CPUC Takes Steps to Make TNC Data Available to the Public and Proposes Framework for Access for All Compliance
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today took action to make annual reports submitted by Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) available to the public, and proposed a framework for compliance with the TNC Access for All Act, subject to final approval by the CPUC’s Commissioners.
In 2013, a CPUC decision allowed TNCs, to submit their annual reports required by the CPUC on a confidential basis. The presumption of confidentiality was acknowledged at a time when TNCs were a nascent transportation service, and the CPUC accepted the representations that failure to grant confidentiality to the annual reports, particularly the disaggregated data contained therein, might compromise sensitive information and place the compliant TNCs in an unfair competitive advantage.
The proposed decision would bring greater transparency to the regulation of TNCs and facilitate improved planning for local jurisdictions. If the proposed decision is approved, TNCs would only be able to keep certain portions of their annual reports confidential by submitting a publicly-noticed request, including documented arguments and evidence in support of that request, that the CPUC would consider.
The proposed decision is available at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M326/K933/326933637.PDF.
Members of the public can comment on the proposed decision by emailing public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov and referencing proceeding number R.12-12-011. The first opportunity for the CPUC’s Commissioners to vote on the proposed decision is March 12, 2020.
Separately, the CPUC issued a proposed decision today that, if approved by its Commissioners, would establish a framework for implementation of the TNC Access for All Act by setting requirements for TNC accessibility investments and for the distribution of funds to access providers.
The TNC Access for All Act (SB 1376, Hill) requires TNCs to provide services accessible to persons with disabilities through online-enabled applications or platforms, with a primary focus on wheelchair users who require a wheelchair accessible vehicle. The proposed decision establishes several criteria for TNCs, including demonstrating the presence and availability of drivers of wheelchair accessible vehicles and achieving certain trip response times for wheelchair accessible vehicle rides.
The proposed decision is available at http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M326/K933/326933422.PDF.
Members of the public can comment on the proposed decision by emailing public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov and referencing proceeding number R.19-02-012. The first opportunity for the CPUC’s Commissioners to vote on the proposed decision is March 12, 2020.
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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