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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 4, 2015 09:08 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Gene DiGirolamo |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibition of TNCs from Operating in the Southeast |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to prohibit Transportation Network Companies (TNC) and their drivers from providing transportation network service between points within Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, including the City of Philadelphia. A TNC is a company that uses a digital network or “app” to connect passengers with the company's drivers in order to provide transportation. Last year, two specific TNCs (Uber and Lyft) illegally launched operations in the Commonwealth. Neither the issuance of cease and desists orders by the PUC or the impoundment of TNC driver vehicles by the Philadelphia Parking Authority were deterrents to stop their illegal operations in the Commonwealth. Rather, they expanded their illegal operations into Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties. After months of debate in both the legislature and the PUC, both Uber and Lyft have been given permission to operate throughout the Commonwealth with the exception of Philadelphia for two years but I believe the damage has already been done. Uber and Lyft have clearly demonstrated their deliberate defiance to the laws and regulations of this Commonwealth and it remains to be seen whether they and other TNCs will abide by the rules and regulations recently adopted in a PUC Order to permit their operations, under specific conditions, for a two year period. Thus, I believe prohibiting TNCs from operating in the suburbs of Philadelphia (Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery Counties) as well as the City of Philadelphia is necessary to not only protect the health, safety and welfare of the traveling public but to also protect taxi and limousine operators that pay taxes, provide family sustaining employment and have operated legally in the southeast for decades. Please consider cosponsoring this important legislation! Thank you! |