This Thursday, May 15, Austin City Council will vote on three critical resolutions to improve public transportation and late-night safety in our community. Sponsored by Councilmember Chris Riley, with co-sponsors Councilmembers Mike Martinez and Bill Spelman, they include recommendations to create a pilot program for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber, Lyft, Sidecar, Heyride, Carma etc.; to evaluate and improve our current taxi service; and to better communicate existing options for safe late-night transportation.



Specifically, the resolutions are:

24. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to work with stakeholders to develop recommendations for a pilot program authorizing the use of Transportation Network Companies, companies that use online-enabled platforms to connect passengers with drivers using personal, non-commercial vehicles to operate in some capacity, including suggesting regulations addressing passenger and driver safety, and reporting recommendations back to Council.



25. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to work with taxi franchises and other stakeholders to consider short and long term options for meeting taxi demand, including the use of additional or specialized taxi permits, and the use of Transportation Networking Companies, which are companies that use online-enabled platforms to connect with drivers using personal, non-commercial, vehicles, increasing efficiency of existing permits, setting a standard for taxi service delivery, and to bring a report and any recommended ordinances back to Council.



26. Approve a resolution directing the City Manager to update the Austin Transportation Department’s website to include additional late night transportation information, to make the transportation information available through the 311 system, to create a public information campaign, and to explore ways to make this information easily accessible to all.

Please use this form to send a letter to your Mayor and City Council urging them to approve these three resolutions so that Austin can get to work on launching ride-sharing programs, improving taxi service, and helping the public to better understand their options for getting home safely and responsibly!



You can send the letter as it is, or edit it to include your personal language, stories, and experiences. Be heard!