City expands enforcement, tests rideshare geofencing and explores automated curb management for deliveries

The committee reviewed strategies Jan. 16 to reduce curbside congestion from deliveries and rideshare activity, including stepped‑up enforcement, a rideshare geofence pilot and evaluation of automated curb‑management tools.

Jose Gonzalez, transportation and mobility director and interim parking director, said parking‑department citations increased from 7,241 in fiscal year 2023 to 9,461 in fiscal year 2024. He described an Uber pilot conducted during Art Week in which geo‑fenced pick‑up/drop‑off zones concentrated activity at designated side streets and reduced curbside congestion along Convention Center Drive and Collins Avenue. Gonzalez said Uber has shared heat maps and is interested in continuing and expanding the pilot, and staff plans to extend it to Lyft.

Gonzalez said the city is exploring automated curb management and optimization services with vendors, including their current vendor, to monetize curb demand, manage competing uses and provide enforcement support. The police department said it will expand freight/loading‑zone (FLZ) enforcement from motor‑unit support to a citywide patrol presence and will conduct brief roll‑call training for officers over the next few weeks.

The committee recommended continuing the item for a quarterly update and asked staff to expand pilot locations and coordinate enforcement, including a proposed forthcoming ordinance amendment requiring businesses to train/notify drivers about local rules as part of enforcement efforts.