Opposition to TNC ordinance gathers momentum

Newly formed political action committee Ridesharing Works for Austin has been gathering support over the last few weeks for a measure to overturn City Council’s recent passage of an ordinance placing restrictions on transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. The ordinance penalizes TNCs that don’t require drivers to undergo fingerprint background checks, and Lyft has said it does not operate in cities that make such requirements. Ridesharing Works for Austin has launched a petition that, with enough validated signatures (20,000), would require Council either to revert permanently to the previous incarnation of its TNC rules or to put the matter up for a public vote. The coalition, which includes Austin Music People and ATX Safer Streets, announced this week that about 30 or so local music and entertainment representatives would be getting together today to sign the petition and to show their support for the effort. The announcement lists several organizations represented by the signers, including ACL Live, the Austin Music Foundation, Circuit of the Americas and the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, along with several area bars and music venues. In the meantime, a counter effort with its own petition has also surfaced, as we reported last week.