TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES & ACCESSIBILITY BY DANIEL WARD
AUGUST 24, 2016 Prepared for:
This presentation is taking place on unceded indigenous land belonging to the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish),Stó:lō and Səlí& lwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
OUTLINE ▸ 1. Introduction ▸ 2. Transportation Network Companies ▸ 3. The Accessibility Challenge ▸ 4. What’s Happening? ▸ What are TNC’s Doing? ▸ What are Cities Doing? ▸ 5. Vancouver Regional Vancouver Context ▸ 7. Suggested Policies for B.C. ▸ 8. Bibliography ▸ 9. Appendices
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
1. INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
1. INTRODUCTION
“THE SHARING ECONOMY”
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
INTRODUCTION
“THE SHARING ECONOMY”
UBER
AIRBNB
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
METHODOLOGY Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. METHODOLOGY
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTERVIEWS
FOCUS GROUP
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. METHODOLOGY
LITERATURE REVIEW ‣ Government ‣ Grey ‣ News Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. METHODOLOGY
INTERVIEWS ‣ Government ‣ Disability advocates ‣ Uber Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. METHODOLOGY
FOCUS GROUP ‣ Hosted by Spinal Cord B.C. and Uber ‣ Topic: “Future of Accessible Transportation in Metro Vancouver” Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTERVIEWS Government
Non Government
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH QUESTION
“IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE TNC’S OPERATE, WHAT STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS EQUITY AND ACCESSIBILITY CONCERNS ARE BEING USED?” Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. METHODOLOGY
SUBQUESTIONS ‣ How have other jurisdictions addressed the challenges of fluctuating fare rates (i.e Uber’s “surge pricing” or Lyft’s “PrimeTime”)? ‣ TNCs reliance on smartphone apps can disadvantage persons with disabilities who generally have lower incomes, may not have a credit card, and/or may face challenges operating a smartphone. How have other jurisdictions addressed these challenges relating to dispatching a TNC vehicle? Are there examples where traditional phone-call- based dispatching services exist for TNCs? Are they effective? ‣ Given the high-cost and degree of specialization of wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) and the fact that TNCs drivers are independent drivers using their personal cars, WAVs are not naturally present in TNCs services, how have TNCs or other jurisdictions managed to provide or coordinate WAV services? Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES
“[A COMPANY] THAT PROVIDES PREARRANGED TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR COMPENSATION USING AN ONLINE-ENABLED APPLICATION (APP) OR PLATFORM TO CONNECT PASSENGERS WITH DRIVERS USING THEIR PERSONAL VEHICLES.”
California Public Utilities Commission
2. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES
BASICS ▸ Cashless ▸ Dispatch + Payment through app only ▸ No tipping ▸ Slightly cheaper ▸ Personal vehicles
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
2. TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES
HOW IT WORKS
Image Source: Uber Presentation
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
3. THE ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
3. THE ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE— MAIN ISSUES
MAIN ISSUES ▸ Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (AKA WAVs) ▸ Drive Training ▸ Dispatch + Payment ▸ Dynamic Pricing
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
3. THE ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE-MAIN ISSUES
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES ‣ Individuals drive their personal cars; few people have WAVs ‣ WAVs are expensive (capital, gas, maintenance) ‣ The lack of WAVs offered by TNCs has limited ability for people who use wheel chairs to use these services Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
3. THE ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE-MAIN ISSUES
DRIVER TRAINING ‣ People with disabilities often
have special needs that drivers may have to assist with in order for passengers to have a safe and comfortable trip
‣ Uber does not require any
accessibility related training
‣ In most urban areas, taxi
drivers are trained to serve persons with a disability Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
3. THE ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE-MAIN ISSUES
DISPATCH + PAYMENT ▸ Payment is cashless and is coordinated through the dispatching company’s app ▸ Some may not have the dexterity to make payment ▸ Many individuals with a disability have limited and fixed incomes and do not have a credit card ▸ Cash and TaxiSavers are most widely used methods
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
3. THE ACCESSIBILITY CHALLENGE-MAIN ISSUES
DYNAMIC PRICING ▸ Dynamic pricing: ▸ increases supply of drivers during peak times ▸ capitalizes on high demand ‣ Disproportionately impacts people with disabilities who may not have the same flexibility to travel outside peak travel times or access affordable alternatives
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHAT’S HAPPENING Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
4. WHAT’S HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING?
WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING? Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
4. WHATS HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING?
WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING? ▸ App accessibility features ▸ Employment for persons with a disability ▸ Accessible products
WHATS HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING?
