TNC guidelines (FAQ)

Application dispatch system (mobile app)

Online dispatch applications, sometimes called mobile apps or online apps, allow people to:

• Request dispatch of drivers for trips
• Submit payments for trips via the Internet using mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets

Drivers for TNCs may only accept payment for fares through an online Application Dispatch System. They may not accept cash fares.

Online dispatch applications must make the rate structure transparent, including any changing fees or possible surcharges, before the customer confirms the ride.

TNCs must use an online Application Dispatch System approved by the Director of King County Records and Licensing.

The Application Dispatch System used by TNCs must include:

• Telephone number
• Website link
• Email

These are required so that passengers can register complaints about drivers including those suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The application also must include the King County consumer complaint hotline phone number and web site for reporting such complaints.

Background checks

All drivers and vehicle owners must consent to criminal background checks. TNCs must review the background checks and maintain records of them.

The background checks may be conducted by fingerprinting the driver, with prints forwarded to the FBI or Washington State Patrol for investigation. They may also be conducted by a third-party vendor approved by the Director of King County Records and Licensing. Companies also must report criminal offenses by drivers that have bearing on the driver's fitness to operate a taxicab, transportation network company vehicle or for-hire vehicle. These criminal offenses include but are not limited to:

• Fraud
• Theft
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Assault
• Sex crimes
• Alcohol or drug offenses
• Prostitution

Data reporting

TNCs must collect accurate and complete operational records and keep these records for two years. The records must include:

• The total number of rides provided
• The percentage or number of rides picked up in each ZIP code
• The pick up and drop off ZIP codes of each ride
• The percentage by ZIP code of rides that are requested by the application dispatch system but are not provided
• The number of collisions, including the name and number of the affiliated driver, collision fault, injuries and estimated damage
• The number of rides when an accessible vehicle was requested
• Reports of crimes against drivers
• Records of passenger complaints
• Any other data identified by the director of King County Records and Licensing to ensure compliance

Records may be maintained electronically.

Data must be reported quarterly to the director of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services with the City of Seattle. Reports are to be made electronically on forms provided by the director.

Driver training and examination

Drivers must complete driver's education and be tested in order to be licensed.

King County code requires that all drivers complete the Defensive Driver Training provided by the National Safety Council. The 4-hour online course must be completed within 60 days of the driver application submittal.

It is strongly recommended that this requirement take place as early in the process as possible and companies are urged to consider building this requirement into the on boarding process to ensure the highest potential for compliance and accountability.  One extra driver training program must be approved by the Director of King County Records and Licensing and completed by the drivers.

TNCs may provide driver training programs. Such programs must include:

• Information about defensive driving
• Instruction on use of emergency equipment and procedures for driver safety
• Information about risk factors for crimes against drivers
• Training in passenger relations
• Information about standards of professional conduct and communication skills
• Curriculum for driver training programs must be submitted by the company to the Director of King County Records and Licensing for approval each year

Drivers must pass an examination in order to be licensed. The test may be administered by:

• City of Seattle
• The City jointly with King County
• An approved taxicab association
• For-hire vehicle company
• TNC
• Third party vendor

Examinations must test the driver's:

• Knowledge of requirements and laws for operating taxicabs, for-hire vehicles or TNC vehicles
• Ability to understand oral and written directions in the English language
• Knowledge of vehicle safety requirements
• Knowledge of TNC vehicle endorsement and driver regulations
• Knowledge of the geography of Seattle, King County and the surrounding region
• Knowledge of local public and tourist destinations and attractions
• Knowledge of risk factors for crimes against drivers, of emergency procedures and of personal safety equipment
• Exam procedures and content must be approved by the Director of King County Records and Licensing

Insurance

TNCs must maintain commercial insurance coverage for all TNC-affiliated vehicles at any time they are active on a TNC online dispatch application. The insurance coverage must include:

Evidence of minimum insurance for each affiliated vehicle while on the application dispatch system (ADS) but before a passenger accepts a requested ride in an amount no less than required by RCW 46.72.050 and minimum underinsured motorist coverage of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident/$30,000 property damage (ESSB 5550).

Insurance (liability and UIM) during a "prearranged ride" as defined by State Bill ESSB 5550 with a combined single limit liability coverage of $1,000,000; and underinsured motorist coverage of $1,000,000.

Policy issued by a Washington Admitted Carrier with AM Best rating of not less than B VII OR better OR Surplus Lines Insurer with AM Best rating not less than B+ VII with evidence that an exemption has been met allowing use of a surplus lines insurer.

Policies must name King County, its officers, officials, agents and employees as an additional insured. Transportation network companies must file evidence of insurance with the Director of King County Records and Licensing.

Drivers must keep proof of commercial insurance in their vehicles while operating them. If you are a TNC driver, you must also maintain your own auto insurance policy to provide coverage when your vehicle is not being used to transport passengers.

TNCs must provide a written insurance disclosure to TNC drivers that includes the following language:

"[insert full corporate name and designation of TNC] confirms that while driver [insert driver's full name] is active on the application dispatch system, the driver's vehicle is insured as required by K.C.C. chapter 6.64."

Operating standards

TNCs must meet certain minimum operating responsibilities. TNCs must:

• Require its drivers’ vehicles to be insured.
• Require its drivers to meet the vehicle markings (Trade Dress) of the TNC while in service.
• Ensure that the drivers comply with all rules and operating standards.
• Forward correspondence from the Director of King County Records and Licensing Services.
• Require that passengers can view a TNC driver’s photo and the vehicle’s license plate number on the device used to connect with the dispatch application before the trip is initiated.
• Maintain a non-discrimination policy that complies fully with all applicable federal, state and local laws that prohibit discrimination.
• Allow the passenger to state their need for a wheelchair accessible vehicle and connect the passenger to an accessible vehicle service via an internet link, application, or telephone number.
• Maintain insurance and proof of insurance.
• Notify the Director of the King County Records and Licensing Services when drivers or licensees are convicted of serious criminal offenses that have a bearing on their ability or fitness to operate a taxicab. Such offenses may include: theft, fraud, robbery, burglary, assault, sex crimes, alcohol, drugs, or prostitution.
• Notify the Director of the King County Records and Licensing Services if a TNC driver is involved in a traffic accident or has a driver license suspended or revoked.
• Employ a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy with respect to TNC drivers.
• Review and maintain records of criminal background checks and driving records of TNC drivers. Drivers convicted within the last seven years for any alcohol or drug related offense, reckless driving, hit and run or driving with a suspended or revoked license are not permitted to provide TNC services.
• Require a safety inspection by an approved mechanic of affiliated TNC vehicles before they provide services and annually thereafter.
• Pay any penalties imposed by the Director of King County Records and Licensing Services.
• Report assaults or robberies of TNC drivers if they have not reported these crimes themselves.

Penalties and appeals

Taxi, for-hire, and TNC regulations and operating standards are enforced by County and City inspectors. For-hire license inspectors ride unannounced to ensure that operating standards are met.

The director of King County Records and Licensing may assess monetary civil penalties as allowed under King County Code 6.64.800.

Rates

Application dispatch system rates must be transparent to customers in the online app when they request service and before they confirm the ride.

The total fare, a fare range or a rate by distance or time must be displayed clearly on the application dispatch system.

The system must also clearly display, before the ride is confirmed, any changes that may result in higher rates or fares, including:

• Tips
• Waiting time
• Demand pricing
• Any other surcharges