Public Transit & Transportation Network Companies Produced Summer 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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