New Dockless Requirements for 2019 – Have A Look at all the Requirements

From DDOT:

“Today, Mayor Bowser’s District Department of Transportation (DDOT) released the new permit application for the dockless vehicle program, which includes an expansion of the program beginning January 1, 2019.

“The new dockless permit requirements reflect the promise DDOT sees in this program to increase active transportation in the District, as well as the many valid concerns we heard from a wide range of stakeholders involving safety and equity,” said DDOT Director, Jeff Marootian. “With the new permit we are upholding Mayor Bowser’s commitment to fostering innovation and competition among the many operators in this space while also delivering the safest, most sustainable, and most efficient transportation options to District residents and visitors.”

The application lays out the District’s goals for the program, and includes detailed terms and conditions for companies that are intended to maximize the safety, equity and mobility of the program. The new requirements will apply to any company seeking to participate in the dockless vehicle sharing program in 2019. Permits issued during this period will be valid from January 1 to December 31, 2019.

After a review process, applications will be evaluated and DDOT will issue permits to qualified dockless vehicle operators.

Among the requirements for the 2019 program, participating companies must:

Apply separately to operate bicycles/motorized-bicycles or scooters. One company may operate both vehicle types simultaneously, but under separate permits.
Deploy not less than 100 vehicles, and not more than 600 vehicles per permit. Companies that seek to increase their fleet size must achieve a favorable quarterly evaluation from DDOT, at which point a 25-percent increase may be permitted.
Adaptive vehicles for people with disabilities are encouraged in the 2019 program, and will not be counted toward the maximum number of vehicles permitted.
Ensure bicycles are equipped with a locking mechanism that affixes the bicycle to an independent, stationary object when parked.
Equip scooters and motorized-bicycles with speed governors that restrict the vehicles to a maximum speed of 10 mph and 20 mph respectively.
Offer non-smartphone options for trip rentals, cash-payment options, and low-income pricing plans.
Deploy vehicles in all 8 wards by 6:00 AM daily.

Pay a permit fee based on fleet size to cover the cost of program enforcement, evaluation, and administration, and deposit a $10,000 performance bond for the removal or impoundment of unsafe or abandoned vehicles.
Provide anonymous trip data for planning purposes and program evaluation.

The 2019 Dockless Vehicle Permit Application, along with instructions, sample Terms and Conditions agreements, and the required data-reporting template, is available here. The deadline to submit a permit application is November 19, 2018.

The proposed rulemaking for Dockless Vehicle Sharing is available here, and is open for public comment until November 26, 2018.”