Title
Authorizing the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities and the Committee on the Disabled and Persons with Special Needs to hold hearings on the current state of accessibility of Philadelphia's traditional taxi services and forthcoming transportation network services, in search of opportunities to expand accessibility and ensure prompt and dignified ride service for all Philadelphians, across all platforms.
Body
WHEREAS, In February of 2014 the joint committees on Transportation and Utilities and the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy held hearings on Resolution 130830 to investigate the current status of taxi cabs in the City of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The conversation around Resolution 130830 was focused on accessibility of these services to Philadelphians with a disability; and
WHEREAS, Following the hearings on Resolution 130830, the PPA board issued new medallions intended to be used to authorize cabs to increase the number of accessible cabs; and
WHEREAS, The medallions were sold at a prices lower than projected, which, coupled with additional economic concerns, brought on by disruptions in the industry, prevented the maximum number of accessible cabs from being instated; and
WHEREAS, In December of 2015 and again in February of 2016, a coalition of disabled, taxi drivers and UberBlack drivers protested the unregulated operation of certain app-based ride-sharing services--or Transportation Network Companies (TNC)--calling on the Mayor, the State Legislature, and the PPA to establish a regulatory framework; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 984 of the 2015-2016 Session, which amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), Title 66 (Public Utilities), and Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, was amended with input from the Mayor and the PPA, and received a favorable recommendation from the Pennsylvania House Committee on Consumer Affairs on May 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 984 creates a foundational regulatory framework for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), like Uber and Lyft, to operate lawfully within the City of Philadelphia overseen by the Philadelphia Parking Authority; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 984 adequately establishes that TNCs have a responsibility to ensure that all Philadelphians are guaranteed a safe, fair, and reliable rider experience; and
WHEREAS, As amended, Senate Bill 984 requires basic protections for the disabled community, but it fails to explicitly require compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act or compliance with the City of Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against protected classes; and
WHEREAS, As amended, Senate Bill 984 requires that TNCs provide service for disabled riders at no additional charge or direct the passenger to an alternative provider; and
WHEREAS, It is the current view of this legislative body that the protections afforded to the disabled community through Senate Bill 984 do not adequately guarantee a disabled rider will connect with an available and capable comparable service; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That the joint committees on Transportation and Utilities and the Committee on the Disabled and Special Needs are hereby authorized to hold public hearings investigating existing access to on-demand transportation and opportunities to expand that access across all types of on-demand transportation and service platforms.
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