DOTD commences statewide regulation of transportation network companies
Tuesday, July 02, 2019 at 9:17:51 AM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that today that its regulation of transportation network companies (TNCs) throughout the state has begun. Act 286 from the legislature’s 2019 regular session establishes TNCs in Louisiana. The legislation grants TNCs the ability to operate without a permit until rules and regulations are promulgated by the department. However, as the state’s regulator, DOTD determined that TNCs should provide the state assurance that the basic requirements of the statute are being met. As a result, the department has provided an opportunity for a conditional permit to allow TNCs to launch statewide immediately.
“We’re pleased that this legislation has passed and been signed by Gov. Edwards,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “Louisiana has been overdue to have ridesharing services for its residents and guests statewide. This act will provide many benefits and increase safety for everybody in our state.”
DOTD has already begun to work with municipalities concerning the governance of TNCs during special events. Most notably, the department is working with the city of New Orleans to ensure that there will be mobility around the city during the ESSENCE Festival weekend. DOTD is issuing a special emergency order that will allow TNCs to adapt to the city of New Orleans’s transportation plan for the festival.
“ESSENCE Festival is almost here and the city of New Orleans could not be more excited to host this event for its 25th anniversary,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “The overall success of ESSENCE Fest every year is due to the broad network of support from our public safety agencies and our local, state and federal partners. Through strong coordination, preparedness and communication, we are able to execute large scale events safely. The readiness and organization of our people and resources are imperative. Each year we continue to improve on the measures we take to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our residents and visitors.”
In the future, DOTD will continue to work with municipalities and TNCs to ensure fairness and optimal mobility for Louisiana’s citizens and tourists during the many festivals and special events held statewide.
TNCs are also known as ridesharing companies and include services such as Uber and Lyft. Ridesharing gives citizens and visitors more transportation options for their activities, and increases safety by reducing the number of impaired drivers on the roadways.