Galesburg is looking to make it easier for transportation companies like Uber or Lyft to serve riders locally.
Alderman will hear on first reading Monday (tonight) a proposed amendment to Chapter 112 of the Galesburg Municipal Code regulating Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and drivers.
Currently, the ordinance requires that in order for a TNC to operate in Galesburg they must have a license from the city, but did not require a TNC driver to secure a license.
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The amendment to this ordinance would require that a driver must secure a license from the city after they have received approval to drive for a TNC, and removes the requirement for a TNC such as Uber or Lyft to have a license with the City of Galesburg.
This ordinance would also amend the fee from $1,500 for a TNC company to $100 for a TNC driver. Currently, there are no TNCs operating in the city.
According to the agenda, City Manager Eric Hanson and City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz recommend approval of the ordinance.
Hanson tells WGIL, “I was a little surprised when I got to town last fall and there weren’t any carriers here. So we have mirrored other cities which have take a similar approach, where the driver actually registers with the city.
“This change in the code would definitely open the door and make it substantially easier for those who would like to drive here in Galesburg.”
Hanson added, “We get a lot of feedback from people wanting this kind of service. For instance, people getting off the train and don’t have any transportation means if a hotel shuttle isn’t available. We actually see people walking down Main Street with their luggage.
“Honestly, people who travel are just used to having this kind of service. It’s the world we live in today.”
