Title
Briefing on Transportation Network Companies
Recommended Action
Move to allow staff to work with regional partners on ordinance changes to allow Transportation Network Companies to operate in Olympia. Once completed, forward proposed ordinance changes to Council for discussion/action.
Report
Issue:
Whether or not to allow Transportation Network Companies (Uber, Lyft) to operate in Olympia. What changes are needed to existing City ordinances to allow Transportation Network Companies to operate in the City of Olympia?
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, (360) 753-8740
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, (360) 753-8740
Background and Analysis:
Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are Transportation Network Companies (TNC) that use a smart phone application to connect drivers and riders within an online marketplace. The marketplace then manages the scheduling, rates, fare calculation and pricing, payment, customer communication, rider and driver ratings, and the actual connecting of drivers with riders.
The latest available statistics indicate Uber is making over 2 million rides daily, with about half occurring in China alone. In larger communities in the U.S., they are heavily used as a transportation alternative, referred to as "ridesourcing." The peak hours for Uber are midnight to 2 a.m. when people are seeking rides home as the bars close. Uber is not authorized to initiate service in Thurston County, although Uber vehicles might occasionally be in the County as a result of originating from cities where they are licensed to operate.
Uber has requested approval to operate in Thurston County, specifically in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Yelm. Local organizations and businesses, particularly those related to tourism have supported TNC expansion into the area. When Uber arrives, other TNCs typically follow.
While TNCs could operate under the existing taxi regulations, Uber has stated they need a faster review proce...
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