Guidance: Policy Statement; Applicability of Drug and Alcohol Testing Program to Transportation Network Companies

The commenter supports the FTA's clarification that transit agencies cannot use the "taxicab exemption" to bypass drug and alcohol testing requirements for contracted transportation providers. They argue that the move ensures public safety by holding all providers to existing federal standards and that compliant operators will continue to provide service.

Via, a transit technology company, supports the FTA's proposal to require drug and alcohol testing for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) providing transit trips. They argue that the testing is legally required, practically feasible at a low cost, and essential for ensuring public safety.

SilverRide, a transportation network company (TNC) providing paratransit services, supports the requirement for drug and alcohol testing for all TNC providers. They argue that these standards are necessary to protect vulnerable populations and ensure public safety, noting that their company already implements these measures.

The commenter supports the FTA's proposed policy to clarify drug and alcohol testing requirements for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). They argue that these regulations are essential for public safety to prevent accidents caused by controlled substances.

The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), a coalition of 37 labor unions, supports the FTA's proposal to require drug and alcohol testing for transportation network companies (TNCs). They argue that because TNCs are increasingly replacing or supplementing public transit services, they should be held to the same safety standards as transit operators to ensure passenger safety.

A privately held, woman-owned business with a transportation network company (TNC) division supports the FTA's clarification regarding the misapplication of the "taxicab exemption." The commenter argues that the action ensures all contracted transportation providers meet existing federal drug and alcohol testing safety standards without eliminating any transportation services.

The commenter supports the FTA's proposed policy to require transportation network companies (TNCs) to comply with existing drug and alcohol testing regulations. They argue that these requirements are essential for public safety and that professional operators are capable of meeting these standards without causing a loss of service.

The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), representing transit agencies, urges the FTA to withdraw the proposed policy statement regarding drug and alcohol testing for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). They argue that the issue is complex and should be addressed through the IIJA/BIL reauthorization process rather than a policy statement, while maintaining that TNCs receiving federal funding should still be subject to safety regulations.

The commenter supports the FTA's clarification that transit agencies cannot use the "taxicab exemption" to bypass drug and alcohol testing requirements for contracted transportation providers. They argue that the action ensures public safety by holding all providers to existing federal standards and that compliant operators are capable of maintaining service.

Uzurv, a Transportation Network Company (TNC), supports the proposed policy statement regarding the applicability of drug and alcohol testing programs. They argue that it is possible to operate a large-scale, efficient TNC while complying with FTA safety standards and that these requirements ensure a level playing field for all public transit providers.