Title
Approval of Ordinance Regarding Transportation Network Companies
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve ordinance regulating Transportation Network Companies in Olympia on second reading.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt an ordinance and approve an Interlocal Agreement to allow Transportation Network Companies to operate in Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager, Executive Department, 360.753.8740
Presenter(s):
Jay Burney, Assistant City Manager
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis has not changed from First to Second reading.
Uber, Lyft and Sidecar are what are called Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) who utilize a smart phone application to access an online marketplace where drivers and riders are connected. The marketplace then manages the scheduling, rates, fare calculation and pricing, payment, customer communication, rider and driver ratings, and the actual connecting drivers with riders.
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.
Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and Yelm have been working cooperatively over the past year to craft a new ordinance to regulate TNCs in our communities. While TNCs could operate under the existing taxi regulations, Uber has stated they need a faster review process for drivers and want to do their own background checks. They estimate that 40-50 drivers would operate in north County with 10-15 new ones per week. Uber drivers are frequently college students and retirees whose hours fluctuate considerably. Drivers set their own times ranging from full-time to part-time. As a result, there is a high turnover of drivers and high frequency of new drivers ...
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