Uber Transit has announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is proposing a policy update that would prevent transit agencies from contracting with Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber under the Taxicab Exception. This announcement was made in a news release.
According to Uber Transit, since 2015, transit agencies across the United States have partnered with TNCs to enhance public transportation access and reliability. These partnerships have facilitated over 10 million transit rides in the past year.
The FTA's proposed policy update would render the Taxicab Exception inapplicable when agencies contract with TNCs. Uber Transit suggests this change could limit transit agencies' ability to collaborate with companies like Uber. Many riders and transit agencies have expressed opposition to the proposal, emphasizing its importance in bridging service gaps and ensuring reliable transportation, particularly for underserved areas and first-mile/last-mile programs. According to Uber Transit, 89% of the 790 public comments published so far oppose the policy update.
Uber Transit cited Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), who said, "PSTA utilizes TNCs for several key programs that serve our most vulnerable populations: individuals with disabilities, senior citizens, veterans, and low-income workers. Without our programs, these riders will lose critical access to jobs, medical appointments, and activities that let them live their lives to the fullest. While we have explored what other options we might implement under the revised exemption, we believe we will be forced to cut all these programs and fall back on traditional, more expensive, pre-scheduled paratransit rides. Increased paratransit costs will force our agency to make further cuts to our fixed route transit options as well."
Uber Transit collaborates with public transit agencies to enhance community mobility through innovative technology and service options. It helps expand transit services by connecting riders to Uber, providing solutions for first- and last-mile programs, late-night rides, and service disruptions. The company also supports paratransit needs by optimizing costs and capacity while improving resilience. Agencies can integrate Uber’s Application Programming Interface (API) into their apps for seamless ride booking. Additionally, Uber offers customizable programs tailored to specific community needs such as distributing ride subsidies and centralizing scheduling. Over 80 transit agencies globally benefit from Uber Transit’s services.