APP ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES ▸ App accessibility features ‣ VoiceOver (iOS) TalkBalk (Android) compatibility ‣ High contrast colour scheme ‣ Option for inputting additional instructions to driver ‣ “Beethoven”, a special feature for drivers who are hearing impaired
WHATS HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING?
EMPLOYMENT FOR PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY ▸ Employment for persons with a disability ▸ Accessible app features have allowed people who are deaf or hard of hearing to supplement their income by driving
WHATS HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING?
ACCESSIBLE PRODUCTS ▸ Two products ▸ WAV ▸ ASSIST
WHATS HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING?
ACCESSIBLE PRODUCTS ▸ WAV ▸ Subsidized by company ▸ Wait times vary, but are an improvement on past
“…CONNECTING RIDERS WITH PARATRANSIT DRIVERS IN VEHICLES THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH HYDRAULIC RAMPS OR LIFTS.” - Uber Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHATS HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE TNC’S DOING?
ACCESSIBLE PRODUCTS
▸ ASSIST
“UBER ASSIST IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE TO SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.” - Uber Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
4. WHAT’S HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE CITIES DOING?
WHAT ARE CITIES DOING? Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHATS HAPPENING? — WHAT ARE CITIES DOING?
CITIES EXAMINED Edmonton
Seattle Toronto
Portland
Ottawa
Austin
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHAT ARE CITIES DOING?
APPROACHES ▸ Accessible Transportation Levy ▸ Accessibility Training Requirement ▸ Equitable Pricing ▸ Performance Standards ▸ Requirement to Provide Accessible Service
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHAT ARE CITIES DOING? - APPROACHES- ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION LEVY
EXAMPLE: ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION LEVY ▸ Most common tool ▸ Common objective: To offset higher costs of operating a wheelchair accessible vehicle. ▸ Application of levy varies among cities: ▸ Most per trip, some per TNC vehicle ▸ Some apply to ALL for-hire trips (including WAV trips), some do not exclude WAV trips
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHAT ARE CITIES DOING? - APPROACHES
COMPARISON
Accessibility Levy
Austin
Edmonton
Ottawa
Portland
Seattle
Toronto
Yes or No
Frequency
---
per year / per vehicle
per trip
per trip
per trip
per trip
Amount
---
$20k for "commercial" PTC/ $50 p. vehicle for "regional" PTC
TBD
TBD
10 cents
10 cents
Alocation
---
TBD
TBD
TBD
Partial reimbursment for higher operational costs
Grants towards WAV vehicle purchase
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHAT ARE CITIES DOING? - APPROACHES
▸ Pro: ▸ Straight forward to implement and low cost ▸ TNC’s like it—predictable and straight forward for them ▸ Flexible tool for transportation authorities ▸ Con: ▸ Indirect ▸ Success contingent on uptake from drivers and disbursement of funds Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
WHAT ARE CITIES DOING?
