Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 34, TRANSPORTATION, OF THE REVISED GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEWARK NEW JERSEY, 2000, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, BY ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 4, TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR COMPANIES AND DRIVERS THAT USE DIGITAL NETWORK OR SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS (TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY) TO MATCH PASSENGERS WITH DRIVERS.
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WHEREAS, Advances in Smartphone technology and the development of "Ridesharing" has led to the increased popularity, and reliance by consumers upon, digital network applications (Apps) that link consumers with non-professional drivers offering transportation in their own vehicle (referred to as Transportation Network Company); and
WHEREAS, there are now several Apps offering for-hire transportation in Essex County and the surrounding Newark area; and
WHEREAS, this growing industry is unregulated in New Jersey and there is presently no requirement that the non-professional drivers be licensed to drive a motor vehicle, have successfully completed drug testing, have passed background checks or that the vehicle being driven has been inspected, is insured and has met the State's safety requirements; and
WHEREAS, there is significant, rising concern for the safety of the consumers who use these Apps and participate in Ridesharing to engage the services of non-professional drivers in their personal vehicles; and
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A.40:48-1 empowers a municipality to enact Ordinances that will preserve the public peace, maintain order, protect the health, safety and welfare of the public; and
WHEREAS, the N.J.S.A. 40:52-1 empowers a municipality to license and regulate all vehicles used for the purpose of transportation of passengers, baggage, merchandise, and goods and chattels of every kind, and the owners and drivers of all such vehicles; and the places and premises in which or at which different kinds of businesses or occupations mentioned herein are carried on and con...
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