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Columbus moves toward contracting Veo for micromobility; code change to Chapter 904 would embed pedestrian-access rules
Summary
City staff said they selected Veo Rides Inc. to operate a consolidated shared mobility program and proposed code amendments to Chapter 904 to prioritize pedestrian access and ADA ramp clearance; the code change (ordinance 2851-2024) and a contract extension (ordinance 3088) are scheduled for council.
City transportation staff told a committee the city plans to change how it governs shared mobility devices, moving from a multi-vendor permit system under Chapter 904 to a direct-contract model with a single operator to improve oversight and reduce obstruction of sidewalks and ADA ramps.
Justin Goodwin, Administrator for Mobility and Parking Services in the Department of Public Service, said the city selected Veo Rides Inc. as the vendor recommended by a regional RFP process and that a related ordinance will authorize a revenue-sharing agreement and a service-level agreement. Goodwin described the Chapter 904 amendments as adding language that "it shall be the policy of the city to maximize the available space for pedestrian movement within the sidewalk and other similar public rights of way" and to require that curb and wheelchair ramps "shall be free from obstruction by bicycles, mobility devices, and other similar vehicles."
Timing and contracts: Goodwin explained the current Cogo system (operated by Lyft under previous contract terms) will be extended under ordinance 3088 to allow an orderly transition; station assets and proprietary vendor technology will be negotiated with the outgoing operator as staff and vendors work through valuation and asset disposition.
Why it matters: the change alters how vendors enter local markets (from an open permit regime to a procurement-based contract), which affects device deployment, enforcement, cross-jurisdictional coordination and how the city manages public-right-of-way clutter and ADA compliance. Goodwin said staff are coordinating communications for users and subscribers and expect more public outreach in January 2025 as transition milestones are set.
Remaining questions: staff said ownership and valuation of current docking-station technology and bicycles is still under negotiation with the outgoing operator, and the code amendments will clarify that rules and regulations must align with the procurement award and any right-of-way lease terms. The code-change ordinance (2851-2024) will be presented to council on Dec. 16, 2024.
