City council to vote on transportation network company issue

Cab industry, TNCs feel parts of new policies are unfair

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio City Council will vote on whether transportation network companies can legally operate in the city.

On Wednesday, Police Chief William McManus presented a host of policy recommendations amending the city's vehicle-for-hire laws.

Several council members expressed concern that the new policies regulating TNCs do not go far enough in protecting the public. 

District 2 Councilman Keith Toney questioned whether TNCs like Lyft and Uber can be trusted to follow the law given that both companies continue to violate a cease and desist order making their operation in San Antonio illegal.

"I think at the very least we need more analysis before we allow these folks, who have decided that they do not have to abide by our city rules, to operate," Toney said.

District 8 Councilman Ron Nirenberg said the new regulations go too far.

"Too much government regulation is the enemy of innovation, and I think that's part of the issue I'm having here," he said.

The policy changes are meant to level the playing field between cab and limo companies and new technology-driven ride share companies like Lyft and Uber, but after months of discussion both sides remain divided on whether everyone is on equal footing.

The council is expected to vote Dec. 11.