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Council approves rideshare loading zones and safety campaign near UTEP
Summary
El Paso City Council unanimously approved amendments to Title 12 to create designated rideshare loading zones, set a five‑minute loading limit, and launch a public safety awareness initiative called 'SAMMY' for passenger verification.
El Paso City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending Title 12 (Vehicles and Traffic) to allow designated rideshare loading zones in existing taxi and loading areas and to set a five‑minute maximum for passenger loading and unloading. The measure passed after a presentation from code enforcement and the Westside Regional Command and a discussion about geofencing and accessibility.
Steve Alvarado, co‑enforcement director, introduced the proposal and said it was identified through the city’s Sociable City assessment and public safety priorities. Commander Steve Lopez of the Westside Regional Command said the first designated hub will be on the 200 block of Baltimore adjacent to the University of Texas at El Paso and Cincinnati Avenue, describing it as a pilot location for crowds associated with university events and nearby social venues.
The ordinance authorizes the city to mark and enforce rideshare zones — the spaces will be signed and monitored and will remain available to taxis as well. The ordinance also directs a five‑minute maximum stay to keep turnover high and allows enforcement measures including citations and towing for abandoned vehicles. Council members asked staff to pursue geofencing with Uber and Lyft so that app pickups and drop‑offs can be routed to the hub; staff said discussions had begun and they would continue outreach to the companies.
The presentation included a safety public information campaign called “SAMMY” (Stop, Ask, Match, and Inform) to encourage riders to confirm the driver’s name, license plate and vehicle before entering. Staff also said the city’s camera network and increased parking/parking‑meter enforcement at the West Side would be used to monitor the hub.
Council members asked staff to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and were told streets/maintenance will explore ramps and ADA accommodations as the implementation plan is developed. Staff said signs and meters could be changed and basic infrastructure installed in about two weeks after final approval; the city aims to have the hub ready in time for large summer events.
The ordinance passed unanimously.
