Seattle is the first city in the country to limit the number of transportation network drivers allowed on the road at any given moment. The new regulation is a setback for companies like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar and a major victory for cab companies.
“The new law would limit three companies — UberX, Lyft and Sidecar — to 150 drivers each on the road at any given time, for a collective total of 450 drivers. That’s a significant decrease from the 2,000 drivers the three companies estimate they have operating in the city right now,” reports Reid Wilson.
Cab companies in Seattle argued that transportation network companies have saturated the market, leaving them at a significant disadvantage. To help cab companies gain the advantage back, the new legislation also allows for an additional 200 taxi licenses over the next two years. The city hasn’t issued a new license since 1990.
The article quotes Seattle Mayor Ed Murray saying that he will sign the legislation, but he does not believe it represents a long-term solution to the integration of transportation network companies into the city’s transportation system.
Seattle's decision is just the latest in an ongoing debate around the country about the extent to which cities can regulate transportation network companies. Meanwhile, recent analysis and arguments have criticized the inefficiencies of taxis and called for greater implementation of transportation networks.
FULL STORY: Seattle becomes first city to cap Uber, Lyft vehicles
Seattle’s Cap on Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar Rescinded by Referendum
After Seattle Citizens to Repeal Ordinance 124441 acquired twice the necessary number of signatures necessary to send a March ordinance capping the number of Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar drivers in the city, the mayor will negotiate with the companies.
First State Legislature to Regulate Uber and Lyft: Colorado
Ivan Moreno reports for the Associated Press on the Colorado Legislature's approval of a bill to regulate transportation network companies like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar.
Veto Kills Uber and Lyft Regulation Exemptions in Arizona
While many states are rushing to figure out how to regulate transportation network companies like Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar, Arizona came very close to exempting the companies from the taxi and limo regulations.
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