E-Vehicle Permits in San Antonio’s Downtown Area Set to Increase Threefold
The number of electric vehicles for hire in San Antonio’s downtown corridor could significantly increase in the coming months. The current rules permit only 10 e-vehicles for hire to operate locally, but a recent recommendation from San Antonio’s Transportation Advisory Board suggests tripling this number.
If put into effect, the change would mean an increase in available permits, offering more logistical possibilities for companies like Centro SA. San Antonio Police Department’s Ground Transportation Unit, which distributes the permits on a first-come, first-serve basis, is responsible for regulating the permits issued to carriage, limousine, taxicab, and tour companies.
An Ambitious Move Towards Sustainable Mobility
The recommended increase in permits from the Transportation Advisory Board, though yet to be finalized, is an ambitious move considering the current surge in downtown construction and increased pedestrian flow, which could result in logistical challenges.
Downtown San Antonio is experiencing significant development with new high-rise apartments, hotels, and sports entertainment venues. As more people are drawn into the city center, there is a growing need for short-distance travel solutions. The proposed permits increase will lead to more e-vehicle operators in the downtown area, offering more short-distance travel options for residents, employees, and tourists alike.
The Implication for Current Operators
Where current operators stand in the new permit scheme is essential to note. Under the current rules, e-vehicles that do not have permits can operate as long as they’re not charging passengers a fare. Some companies, like microtransit company DEST Ride SA, operate entirely free or are funded by voluntary contributions and partnerships, as well as shuttle service provider SaGo.
If the number of e-vehicle permits is increased, companies like these can apply for additional permits to expand their current services. However, as Centro SA CEO Trish DeBerry suggested during public comment, her service would need to apply for permits to continue operation without a partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
The Effect on Local Operators
Some local companies, like SaGO, are concerned about the potential impact of increasing e-vehicle permits. SaGO owners Kevin and Liz Mancha explained to the Transportation Advisory Board that the introduction of more e-vehicles could lead to confusion and competition, especially as some of the new e-vehicles resemble their services.
There is also a fear that the increase in permits could lead to the ingress of non-local entities to operate in the community, which could potentially harm locally-led initiatives. On the flip side, the potential for more permits could also provide an opportunity for local operators to expand their services and meet the increasing demand for short-distance travel solutions.
The operators and board members remain hopeful, although cautious, about the benefits the increase in permits could bring to the city. As they navigate this new technological landscape, the goal is to provide effective and sustainable solutions for San Antonio’s downtown travel needs while ensuring the survival and growth of local operators.
