Austin's Mobility Committee approved another round of new rules for rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft. It all took about 20 minute, and did not include any public input. Our Jeff Stensland explains what the proposed rules mean for riders and drivers planning to use the service.
Austin leaders want Lyft and Uber drivers to be easier to spot.
The Transportation Network Companies, or TNCs, already show riders the vehicle model, license plate and photo of who will pick them up.
But District 5 Council Member Ann Kitchen says that was not enough to prevent a woman from being sexually assaulted last month as she left the ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park.
"She thought she was getting into a TNC car, and she was not," said Kitchen.
Kitchen says requiring drivers to mark their cars with official Uber and Lyft signage could prevent that.
"The signage would have helped her to know not to get into the car. It's pretty hard to identify the person being the right person before you get into the car. Once you get into the car, it's too late," said Kitchen.
District 6 Council Member Don Zimmerman was the sole no vote on the recommendation.
He believes what's in place now is enough of a safeguard.
"All these things are only as good as the people that utilize them. If you are not paying attention to your cues -- if you are not looking at somebody's photograph or their ID -- all these rules and regulations are going to do no good," said Zimmerman.
Austin's Mobility Committee also wants more thorough vehicle inspections, dedicated drop-off and pickup locations for large events, and more detailed data from the companies.
"We think we need to have reporting and some metrics, so we understand the activity that is going on," said Gordon Derr with the Austin Transportation Department.
Uber has threatened to leave Austin if the new rules are put in place.
"The threat, in my view, is not coming from the TNC. It is coming from unnecessary regulation by the city," said Zimmerman.
Kitchen says it's about creating a safe and fair playing field, where taxis and ridesharing operate under the same rules.
The new rules are expected to be ready for a vote in a month.
Uber says, "If this proposal is adopted, Austin will be the only major city in the nation without ridesharing."
Lyft has not indicated if they have plans to leave Austin.
Officials said in a statement, "We urge members of the full Council to listen to their constituents, and have a thoughtful, open discussion about the impact these regulations will have on this industry."