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TO URGE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, MUNICIPALITIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES TO ACCELERATE THEIR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES AND RIDE-HAILING SERVICES.
Whereas, transportation network companies provide a new, innovative mobility service that expands travel options and accessibility for millions of travelers; and
Whereas, despite the many benefits of transportation network companies, tragedy can occur at any time and in any venue. On March 29, 2019, Samantha Josephson was murdered when she was picked up by an individual posing as a rideshare driver; and
Whereas, in light of this tragic event, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly wish to take any and all steps necessary to ensure the public safety of the citizens of this State; and
Whereas, given the role of local governments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, colleges, and universities in their communities, these entities are best situated to determine where, when, and how public safety efforts with regard to transportation network companies should occur; and
Whereas, in promoting the public safety, local governments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, colleges, and universities within the State of South Carolina may implement safety programs, including, but not limited to, the enforcement of consistent and distinctive signage or emblems, the enforcement of distinctive vehicle lighting, centralized locations where customers may utilize ride-hailing services, rideshare lines, random inspections and driver credential checks, random background checks, audiovisual monitoring, law enforcement presence and monitoring, monitoring of travel pattern data, a GPS monitoring system, a mobile application for law enforcement services, text-to-911 service, emergency call boxes, and public awareness and education programs, such as programs encouraging rideshare patrons to confirm the identity of their driver and the vehicle's license plate number; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly strongly encourage local governments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, colleges, and universities to ensure that no further lives are risked in utilizing transportation network companies or ride-hailing services. The members shall never forget the name of Samantha Josephson, whose beautiful life and tragic death has prompted the need for this call to action. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, urge local governments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, colleges, and universities to accelerate their efforts to improve the safety of transportation network companies and ride-hailing services.
This web page was last updated on April 3, 2019 at 12:22 PM