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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 9, 2015 03:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Thomas H. Killion |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Transportation Network Companies |
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that will amend Titles 53 (Municipalities) and 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. The bill is comprehensive in that it addresses the regulation of transportation network companies, such as Uber and Lyft and taxi transportation network companies as well as modernizes the regulation of taxis in the Commonwealth. The bill contains specific provisions relating to the regulation of transportation network companies in Philadelphia. A transportation network company connects passengers seeking transportation with drivers available to provide transportation via an online application. Drivers use a personal vehicle to provide service and are compensated through fares paid to the transportation network company. Unquestionably, these companies provide service in response to consumer demand however, for every positive article written about this industry, there is a negative one and I believe it is imperative to establish light-handed regulation that will ensure that these companies are properly insured, operated by drivers who are subject to rigorous background checks and that the vehicles used to provide service meet certain safety standards. 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 that any company seeking to provide transportation network service or taxi transportation network service requests and obtains a license to operate from the Public Utility Commission. Additionally, the bill establishes requirements for transportation network company and taxi transportation network company insurance, background checks for drivers, marking of vehicles used to provide transportation network service and other consumer protections to ensure that transportation network company service is provided in a manner that is safe for both passengers and drivers. My bill will also enable a taxi company to use a digital network to dispatch taxis or personal vehicles, upon customer request. This will level the playing field between transportation network companies and taxi companies and will permit a taxi company to avail itself of technology to streamline the provision of service during varying periods of consumer demand. Finally, my bill establishes requirements for transportation network companies seeking to lawfully operate in a city of the first class. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Alison in my office at ahagler@pahousegop.com or 772-0855. |
Introduced as HB1065