Posted: | July 30, 2014 04:07 PM |
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From: | Representative Mark Mustio |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Title 66 (Public Utilities) Transportation Network Company Licensing (Uber/Lyft) |
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that will amend Title 66 (Public Utilities) to recognize the development of new and innovative transportation services that provide consumers with an alternative to call and demand and hail services traditionally provided by taxi cabs and to arranged car services from town cars and limousines. My legislation provides for the licensing of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft and establishes insurance requirements and other consumer protections to ensure that TNC services are provided in a manner that not only to meets public demand, but also protects the safety of consumers using the service. Transportation Network Companies connect passengers seeking transportation with drivers available to provide transportation via a smartphone application. TNC drivers use their personal vehicles to pick up and transport passengers and are compensated through established fares or suggested donations. While TNCs provide much needed transportation options for consumers, concerns have been raised regarding insurance coverage, vehicle safety standards and driver background checks. My legislation will allow TNCs to operate throughout the Commonwealth by providing for licensing by the Public Utility Commission and establishing insurance requirements and safety standards that protect both passengers and TNC drivers. My bill requires TNCs to maintain primary insurance coverage both during the transportation of passengers and any time a driver has the application open. TNCs must also conduct driver-training and safety programs and obtain both a criminal history and driving history report for each TNC driver. I hope that you will join me in sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB2453