Title
Resolution to Approve an Interim Right-of-way License Agreement with Bird Rides, Inc., for the Operation of Electric Scooters in the City of Ann Arbor
Memorandum
Bird Rides, Inc. (Bird) is the owner and operator of the Bird e-scooter service that launched in the City of Ann Arbor in early September. Shortly after launch, the City contacted Bird and informed it that it would need to be licensed by the City to use the City's rights-of-way as Bird's business model requires.
Over the ensuing month, a successful negotiation took place and Bird has agreed to an interim operating license, a copy of which is included with this resolution. The interim license is good for three months, and may be terminated by the city with three days' notice. Among other things, the license requires Bird to make a one time $5,000 payment to the City, plus a $1 per day per scooter charge. Bird is also required to provide safety and instructional videos to users that are approved for content by the City. The license obligates Bird to assume some liability for the illegal operation and placement of scooters by their users and to give the City approval power over deployment locations for the scooters. The license also entitles the City to seize improperly used or parked scooters and to charge Bird accordingly. Finally, the license obligates Bird to provide the City with Scooter-use data, to carry liability insurance that names the City as an additional insured.
Budget and Fiscal Impact: This license agreement will result in a minimum $23,400 payment plus impoundment charges to the City's General Fund.
Staff
Prepared by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Reviewed by: Matt Rechtien, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is one of the leading communities in the state in terms of multi-modal transportation with the most recent census showing that only 52% of Ann Arbor residents drive...
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