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Residents and operators urge revision or delay of sightseeing and pedicab rules; BL205954 deferred
Summary
Community members and transportation operators urged the Transportation Licensing Commission to revise or delay proposed sightseeing and pedicab permit rules in BL205954, saying the draft could disadvantage some operators and conflict with permit‑renewal rules; commissioners deferred the item to the next meeting.
Several operators and community members used the meeting’s public-comment period to press the Transportation Licensing Commission on BL205954, a proposed change to the sightseeing ordinance, and on the issuance of new pedicab (bicab) permits.
One public commenter argued that provisions in the draft ordinance would single out certain sightseeing vehicle types for different treatment, potentially violating state and federal equal‑protection principles and conflicting with Metro’s existing permit-renewal language in chapter 6.78 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws. The speaker cited specific code sections (6.78.0.01; 6.78.0.03; 6.78.0.06) and said the proposed new sightseeing permits would impose different rules and immediately forfeit existing ETV sightseeing permits, which the commenter said would be inconsistent with state law’s renewal protections.
Ash Pereira, who identified himself as manager of Nashville by Cab, told the commission that he supported a temporary pause or denial of new pedicab (bicab) permits because of a recent surge in permit issuance, equipment and insurance shortfalls, and reports that some new permit-holders are not using their permits but instead renting or profiting from them in ways that create liability and fairness concerns.
Multiple speakers supported a separate applicant, L Equals L Transport Services LLC (a golf-cart-style passenger-for-hire operator). Simona Kendrick, vice president of L Equals L, and Brenda Gilmore, who identified herself as a former state senator, described community service and event support provided by that company and urged commission approval for a passenger‑for‑hire permit.
At the meeting’s close of business the commission agreed to defer BL205954 for one month so Councilman Coopin — who staff said wanted to speak — could be present. Staff announced the item would be placed on the next month’s agenda.
No formal ordinance adoption or rule change occurred during the meeting; the matter was deferred for further consideration.
