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PUC grants Drivers Cooperative Colorado a one-year waiver from higher TNC tier fee
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Summary
The commission granted Drivers Cooperative Colorado a limited one-year variance from moving into the higher Transportation Network Company fee tier, finding good cause while directing DCC to develop alternative tier metrics within 90 days.
The Public Utilities Commission on April 15 granted a one-year variance to Drivers Cooperative Colorado (DCC) from the Transportation Network Company (TNC) annual fee structure for fiscal year 2026.
Ruthie Harper, commission counsel, summarized DCC's request: the cooperative had paid the tier-3 fee of $16,000 for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, but growth in member drivers threatens to move DCC into tier 2, which would carry a $79,000 annual fee. DCC told the commission it provides roughly 2,000 rides per month despite having about 1,300 member drivers and said the fee calculation based on driver count overstates its regulatory footprint.
Harper said staff had discretion and recommended granting a limited one-year variance and directing DCC to develop a concrete alternative proposal—such as revised thresholds or alternative metrics—and to consult with other TNCs and transportation staff within 90 days.
Commissioners approved the limited, one-year variance as an ABC action. "I do ultimately recommend finding good cause to grant a limited 1 year variance for fiscal year 2026," Harper said; commissioners voiced agreement and recorded their votes.
Why it matters: The decision avoids immediate financial strain on an operator arguing its driver count does not reflect ride volume or regulatory burden, while directing the cooperative and staff to propose a more tailored fee metric.
The commission recorded the vote and directed DCC to file its proposed alternative metric package within 90 days for staff review.
