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Driving for cash could mean stiff penalties
City proposes new transportation rules
Updated: Wednesday, 20 Feb 2013, 7:49 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 20 Feb 2013, 7:49 PM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) - The City of Austin's Transportation Department is laying down some rules when it comes to how you get around town. A new ordinance going before the city council proposes that drivers caught giving rides for money without a permit face stiff penalties like having your car seized by police.
We first told you about Heyride last October . It's a mobile app that sets up people who need a ride with drivers who need cash.
Under the new ordinance the transportation department says "ride for hire" service will face stiff penalties.
"Penalties would be the car would be impounded and they would have to pay fees and it's also a Class C Misdemeanor," said Steve Grassfield, the parking enterprise manager with the city.
Unregistered pedicabs and taxi services would also be penalized.
Recently, Heyride announced that a California based mobile app named Side Car had bought them out. The city says the new ordinance would apply to them too.
But some Austin commuters say they're not quite ready to say good-bye to Heyride or any paid car pooling service.
"Considering how green Austin is, its kind of weird," said Louis Carnicle. "You'd think they'd want people to give rides to each other. I think its fair to ask for a couple bucks in gas money."
The city says the new regulations will make getting around safer for riders, and even the playing field for cab drivers who follow the rules.
The ordinance goes before the city council on February 28th.
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