Explanation
1. BACKGROUND:
This ordinance amends existing City Codes to clarify established licensing requirements and regulations for peer to peer transportation network companies and drivers operating as vehicles for hire in Columbus. Since November 2013, the City has been working to create new City Code that would incorporate peer to peer transportation network companies and drivers into the Vehicle for Hire Code. Peer to peer companies are new to the City of Columbus and are a growing trend in the vehicle for hire industry. Public Safety began meeting with peer to peer companies over the past year to gain a better understanding of how these companies operate and how they interact with drivers. Through these meetings, the City has created regulation that is consistent with the City’s overarching requirements for the entire vehicle for hire industry. Chapter 585, entitled “Vehicle For Hire Board” defines permitted transportation industries and establishes the board’s regulatory authority. Chapter 588, entitled “Peer to Peer Transportation Network Company License," requires companies to obtain a license; meet and maintain insurance requirements; provide key information to passengers through the online application; and meet company standards. Chapter 590, entitled “Peer to Peer Transportation Network Driver’s License,” requires drivers to obtain a license; meet criminal background standards; complete a third party vehicle mechanical inspection; and abide by driver standards.
Peer to Peer companies and drivers are an emerging industry in Columbus with a vested interest in ensuring that the public has a safe, successful experience that reflects well on the industry as a whole. These amended codes will clarify and streamline existing regulation to ensure that companies and drivers abide by the standards put in place to ensure public safety. These changes reflect national trends regulating this industry and brings Columbus' City Code inline with other municipalities ...
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