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Commission approves first reading to revise taxi ordinance, add TNC language and raise initial drop rate
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Summary
On first reading the Brownsville City Commission amended Chapter 106 to add a transportation-network company definition and increase the initial taxi drop rate from $3.50 to $6 for the first one-fifth of a mile; commissioners passed the measure 6–1 after debate and public comment from taxi operators about enforcement and unlicensed drivers.
City staff told the City Commission on April 7 that proposed amendments to Chapter 106 would add definitions for transportation network companies (TNCs), update administrative responsibilities and change fare language so the drop rate for taxis would rise from $3.50 to $6 for the first one-fifth of a mile.
“Previously, we did not have a definition for that in the ordinance,” a staff presenter said while outlining the changes; staff also said that TNC operators (commonly known as Uber and Lyft) are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and that BMetro now administers permit and licensing functions previously handled elsewhere.
Commissioners questioned enforcement and whether the city can regulate app-based meters. Staff responded that TNC pricing is app-driven and primarily subject to state regulation, and that complaints from passengers would be investigated by local licensing staff where appropriate. Commissioners asked for comparisons to nearby cities; staff cited McAllen ($7 for the first one-fifth mile) and other jurisdictions.
During the public hearing, licensed taxi owners urged stronger enforcement against unlicensed drivers advertised on social media, saying those drivers do not carry commercial insurance or pay licensing fees. “They are not paying the taxes, they are not paying that commercial insurance that we have to pay yearly,” said Sylvia Cavazos, owner of Brownsville Cab, who provided screenshots of advertisements for unlicensed rides and asked for enforcement to protect passengers and licensed drivers.
After debate — and a request from some commissioners to hold a broader workshop on the taxi ordinance to address rates, enforcement and other support measures — the commission approved the ordinance on first reading by vote (roll call announced as 6–1). The ordinance will proceed to subsequent readings per local procedure.
Next steps: commissioners asked staff to prepare a workshop to review the taxi code comprehensively and to return with any additional enforcement recommendations and sample ordinances used elsewhere.
