QUESTION
Council Member Feliz Asks About Funding for E-Bike Exchange Program
0:38:16
·
154 sec
Council Member Oswald Feliz discusses with the Department of Transportation (DOT) the development of a proposed exchange program for certified e-bikes and batteries, focusing on funding mechanisms.
The conversation explores potential funding options, like surcharges or annual contributions from delivery apps, aiming to remove uncertified devices from the streets and ensure the safety of delivery workers. The administration expresses its commitment to further discussions on creating a safe and effective program.
Speaker 15
0:38:16
So my understanding is that the administration want to create an additional part to the bill where there's a exchange program.
0:38:27
Funded by the apps.
0:38:29
How would funding work?
0:38:30
Would what ideas have all of you talked about?
0:38:32
We're obviously creating the program, but what ideas that all of you have thought about for funding?
0:38:37
Is it would it be a surcharge, or would it be a yearly putting funds into a specific path to fund the program?
0:38:44
What ideas have you all thought about.
Speaker 6
0:38:52
Thank you, Council member.
0:38:53
The administration very much shares your concerns over the the public safety risks posed by the the growing use of uncertified ebikes and batteries.
0:39:05
In terms of how best to get legal and certified devices into the hands of delivery workers so that they can continue to work, and do so safely.
0:39:13
You know, one one approach that we would like to engage you and your colleagues on the council line is some sort of trade in program.
0:39:24
This would be funded by the major delivery companies.
0:39:30
And would have the added benefit of of taking uncertified bikes and batteries off of the street.
0:39:39
So they could be scrapped and making sure that delivery workers are getting really truly a safe bike and and a safe battery So I look forward to further discussions on that approach.
Speaker 15
0:39:54
And do you have any ideas about how funding would work?
0:39:57
Would it be, for example, charging creating a surcharge per delivery, let's say, a quarter or $0.50 per delivery, or is it apps chip in x amount per year to fund the program?
0:40:08
Any ideas that and again, I know all of us are still creating the program.
0:40:12
We're just brainstorming still, but just wondering what ideas have been floated around.
Speaker 6
0:40:16
Council member, I think both of what you mentioned are approaches that are worthy of further discussion.
Speaker 15
0:40:22
Cool.
0:40:23
Thank you.
Speaker 1
0:40:25
Wonderful.
0:40:26
Thank you.
0:40:26
So seeing no other questions, I want to thank the administration for testifying.
0:40:30
We're eager to hear from the public so we are going to thank you and move on to the public testimony.
0:40:40
Let me stop that.
0:40:41
I just see we've been joined by a council member, Christian.
0:40:43
I'm so sorry.
0:40:44
I did not see you there.
0:40:45
He is going to speak about his bill.
0:40:47
So please stay so he can make a statement.
0:40:49
Thank you.