BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County Commissioners will consider new rules for transportation network companies (TNCs) as they continue to work toward laws to address public demand for alternative transportation services and ensure that all passengers receive a safe ride from a vetted driver.

"A new frontier in transportation is combining transportation and communication in ways we never imagined five years ago. We are going to embrace it with regulatory framework that promotes expanded transportation network companies.  However, our core mission is public safety," said Mayor Tim Ryan.

Commissioners listened to comments from more than one hundred people at a public meeting on Tuesday before reaching tentative agreement on proposals to return transportation network services such as Uber and Lyft to Broward County, establish new criteria for taxis and keep public safety provisions in place.

The new proposed legislation under consideration would allow TNCs to contract with drivers and certify that county safety requirements have been met. Background checks would be required, but could be processed through the County or a third party without the need for fingerprinting.  Transportation network companies would be required to provide blanket insurance coverage that meets state law. The county will audit and inspect TNC records to ensure full compliance with the proposed ordinance. Reimbursement for TNC operations at the county airport and seaport will also be addressed.

The county attorney will also draft a Taxi Accountability Ordinance as proposed by Commissioner Stacy Ritter that will incorporate technology to allow passengers to rate taxi service and receive information about the driver. Commissioners agreed that possible changes made to the current TNC ordinance will apply to taxis and all for hire transportation services in Broward County. 

The newly drafted legislation is expected to come back to the Commission for discussion and review in September.