Below is a summary of the 3 main types of for-hire transport in Virginia. Like most states, “Taxicabs” are regulated locally, though the VA DMV does require a “For-Hire” license plate, which is $50. None of this includes non-emergent medical transport, but I wonder: if you are in a wheelchair, how do you get around if you want to go somewhere other than a doctor’s appointment? I guess fun is not important if you are disabled.
Shouldn’t all of this be standardized? For example, taxi fares are regulated, transportation network company fares (TNCs, or Uber and Lyft) are not. The state has basic driver requirements for TNCs, but taxi requirements are left to the city (which has no say in the TNC driver vetting process). Taxis have to use a taximeter, TNCs are only allowed to accept payment via electronic transfer.
None of this makes any sense to me. A paid ride is a paid ride, and the same standards should apply to all. This is why we should change the local taxi regulations to include drivers that are currently TNCs. Transportation is a big issue for us, it is a major factor in the health of our city. If we want to fix it, we are going to have to fix it ourselves. We have little control over what the state does, but we do have local control over what we consider taxis. So just make it ALL taxis, set the standards where we want them, and let the state continue to chase its own tail. Uber and Lyft are still free to operate as they wish – we have no control over that – and they will remain an asset to us. But in the meantime, we can build something significantly better.
- Common Carrier
- Excludes: non-emergent medical transport; Taxis; TNCs.
- 15 persons or less including driver
- Must have certificate from DMV
- May not charge more than rates on file with DMV (who sets rates?)
- Must apply to DMV to change rates
- Must file a tariff (includes all rules and policies).
- Insurance requirements: 1-6 passengers: $350,000. 7-15: $1,500,000
- Must keep $25,000 bond on file with DMV.
- For-Hire plates, vehicle registered as for-hire, $50 filing fee, $3 fee per vehicle.
- Taxicab
- No more than 6 passengers (plus driver).
- Cannot operate on a predetermined route or bus route.
- Jurisdictional ordinances (city code).
- No tariff.
- Insurance: $125,000 bodily injury and property damage policy.
- Taxi-specific registration and license plates, $50 fee, $3 per vehicle.
III. Transportation Network Companies
- “Digital Platform”
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- Must use digital platform to match driver and rider.
- Must use via electronic payment over the platform (no requirement for amounts).
- Electronic receipt to rider.
- Ride manifest
- Age requirement (>21)
- Background check requirement
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- Initial plus every 2 years.
- No violent felons.
- No registered sex offenders.
- Driving history:
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- Initial plus annual
- Vehicle requirements:
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- Personal or authorized rental
- CANNOT be registered “For Hire”
- No more than 8 seats, including the driver
- Valid title and registration in some state (no salvage, etc)
- Inspected somewhere
- Insured with commercial policy (no values stipulated).