Essence Fest 2019 For-Hire Vehicle Traffic Notice
Wednesday, July 03, 2019 at 2:22:34 PM
DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
In accordance with the emergency provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act La. R.S.49:953 (B), the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development under the provisions of Act No. 286 of the Regular Session of 2019, and in order to provide for pertinent regulations on Transportation Network Companies until Permanent Rules mandated by Act No. 286 are in effect, notice is hereby given that Department of Transportation and Development is adopting emergency rules that implement the necessary regulations concerning the operation of Transportation Network Companies during specific special events of a large magnitude. The Department of Transportation and Development has determined that a lack of a comprehensive transportation plan concerning the operation and mobility of Transportation Network Companies during special events constitutes a risk for those individuals seeking to use the service. The effective date of this Rule is upon signature.
On June 13, 2019, the Governor signed into law Act No. 286 of the Regular Session of 2019 which regulated Transportation Network Companies. This law goes into effect on July 1, 2019, at which point DOTD must begin promulgating rules and regulations to implement and enforce the Act. The promulgation of these rules and regulations require substantial input from municipalities and Transpo1tation Network Companies. This input and the requisite time required to promulgate rules by law will not allow the completion of these rules and regulations before November 2019.
After July 1, 2019, and until permanent rules and regulations are promulgated and adopted, Transportation Network Companies will be allowed to operate in Louisiana under a conditional permit that requires that all minimum requirements under Act 286 are met. During the rule promulgation period, municipalities throughout the state will host large special events with visitors that are likely to utilize Transportation Network Companies for their transportation needs. It is incumbent upon the department to review the impact a specific special event may have on mobility and safety for tourist and citizens.
For the purposes of this order, the City of New Orleans will host an event between July 4 and July 7, with an estimated attendance of more than 100,000 out of town visitors. The large number of visitors may use Transportation Network Company drivers and vehicles for their transportation needs during this time, as they traverse the city.
The implementation of a comprehensive transportation plan will allow for directed and controlled mobility while providing citizens and tourist with the necessary services. The intent of the adoption of this plan is to allow for the proper planning by municipalities, law enforcement agencies and transportation network companies. The secretary hereby declares:
On this 3rd of July 2019, the adoption of the proposed City of New Orleans transportation plan, attached hereunto, for the 2019 Essence Festival. This plan shall be in effect from July 4- July 7, 2019. This issuance of this order does not pre-empt the state's regulation of transportation network companies but rather adopts the proposed plan of the City of New Orleans as the plan for the State of Louisiana. Enforcement of this plan shall follow all laws and jurisdictional procedures within the City of New Orleans and Orleans Parish.
Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D.
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
