Mobility on Demand

Policymakers should ensure that TNCs:

• ensure safety,
• incorporate consumer protections in such areas as access to redress, and
• expand access to transportation in a non-discriminatory manner. 

At a minimum, state and local governments should ensure that TNCs:

• hire only drivers who are at least 21 years old, properly licensed, appropriately insured, and adequately trained, and whose driving records and background checks are consistent with passenger safety;
• ensure that vehicles are properly registered and routinely inspected and provide visible identification for customers to ascertain their driver and vehicle;
• maintain proper documentation on each driver and vehicle;
• ensure transparency in transactions from the start, including on rates charged;
• establish a meaningful dispute-resolution process and provide consumers with clear information on how to file a complaint;
• provide service to all people in a nondiscriminatory manner; and
• provide or support access to transportation for people with disabilities.

State and local governments should encourage ride-sharing, volunteer programs, and other low-cost programs to help meet older adults’ transportation needs. This includes through public-private partnerships.

Congress should increase the charitable nontaxable reimbursement/deductible rate for charitable driving to equal that for business-related driving in order to encourage individuals to participate in volunteer driver programs.

Policymakers and the private sector should implement Universal Mobility as a Service to expand access to transportation for everyone in the community. This includes older adults, people with disabilities or limited mobility, and people with low incomes.