Two Chattanooga councilmen propose ordinances to regulate private transit company Uber

More than two weeks after the controversial ride-sharing application Uber launched in Chattanooga, two city councilmen have proposed competing ordinances to regulate Internet-based ride services.

Councilmen Chris Anderson and Ken Smith have each drafted legislation to regulate "transportation network services." But they have taken different routes.

Chattanooga will join many cities across the nation who are seeking to regulate the new mode of private transit, which was virtually created by the San Francisco, Calif.-based Uber.

Smith is seeking to integrate transportation networks into the city's existing code, while updating language throughout. But Anderson says services such as Uber are not taxis and should be steered differently.

photo Uber claims that its ride-share service UberX is faster, cheaper and more convenient than taxis. At first glance the benefits seem obvious. Riders can sign up for the mobile app and instantly request a ride.

"Taxis and ride-share companies are not the same. I have no interest in drafting legislation for taxicabs," Anderson said.

But Smith, who is chairman of the council's transportation committee, said he has been working for months to revamp the city's rules for all passenger-for-hire vehicles -- not only for companies such as Uber.

"My issue is dealing with a more comprehensive transportation ordinance for all passenger-for-hire vehicles," Smith said.

Both proposed ordinances require residents who want to become drivers for transportation network companies to register with the city and submit to various background checks and vehicle inspections. Both require a permit fee and proof of sufficient insurance, and both provide a means for the city to suspend, revoke or deny such permits.

But Anderson's bill specifically prohibits drivers of Uber or other such companies from picking up hailed fares from the street, and says drivers must be 21 or older to apply for the permit.

Smith's bill reforms the current city taxi board into a broader Private Vehicles for Hire Board, and includes taxis, ride-shares and other driving services for fewer than six passengers into the same jurisdiction, with similar rules for each category.

"I'm not trying to do the 'keep Uber out' legislation. I'm seeking to standardize [the transportation ordinance] so everyone is playing by the same rules," Smith said.

Smith's bill also updates language for taxicabs, such as removing a requirement that taxis use mechanical meters and one that requires taxi services to have 24-hour staffed dispatch services.

"With cellphones, that's unnecessary," Smith said.

Smith said his ordinance will be discussed next week during a transportation committee meeting. Anderson said he submitted his ordinance to the city attorney Tuesday.

City Attorney Wade Hinton said he received Anderson's ordinance but had not yet distributed it to the rest of the council. Council Chairman Chip Henderson said once he got it, he would assign the bill to a committee.

Contact staff writer Louie Brogdon at lbrogdon@timesfreepress.com, @glbrogdoniv on Twitter or at 423-757-6481.

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