Broward Commission To Consider Uber Friendly Rules

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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - The people have spoken and apparently Broward County commissioners have listened.

After being blasted in social media and having take negative calls at their respective offices, the commission has announced that they will consider new rules for transportation network companies (TNCs) as they continue to work toward laws to address public demand for alternative transportation services like Uber and Lyft.

"A new frontier in transportation is combining transportation and communication in ways we never imagined five years ago. We are going to embrace it with regulatory framework that promotes expanded transportation network companies," said Broward Mayor Tim Ryan in a statement.

On Tuesday, commissioners listened to comments from more than one hundred people at a public meeting before reaching a tentative agreement on proposals to return transportation services like Uber and Lyft to Broward County.

The proposed legislation under consideration would allow TNCs to contract with drivers and certify that county safety requirements have been met. Background checks would be required, but could be processed through the County or a third party without the need for fingerprinting. Transportation network companies would be required to provide blanket insurance coverage that meets state law. The county will audit and inspect TNC records to ensure full compliance with the proposed ordinance. Reimbursement for TNC operations at the county airport and seaport will also be addressed.

The county attorney will also draft a Taxi Accountability Ordinance, as proposed by Commissioner Stacy Ritte,r that will incorporate technology to allow passengers to rate taxi services and their drivers.

The newly drafted legislation is expected to come before the commission for discussion and review next month.