1. Public Transit & Transportation Network Companies
Produced Summer 2017

2. Introduction & Purpose
Transportation is transforming; public has new mobility expectations
State Legislation allows TNCs to operate anywhere in NYS beginning June 29, 2017
Rapid and widespread introduction of TNCs will impact transit and present opportunities
Transit systems should collaborate and partner with TNCs and other shared modes
Leverage TNCs to improve mobility and support community growth

3. Experience of Other Systems
TNCs have operated nationally for many years
Impacts on transit ridership are not well-known
Experience collaborating with transit is evolving
Demonstrations and pilot programs underway in many cities to test new service models
NY MTA is developing pilot program for paratransit service
TCRP to fund a study of partnerships between transit and TNCs - results expected in late 2018

4. NYPTA Member Survey Surveyed transit members in May 2017
Few have contacted TNCs so far
Transit systems concerned with competition, losing riders and lack of TNC options in less-dense areas
Most systems see opportunities to partner with TNCs
Challenges/barriers include:
Federal and state regulations
ADA requirements
Labor union issues
Lack of technology

5. Issues and Concerns with TNCs
New competition to government-supported transit services
Loss of transit riders and revenues
Cutbacks in extent or frequency of transit services
Reduced transit service to lower-income riders
Lack of accessible TNC vehicles
Reduced mobility choices for persons without smart phones or credit cards
Driving safety of TNC drivers
Lack of TNC service availability when needed
Long-term sustainability of TNCs
Impacts on taxis
Increased traffic congestion

6. Opportunities to Partner with TNCs
Provide first-mile/last-mile services connecting to existing transit routes
Connect outlying communities to existing urban transit services
Substitute TNCs for low-volume or late-night transit services
Serve second/third shifts
Provide on-demand services in rural areas
Replace or supplement some paratransit services
Provide mobile technology (apps) that allows customers to seamlessly use TNC and transit
Joint marketing of transit and TNC services

7. Potential Barriers to Coordination
Federal and state laws, including federal ADA requirements
Labor union issues
Compatibility of technology between transit and TNCs
Slowness of transit to introduce new technology at the same speed as TNCs
Lack of good cell and wi-fi service in rural areas
Lack of smart phones by some demographic groups
Lack of trip data-sharing by TNCs

8. Guiding Principles for New York Transit Systems
Pursue and embrace the role of planning and coordinating mobility options, focusing on serving the customer’s full trip.
Transit is the backbone of a region’s public transportation system and transit managers should engage in partnership and collaboration opportunities with other services.
Open a dialogue with TNCs to discuss partnership opportunities for first-mile/last-mile solutions, paratransit service, joint marketing, integration of fare payment and other potential mobility improvements.
Continue to provide high-quality service, including the disabled community, and recognize that there will be environments where TNCs may not operate and customers who may not have the ability to access TNCs through mobile apps.
Ensure that all customers have equitable access to service, information and fare payment options.
Participate in joint mobility technology (apps) and make application of technology a high priority.
Participate in the state-created TNC Review Board and Accessibility Task Force

9. Recommended Practices for New York Transit Systems
Agreements should specify the obligations of each party and include reporting.
Use identical contracts with multiple transportation providers to eliminate any bias.
Educate riders, the public and stakeholders on plans for new services. Marketing and stakeholder engagement are critical to early success.
Strive to provide seamless transfers between modes to simplify the customer's trip.
Require collection and sharing of trip data to enhance planning.
Pursue grants and pilot programs to test and demonstrate partnerships.
Share best practices and TNC model agreements with other transit systems.
Identify legislative and regulatory barriers that can improve the delivery of mobility options

10. Next Steps
Provide NYPTA TNC White Paper to all NYPTA members and key state decision-makers
NYPTA to monitor TNC implementation, impacts and partnerships with transit systems
Maintain catalogue of other cities experiences with TNCs on NYPTA website
Create and maintain lessons learned on NYPTA website
Transit systems participate in state-created TNC Review Board and Accessibility Task Force