Bill Text: SC H4405 | 2019-2020 | 123rd General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: Transportation Network Companies

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-04-04 - Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry [H4405 Detail]

Download: South_Carolina-2019-H4405-Introduced.html


A BILL

TO AMEND SECTION 58-23-1660, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, RELATING TO THE STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES OPERATING IN THIS STATE, SO AS TO REQUIRE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES, AT THE TIME THE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY (TNC) MATCHES THE TNC DRIVER TO THE TNC PASSENGER THROUGH THE DIGITAL NETWORK, TO TRANSMIT A NUMERIC PIN CODE BOTH TO THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONFIRMING THAT THE PASSENGER HAS LOCATED THE CORRECT DRIVER, AND TO REQUIRE THE TNC TO INCLUDE IN THE PASSENGER'S RIDE CONFIRMATION MESSAGE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING THE NUMERIC PIN CODE TO CONFIRM THAT THE PASSENGER HAS LOCATED THE CORRECT DRIVER.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Section 58-23-1660 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 58-23-1660.    (A)    A TNC operating in this State shall comply with the following standards:

(1)    A TNC driver shall not provide TNC services or otherwise operate as a passenger vehicle for hire unless a TNC has matched the TNC driver to the TNC passenger through the digital network. At the time the TNC matches one of its drivers with the TNC passenger through the digital network, the TNC shall transmit a numeric PIN code both to the driver and passenger for the purpose of confirming that the TNC passenger has located the correct TNC driver. The TNC shall include in the passenger's ride confirmation message instructions for using the numeric PIN code to confirm that the passenger has located the correct driver. A TNC driver shall not solicit or accept passenger rides on-demand or through a 'street hail'. All payment for TNC services must be made through the digital network and the TNC driver shall not accept cash payments.

(2)    A TNC shall make available to prospective TNC passengers and TNC drivers the method by which the TNC calculates fares or the applicable rates being charged and an option to receive an estimated fare. If the rates vary from those identified in the application to the Office of Regulatory Staff, the TNC must provide the revised rates to the passenger on the digital network.

(3)    A TNC shall provide the TNC passenger with an electronic receipt upon completion of the TNC service. The receipt must document the:

(a)    point of origin;

(b)    point of destination;

(c)    total duration and distance;

(d)    total fare/rate paid, including base fare and additional charges incurred for distance or duration; and

(e)    TNC driver's first name.

(4)    A TNC driver shall display an identification badge including his photograph, first name, personal vehicle make and model, and personal vehicle license plate number. This information may be displayed to the TNC passenger through the TNC digital network.

(5)    A TNC driver shall at all times carry in the TNC vehicle proof of the automobile liability insurance required of this article.

(6)    A TNC shall provide customer support on its digital network, website, or both, for TNC passenger inquiries or complaints and shall respond promptly to all TNC passenger inquiries or complaints.

(7)    A TNC shall not discriminate against TNC passengers on the basis of destination, race, color, national origin, religious belief or affiliation, sex, disability, or age.

(8)    A TNC shall provide TNC services in compliance with all applicable laws for providing services to persons with physical and mental disabilities. Service animals and mobility equipment must be permitted to accompany a TNC passenger.

(9)    A TNC shall provide TNC passengers an opportunity to indicate whether they require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. If a TNC cannot arrange wheelchair-accessible TNC service in any instance, it shall direct the TNC passenger to an alternate provider of wheelchair-accessible service, if available.

(10)    A TNC driver shall take the most direct route to the destination unless the TNC passenger has consented to an alternate route.

(11)    A TNC driver may refuse to transport a TNC passenger if the TNC passenger is acting in an unlawful, disorderly or endangering manner."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect thirty days after approval by the Governor.

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