SUMMARY Accessibility enhancing regulations
Austin
Edmonton
Portland
Toronto
Seattle Ottawa
Accessibility Training
Levy to support accessible transportation fund
Accessible service requirements
Customer Service Center
Equitable pricing
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
METRO VANCOUVER CONTEXT Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
5. METRO VANCOUVER CONTEXT
CHALLENGES ▸ “Last Mile” ▸ Group Travel ▸ Vehicle for-hire training ▸ Availability of WAVs
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
5. METRO VANCOUVER CONTEXT
STRENGTHS ▸ Accessible Public Transit System ▸ TaxiSaver Program ▸ provides riders with coupons that give them 50% off taxi fares
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— OBSERVATIONS
OBSERVATIONS ▸ Accessibility of TNC system closely linked to regulatory conditions of service ▸ Other major factors: ▸ Preexisting supply of WAV vehicles (taxis, NEMT) ▸ TNC’s provide subsidy to WAV providers through partnerships ▸ Reference to “accessible service” in regulation given narrowly defined as wheelchair accessible service Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— OBSERVATIONS
WHICH CITIES WERE MOST ACCESSIBLE? ▸ Shortest wait times were found in Portland and Toronto ▸ TNC’s permitted on condition accessible service be provided (ie. UberWAV) ▸ Portland also prohibits dynamic pricing for WAV trips
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— OBSERVATIONS
HAS UBER DECREASED WAIT TIMES FOR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES? ▸ Data from Portland Pilot Study answers “yes”
Avg. Monthly WAV Times during Portland’s pilot
Source: City of Portland
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— OBSERVATIONS
HAS UBER DECREASED WAIT TIMES FOR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES? ▸ Toronto has not released data on whether wait times have changed ▸ Uber reported an average ETA of 8 minutes in Toronto ▸ Observations made over June 2016 corroborates this
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— OBSERVATIONS
HAVE TNC’S DECREASED WAIT TIMES FOR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES? Toronto
Portland
UberX
Portland WAV Avg.= 13.7
WAV
UberX
WAV
8
15
5
3
-
21
2
3
5*
14
4
4*
3
NTL
3
2*
5
8
2
2
4
12
6
2*
3
13
4
5
5
25
7
3
4
14
5
5
3
16
5
2
2
27
7
3
5
13
3
3
5
NTL
5
5
3
29
2
1
3
21
3
3
2
9
4
2*
7
NTL
5
2*
2
11
3
4*
4
10
6
5
3*
NTL
7
5*
5
7
4
2*
1
30
5
2*
3
24
3
2
5
15
16
4*
6
-
5
4
*= a period of higher than normal fares (aka: "Surge")
than normal fares (aka: "Surge")
NTL = No time was listed.
listed.
Toronto WAV Avg.= 6.9
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS ▸ Two types: ▸ Policy (PO) ▸ Process (PR)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
POLICY 1
REQUIRE LARGE TNCS TO PROVIDE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE SERVICE Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
POLICY 2
REQUIRE LARGE TNCS TO EXPLORE PARTNERSHIPS WITH APPROPRIATE PUBLIC FACILITIES AND FIND OPPORTUNITIES TO CENTRALLY DISPATCH TNC VEHICLES FOR DISABLED CUSTOMERS Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
POLICY 3
PROHIBIT DYNAMIC PRICING FOR ACCESSIBILITY FOCUSED PRODUCTS Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
POLICY 4
ESTABLISH AN ACCESSIBILITY LEVY FOR VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE TRIPS Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
POLICY 4
Fund Revenue
TNC revenue
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
PROCESS 1
EXAMINE WAYS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES CAN ACCESS ALL VEHICLE-FOR-HIRE (INCLUDING FUTURE TNC PLATFORMS) SERVICES AT SUBSIDIZED RATE Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
PROCESS 1
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
6. OBSERVATIONS + RECOMMENDATIONS— RECOMMENDATIONS
PROCESS 2
ENGAGE TRANSLINK IN ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION DIALOGUE Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
END Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
APPENDICIES—APPENDIX A-SUMMARY OF SUGGESTED ACTIONS
APPENDIX A
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
APPENDICIES—APPENDIX A-SUMMARY OF SUGGESTED ACTIONS
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
APPENDICIES—APPENDIX B—INFORMANTS
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
APPENDICIES—APPENDIX B—INFORMANTS
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
TEXT
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
REPORT BIBLIOGRAPHY
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
TEXT
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
TEXT
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
TEXT
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
TEXT
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
TEXT
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
TEXT
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)
Daniel Ward, M.A. Planning Candidate (2016)