DATE: July 10, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Ric Barrick, Assistant Director
Office of Public Communications
PHONE: 954-357-8541
EMAIL: rbarrick@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - On May 4, 2015, Broward County Commissioners approved a regulation that allows transportation network companies (TNCs), such as Uber and Lyft, to legally operate in Broward County. It consists of three basic rules: provide safe drivers, safe vehicles and the same insurance that state law already requires. The new regulation is less stringent than those Uber operates under now in New York City and Houston and it meets all TNC demands for non-interference in fares and the number of vehicles allowed.
The action followed months of research, discussion and debate, with public comment from TNC officials, their employees and representatives, and other drivers for hire. In conjunction with the regulation, as an added convenience, Broward County expedited the TNC/driver permitting process, providing for online regulation and printable temporary chauffeur licenses.
A video message from Lenny Vialpando, Director of the Broward County Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division, clarifies some common misunderstandings about the County's TNC regulations. Here are the facts:
- Broward County welcomes TNCs to our community. The County Commission's proactive adoption of TNC regulations has created an environment in which TNCs can operate legally and safely.
- The County Commission's primary concern is with public safety. The TNC requirements rely on independent regulation, instead of self-regulation.
- The County's TNC regulation complies with Federal Trade Commission guidance. It contains fair and reasonable requirements focused on passenger and driver safety and security.
- Requirements of the ordinance do not force TNCs to either provide substandard service or leave the market, just as more stringent regulations required by other jurisdictions have not forced Uber to abandon popular markets such as New York City or Houston.
Broward County remains open to continued conversations about appropriate regulations that help TNCs flourish, but also protect public safety.
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