Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
November 17, 2016 2:53 p.m.
After 45 minutes of discussion and public input, the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) decided that it is not interested in making special accommodation for so-called transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft, so that they might operate in the city alongside vehicles licensed to hire under existing city ordinance. However, commissioners are amenable to Uber and other drivers should they come into compliance with those same requirements in the existing city code (Secs. 86-90 through 86-143 Code of Ordinances).
In order for an individual or company to receive a City vehicle-for-hire permit (medallion) and pick up and drop off passengers in the city, the Code currently requires valid commercial auto liability insurance, current vehicle inspections for mechanical and safety features, a Florida criminal background check and a business tax receipt if the business is located in the city.
During a recent meeting with City Attorney Tammi Bach and then-Mayor John Miller Uber representatives explained their driver requirements, which include national criminal background checks and vehicles that are less than 10 years old. Individual drivers do not need to carry their own commercial auto liability insurance because the parent company uses a multi-million dollar commercial auto liability policy that covers only while the driver and vehicle are in service. That insurance is paid as part of the 20 percent of each fare that the driver remits to Uber.
Seven companies currently licensed to provide rides in the city spoke against making special exception for TNCs, citing risks to passengers from such companies that do not comply with current Florida law with respect to insurance. Local drivers were unanimous in support for uniform permitting requirements for all vehicles for hire, whether taxi cabs or TNCs.
There is at least one Uber driver currently permitted by the city. Permitted drivers display a medallion to let both passengers and law enforcement know that they carry the required insurance and pass the appropriate inspections and checks.
Although commissioners briefly discussed adding a fingerprinting requirement to the existing permitting process, they ultimately decided not to change existing permit requirements.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.