Dockless Micromobility Regulatory Framework Transportation and Municipal Infrastructure Committee March 19, 2019
Dockless Micromobility was last discussed at the February 5 th committee meeting TMI committee members requested that staff continue to refine a proposed framework and coordinate with UTA Proposed framework developed with input from City Attorney s Office, Arlington PD, UTA, and interested Operators Proposed Regulatory Framework
Framework would include an ordinance update and a license agreement process Ordinance update would allow operation of scooters and other devices within the proposed geographic area Ordinance would also outline provisions that users must abide by (following traffic laws, applicable helmet use, etc.) Violation of provisions would be a misdemeanor offense with a fine not to exceed $500 License agreement must be executed by each Operator in order to provide service within the City Proposed Regulatory Framework
Any form of dockless micromobility device that may be rented for a period of time such as: Bicycles Electric Scooters Electric Bicycles Seated Low-Speed Electric Scooters Motor-Assisted Scooters For other devices that fit this model, but are not yet commercially available, the ordinance and license agreement would need to be amended as necessary Types of Devices Regulated
Proposed Initial Pilot Program length: One Year Initial license valid for 6 months Option to renew for an additional 6 months at no additional cost provided operator has demonstrated compliance with license agreement requirements Pilot Program Timeframe
$500 License Fee $25 per device fee 15 cent per trip fee to assist with enforcement costs $2,000 per 100 devices placed in escrow for property damage or other costs incurred by City Initial maximum of 100 dockless micromobility devices per operator allowed; any combination of modes/devices For each month utilization is above 90%, operator may increase fleet size by up to 20% - working to clarify calculation of utilization rate License Fees & Fleet Caps
Devices must meet all federal and state requirements for safety standards. Devices must have the emblem of the operator and current contact info including phone number and email address for relocation requests and maintenance concerns. Devices must be high quality and built to withstand effects of weather and constant use for a minimum of 3 years. Devices must have visible language posted on the device that notifies user helmet use is encouraged for all riders and required for those under 18, users must yield to pedestrians, may not ride while intoxicated, and must follow all applicable traffic laws. Fleet Standards
Any device that is broken, damaged, or unsafe to operate must be disabled immediately upon report via the operator s software application and physically removed within 24 hours. Speed of electric dockless micromobility devices must be capped at 12 MPH via the operator s software application. Electric dockless micromobility fleets must be remotely disabled between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Fleet Standards
Operators must provide monthly reports that capture data on usage, trip information, fleet utilization rates, and other items of interest to the City. Customer service must be available during all hours of operation. Must provide contact where the City can reach operator for issue response, including a dedicated line for public safety official use to contact operators directly. Proof of liability insurance in required amounts still developing $2,000 provided to be held in escrow to assist with removal/disposal of devices and repair to city property in event of violation of agreement or other issues Operator Requirements
Helmets required for all persons under the age of 18. Operation is allowed only in dedicated bike lanes on roadways and on sidewalks at least 6 in width. Speed of devices shall not exceed 12 MPH. Only one person may be on the device when it is being operated. User Operation and Safety Requirements
Riders may not use a portable wireless communication device while operating a dockless micromobility device. Riders must be notified that they are subject to all traffic laws while riding on a public roadway. Riders must be notified that it is illegal to operate a device while intoxicated. Riders may not operate devices between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Riders must be notified about device parking restrictions. User Operation and Safety Requirements
Operation and staging shall be restricted to the area surrounding Downtown Arlington and the University of Texas at Arlington campus. The specific boundaries are identified as: West Davis Drive/Fielder Road East Collins Street North Division Street South Park Row Drive Devices may be operated only on roadways with striped bike lanes (UTA Blvd. and Spaniolo Drive/Pecan Street only) or on sidewalks with widths of at least 6 Operation would be prohibited on Cooper, Abram, Collins, and Division streets and Park Row Drive, as well as any other roadway without a bike lane in the restricted area Geographic Restrictions
Note: UT Arlington has jurisdiction over how devices operate on its campus Geographic Restrictions
Dockless micromobility devices may only be staged on: Sidewalks that are 6 or wider with 3 clear passage Public (City-owned) vehicle parking areas (e.g. parking lots), adhering to ADA requirements No staging on private property No more than 5 devices may be staged in one location at a time Concerns and complaints about staging issues must be resolved within 24 hours. Fleet Staging
Fleets must be rebalanced every 48 hours Devices parked by riders in residential areas that do not impede pedestrian or vehicular travel shall be allowed to remain in place for up to 24 hours. However, upon receiving any complaint or request, Operator shall relocate device to a staging area. Riders may not park the devices in these areas: Areas not compliant with ADA requirements Blocking ramps, access aisles, and parking areas In roadways Blocking clear passage on sidewalks (clear space of 3 ) Blocking access to buildings Other areas that impede access or create fall or trip hazards Fleet Rebalancing and User Parking
Operator Recommendations: Increase speed limit from 12 mph to 15 mph Do not restrict operation between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Allow operation outside of the proposed geographic zone Operator Feedback
UTA will adopt their own regulations surrounding device staging, operation, and enforcement on campus Operators will need to be licensed by the City as well as permitted by UTA to operate on campus UTA will have separate annual, device, and impoundment fees City and UTA are working to come to an agreement on the approach to the dynamic fleet cap and how to manage fleet changes UTA will regulate staging on campus through designated staging zones, with up to 8 devices per zone UTA suggests a top device speed of 10 mph UTA will be ready to launch its program in conjunction with the City s UT Arlington Feedback
Council work session presentation on program approach, license agreement requirements, and draft ordinance Further collaboration with UTA to ensure programs are aligned If Council approves ordinance, launch program and begin executing license agreements with operators in early May Potential Next Steps
Discussion