O’Dea Votes to Regulate Transportation Network Companies
TNC operations like Uber and Lyft must meet state standards
During an afternoon session of the House of Representatives, State Representative Tom O’Dea (R-125) voted in favor of a bill that places certain requirements on transportation network companies, commonly called TNCs, such as Uber and Lyft. Such companies are currently unregulated by the State of Connecticut.
“There is no question that the advent of transportation network companies has completely re-imagined the taxi and livery services,” said Rep. O’Dea. “While this bill may not be a perfect answer to the unique new world that businesses like Uber and Lyft have created, it is an important start in the process of ensuring that some important minimum requirements are met for these businesses to operate within the borders of our state.”
Transportation network companies, such as Uber and Lyft, connect paying passengers with drivers that use their own non-commercial vehicles to provide transportation services. These services connect providers and patrons via websites and mobile apps.
The bill passed today requires TNC operations to register with the State Department of Transportation, establishes insurance requirements for TNC drivers, and requirements for TNS drivers related to nondiscrimination and service for those with disabilities, and implements a zero-tolerance policy on drug and alcohol use.
It also establishes operating requirements related to signage, driver identification, fares, and limiting dynamic pricing during declared emergencies.
O’Dea, a former Ranking Member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee before being promoted to Deputy Republican Leader at Large, was appointed last August to serve on a working group that focused on TNC’s and their future in the State of Connecticut. The working group was established by the State Department of Transportation and the Office of Policy and Management (OPM). He was appointed by House Republican Leader Themis Klarides (R-114) to represent the Republican caucus on the panel at the invitation of OPM.
O’Dea supported legislation during the 2016 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly that required proper insurance and vehicle inspections as part of the operation of TNCs in the state.
“It is important that these companies operating with this 21st century business model are still accountable when it comes to ensuring public safety,” said O’Dea. “But this is a business that we want to encourage. Uber employs roughly 6,000 people in the state of Connecticut who make money and pay taxes. We need to make sure we develop smart policies that don’t impede this job growth.”