County officials adopt resolution backing transportation standards

Clark County commissioners have put their support behind the widely debated concept of regulatory standards for transportation network companies, including ride-sharing companies such as San Francisco-based Uber.

The commission’s resolution, adopted Tuesday, comes at a crucial juncture for potential state regulation of ride-sharing companies. Nevada legislators could still revive Senate Bill 439, which would put rules in place for transportation networks.

The Senate on April 15 didn’t get enough votes to pass the bill that would allow Uber and other ride-sharing companies to legally operate under the oversight of the Public Utilities Commission. But legislators could still reconsider the vote, changing the outcome, under Senate rules.

The resolution says the millions of visitors who come to Southern Nevada deserve safe and reliable transportation and calls for consistent regulatory standards.

The resolution calls for commercial liability insurance and workers compensation coverage, FBI fingerprint background checks, drug testing for drivers, Nevada Transportation Department physicals for drivers, vehicle inspections, driver training and regulated fares.

Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak, a former Nevada Taxicab Authority board member, said the resolution isn’t about one company but rather the industry as a whole.

“My concern is for public safety and that everybody operate on a level playing field,” said Sisolak, who sponsored the resolution.

Commissioner Tom Collins said minimum standards are important for keeping the region safe.

“Whatever business area that we deal with in Southern Nevada, whether it’s a million-dollar restaurant somewhere or a little food cart we have minimum standards,” Collins said. “We have certain standards for the health and safety of our community and the health and safety of our tourism.”

It’s unclear what outcome the commission’s support will have on the legislative efforts. The Senate rejected SB439 with a 11-10 vote. That was three votes shy of the two-thirds majority needed because the bill comes with a $2.9 million cost for a new regulatory system within the Public Utilities Commission.

Uber officials have said SB439 is crucial for it to exist in Nevada. But the taxicab industry has said the ride-sharing company is trying to bypass strict regulations as it enters Nevada.

Uber operated in Nevada for about a month last year before closing down after losing a court case.

Uber representatives didn’t return calls from the Review-Journal.

Contact Ben Botkin at bbotkin@reviewjournal.com or 702-405-9781. Find him on Twitter: @BenBotkin1.