City announces ordinance changes supporting tech-based vehicles for hire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2015

Committee substitute upholds public safety, meets the needs of tech-savvy transportation companies

Today, the City of Kansas City, Mo. City Council approved a committee substitute to the vehicle for hire ordinance (ordinance 150203) which establishes City-wide requirements for companies and drivers operating under Kansas City’s vehicle for hire code. The amendment is a progressive solution which allows Kansas City to uphold public safety requirements while improving the ways Kansas City does business with tech-based transportation companies.

Amendment to ordinance 150203 establishes:

• An option for transportation companies to pay an increased annual Vehicle Permit Fee of $45,000 which will then waive the $100 vehicle permit fee for drivers.
• Transportation companies or drivers may provide background checks to the City of Kansas City; background checks must still meet Kansas City’s established requirements for public safety.
• The City of Kansas City will be named as an insured entity on the insurance policies for Transportation Network Companies.
• Drivers will be granted a 30-day orientation period from the start of their service to comply with the City ordinance.
• Council will review the amendment to ordinance 150203 after 6 months and make adjustments as necessary to continue to improve vehicle for hire operations in Kansas City.

“We’ve said all along that Uber and all tech-driven ride-hailing companies are welcome in Kansas City as long as we ensure that residents and visitors are transported safely,” Mayor Sly James said. “After the ordinance passed on April 9, I contacted Uber to see if we could find common ground, and I’m glad we got there for the entire industry. I want to thank Mayor Pro Tem Circo for her commitment to finding a solution to this issue. I also want to thank all the transportation industry stakeholders for working with us to provide the safest transportation options possible for our citizens.”

“This solution is right for Kansas City, and serves as a model for other cities that are facing similar regulation challenges,” said Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Circo. “We are committed to helping companies do business in Kansas City.”

The amended ordinance is the result of discussions with leaders representing vehicle for hire companies operating in Kansas City.

“We fully support the proposed changes,” said Bill George, CEO of Yellow Cab and zTrip. “The changes meet all of our original goals, and enhance our ability to expand zTrip throughout Kansas City.”

“Kansas City is a destination of choice for tech companies and today they showed why,” said Andy Hung, Uber’s General Manager for Kansas City. “We applaud the Mayor and the City Council for their leadership that will ensure Uber can continue to grow, create jobs and provide safe rides in Kansas City for years to come.”

Media inquiries should be directed to City Communications Director, Chris Hernandez, by email at chris.hernandez@kcmo.org or by phone at 816-513-3474.