MOBILITY ON DEMAND: Policy
Transportation network companies (TNCs)
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.
Programs to expand transportation access for older adults
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.
Universal Mobility as a Service
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.