin and my youth, I've learned so much more recently from the Black church. McCaulley's book is a very good introduction to Black theology and biblical interpretation.
Yglesias, Matthew: One Billion Americans: The Case for Thinking Bigger
A critical thinker and blogger, Yglesias lays out a vision for America that is more inclusive and equitable; includes good sections on early learning and the crucial value of immigration.
Thomas E. Ricks: Churchill and Orwell: The Fight for Freedom
This book examines the lives and efforts of two men who never met each other but who helped save democracy leading up to and during World War II. Another much read for those who are worried about the American condition today.
Timothy Snyder: The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America
From the author of "On Tyranny" comes another pithy look at how freedom and democracy can be destroyed from within.
Greg Weiner: American Burke: The Uncommon Liberalism of Daniel Patrick Moynihan (American Political Thought)
Fascinating account of the former New York Senator; good friend and colleague of our own Senator Henry Jackson.
Steven Levitsky & Daniel Liblatt: How Democracies Die
This is a must read for people concerned about the future of our democracy. One of their main points is that democracies begin to fail when the norms of civil discourse and the rule of law begin to crumble. We are seeing that happen before our very eyes today.