Title
An Ordinance to Amend the Title and Sections 7:151, 7:158, 7:163, 7:164, 7:165, 7:167, 7:170, and 7:172, of Chapter 85 (Taxicabs) of Title VII of the Code of The City of Ann Arbor and to Add New Sections, Which New Sections Shall be Designated as 7:154a, 7:156a, and 7:156b [Registration of Non-metered Vehicle Drivers]
Memorandum
Historically the State has been the primary regulator for limousines and municipalities have been the primary regulator for taxicabs. In recent years there has been a new category of transportation created called "transportation network companies". These companies primarily provide dispatch related services and allow individuals to utilize their own vehicles to perform the transportation services. Examples of these companies are Uber & Lyft.
The City's Taxicab Board has expressed concern for passenger safety since the drivers for the transportation network companies do not register with the city Ann Arbor or state of Michigan. The Board has also expressed concern regarding the ability of municipalities to enforce the limousine ordinance.
The attached changes to the ordinance would expand the registration of drivers with the City from just drivers of metered taxicab vehicles to all drivers of non-metered vehicles for hire. This expansion would require drivers for limousines and transportation network companies to register their drivers with the City. The standards for registration would be the same as those that the City has for taxicab drivers.
The City's Taxicab Board recommends Council adopt the attached amendment to the Taxicab ordinance.
Staff
Prepared by: Kristen D. Larcom, Sr. Assistant City Attorney
Reviewed by: Tom Crawford, Financial Services Administrator and CFO
Approved by: Steven D. Powers, City Administrator
Body
(See Attached Ordinance)