City Hall Wants You Updated on Uber Developments
Many of you fashionable and glamorous PH residents are not strangers to Uber, the convenient car service. But today there’s been some hubbub about the City Council proposing regulations on the service. Here’s what the city had to say on its Facebook page:
Uber Fans: The proposed ordinance does not stop Uber from operating in Dallas. It will provide a way for Uber to comply and operate legally.
The proposed ordinance on the August 28 City Council agenda contains minor clarifications to the existing regulations for limousines in Chapter 10A, without impacting the 225 companies that are currently licensed by the City and operating legally. These clarifications strengthen the City’s position that a company that advertises and dispatches limousines for hire must first have operating authority from the City.
The transportation-for-hire industry is changing and Dallas welcomes new entrants and technology, provided that all companies operate legally and on a level playing field that is safe, reliable and fair to consumers.
The proposed ordinance does not stop Uber from operating in Dallas. It will provide a way for Uber to comply and operate legally. It is important for the public to be aware that if the City has no way of regulating this type of transportation service, the public might have no recourse should the vehicle be involved in an accident; should the consumer experience a pay dispute; or any other consumer related or safety issue with the service. This action protects the consumers that enjoy this service.
These clarifications are an initial step towards a coming larger discussion with the City Council on the City’s role in regulating the transportation-for-hire industry. For this reason, a briefing memorandum was sent to City Council on Friday, advising them of the addendum item on the August 28, 2013 agenda.
On the flip side, here’s a Facebook event that’s been created to defend Uber at Wednesday’s meeting. If you have an opinion either way, show up to City Hall at 9 a.m.
