Taxi Workers Alliance of PA and Philadelphia Limousine Association

We would like to appeal our legislators to create a fair work environment for both Taxi and TNC drivers.

The bill SB 984 will create an unfair marketplace between regulated taxicabs, limousines and Uber Black; competing against a unregulated Uber X and Lyft business platform. We would appeal to the legislators to take a closer detailed look at how these companies especially, Uber X and Lyft are operating today and endangering people’s safety and lives. It is our hope that you would consider the following changes that would bring a fair and just set of regulations to the transportation industry.

We would request that this legislative body to force these TNCs to obey the regulations.

Our greatest concerns are lack of enforcement in COMMONWEALTH and CITY OF PHILADELPHIA. Since October 2014, Uber X has claimed to do over 1 million illegal rides in Philadelphia. If Uber X and Lyft is disregarding regulatory authority and disrespecting law now, who will ensure that they will follow regulations when this bill is active? To ensure the safety of people of this COMMONWEALTH and CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, we humbly request that you consider our following recommendations:

1. TNC  Assessment Fees
   A transportation network company operating in a city of the first class shall pay to that city's parking authority an amount equal to 5% of gross receipts from all fares charged to all passengers for prearranged rides that originate in the city of the first class. The amount assessed shall be remitted on a quarterly basis and deposited into a special account in the State Treasury. The Treasurer shall annually distribute 66.67% to a school district of the first class and 33.33% to the parking authority of the city of the first class.
2. TNC Automobile Insurance
   TNC driver automobile Insurance companies shall provide e-form verification to both the COMMISSION and AUTHORITY to ensure validity. E-form must verify that there is no suspension, speeding tickets, DUI or DWI or any other serious violation.
   TNC Driver shall obtain similar insurance coverage as Taxis and Limousine’s.
   All TNC driver’s including Uber black shall have right to obtain their insurance from their choosing.
3. American with Disability ACT
   TNC Companies shall not forward their ADA compliance onto a third party or the taxi industry
   Ten (10)% of each TNC classes(i.e. each Uber X/each Uber Black) and Lyft Fleet must be ADA compliant.
4. Chapter 66 and Chapter 53 Compliance
   Enforcement/Task force should be created in city of first class to ensure compliance of regulations.
   TNC Companies and drivers shall follow the same fines, fees, inspections and licensing as the COMMISSION and AUTHORITY regulated  taxicab and limousines.
   TNC Drivers shall have their background check and medical examination similarly as the COMMISSION and AUTHORITY regulated  taxicab and limousines.
5. TNC(Uber X and Lyft) Vehicle Requirements
   TNC vehicles shall follow the same guidelines for mileage and age of vehicle similarly to taxicabs.
   TNC vehicles shall be licensed, registered and insured in the COMMONWEALTH of PENNSYLVANIA.
   TNC vehicles shall be owned or leased by TNC companies or drivers; No CAR RENTALS.
6. Number of Vehicles
   The COMMISSION AND AUTHORITY shall set a number of vehicles for use for taxicabs, limousines and TNC’s to ensure the minimum living wage of drivers.
7. Gratuity
   All TNC’s shall have an option for gratuity on their app.
   These gratuities and tolls shall not be charged TNC’s Commission.
8. TNC Commission
   The Commission and Authority shall set a maximum Commission fee no more than 20% that TNC’s can charge to their partners or drivers.

Please sign this petition to help ensure passengers safety and drivers livelihood.