Title
Resolution to Direct the City Administrator to Negotiate One or More Operating Agreements with Transportation Network Companies
Body
Whereas, Transportation network companies ("TNCs") such as Uber and Lyft provide transportation services to users throughout the United States;
Whereas, Users of TNC services express satisfaction with the convenience, cost, and user experience offered by TNCs;
Whereas, Drivers providing TNC services express satisfaction with the flexibility and ease of serving as independent contractors to TNCs;
Whereas, TNCs provide for the safety of passengers and the public by requiring vehicle inspections, driver criminal background checks, driver driving record checks, driver/passenger feedback systems, and commercial insurance;
Whereas, The State of Michigan has not regulated TNCs;
Whereas, It is desirable for TNCs to operate in Ann Arbor in a safe and established manner;
Whereas, The novelty of the TNC industry and the prospect of state action on the subject render premature the development and passage of a local ordinance to regulate TNCs; and
Whereas, Other municipalities in Michigan and throughout the United States accommodate the absence of state and local regulations by entering into operating agreements with TNCs to obligate TNCs to operate in a safe and established manner;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to negotiate and bring to City Council for approval, an Operating Agreement with established TNCs that will provide for their safe operation in Ann Arbor; and
RESOLVED, That this operating agreement shall address, the principles in the attached document; and
RESOLVED, That this agreement shall be prepared and presented to Council for discussion and possible approval no later than the second Council meeting of October, 2014.
Sponsors: Briere, Petersen, Taylor