Operators are pushing back against new proposed rules that some say could 'kneecap' the District's micromobility industry.
As the District of Columbia's Department of Transportation plans to cap the number of scooter and bike share operators in the District and implement a series of new regulations, Kea Wilson reports that some advocates wonder "why micromobility providers are again being held to higher standards than are drivers, automakers, and car-related businesses." In an open letter to DDOT, the District's current micromobility operators argue that the new rules could push them out of the market just as demand for their services surges.
Under the new process, companies would be assessed on a 198-point rubric that gauges the companies’ commitment to safety, equitable access, and fair labor practices, among a list of other sky-high standards that some argue would more logically apply to car-based enterprises.
App-taxi operators such as Uber do not have to pass such extensive tests in order to operate on Washington roads and can deploy as many drivers as they wish, despite such companies’ record of contributing to congestion, harmful emissions, and more. Private vehicle owners can also register as many vehicles as they like throughout the U.S. provided they meet safety and emissions requirements.
The operators "already comply with a raft of city policies, including fleets caps of 820 to 2,500 vehicles," and want DDOT "to extend the current micromobility permits for an additional year."
FULL STORY: How D.C. Might Kneecap Its Micromobility Revolution
How E-Scooters Can Complement Public Transit
With some strategic planning on the part of transit agencies and operators, shared e-scooters can be an important ally in the fight against car dependence.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
DC Bike Share Growing Fast, But Regional Gaps Remain
The wildly popular system ‘frays at its geographic edges,’ making its use less effective outside the central District.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie