DC Council Update: Bill Points to Optimistic Future for uberX in DC
Today, the DC Council voted to move legislation forward that would establish a permanent home for uberX in our Nation’s Capital. The Vehicle-for-Hire Innovation Act was voted out of committee last week, and moved to a second reading today with an 11 to 0 decision. There will be a final vote on October 28th. Thanks to Councilmembers Cheh and Grosso’s leadership, we are one step away from ensuring Washingtonians have permanent access to safe, reliable and affordable transportation options.
The Act builds on an emergency law that the Council overwhelmingly passed in September 2013 creating a permanent legal framework for Transportation Network Companies (TNC), such as uberX. This bill codifies the high safety and quality standards Uber has always provided – including insurance, background checks, consumer protection, and anti-discrimination safeguards, nearly all of which far exceed the D.C. Taxicab Commission’s regulatory requirements for taxi service.
A few highlights of the bill:
- Mandatory driver background check screenings going back 7-years
- Minimum $1 million insurance coverage from the moment a trip is accepted until the rider safely exits the vehicle, and coverage for drivers any time the app is on
- Annual vehicle safety inspections
- A prohibition on any street hails by TNCs
Here’s the list of the Councilmembers who voted in favor of the bill. Let’s congratulate and thank those elected officials who are standing up for greater choice and opportunity in the District.
| Phil Mendelson | Tweet #PhilMendelson |
| David Catania | Tweet @DavidCataniaDC |
| Vincent Orange | Tweet @VOrangeDC |
| David Grosso | Tweet @CMDGrosso |
| Anita Bonds | Tweet @AnitaBondsDC |
| Jack Evans | Tweet @JackEvansWard2 |
| Mary M. Cheh | Tweet @MaryCheh |
| Muriel Bowser | Tweet @MurielBowser |
| Kenyan McDuffie | Tweet @CM_McDuffie |
| Tommy Wells | Tweet @TommyWells |
| Yvette Alexander | Tweet @CMYMA |
Today’s vote is truly a win for consumers and a win for the city. We look forward to DC Council taking the final step in the coming weeks to pass legislation that formally welcomes ridesharing into the city’s transportation ecosystem.
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