IN FOCUS
by Matthew W. Daus, Esq. President, International Association of Transportation Regulators Distinguished Lecturer, University Transportation Research Center, Region 2 Contact: mdaus@windelsmarx.com 156 West 56th Street, New York, NY 10019 T. 212.237.1106 • F. 212.262.1215

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TRANSPORTATION REGULATORS (IATR) NEW ORLEANS 2014 CONFERENCE RECAP

"DAUS RE-ELECTED IATR PRESIDENT AT MOST ATTENDED & SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE!”

Photos: Wim Faber/www.taxiintelligence.com

The IATR welcomed government transportation regulators and vendors from around the world in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) from September 21-24, 2014. A record number of conference attendees were educated on the latest in technology, accessibility and regulatory developments everywhere. I was pleased to hear from almost everyone that it was not only the best IATR conference ever, but the best conference they had ever attended in their lives.

After engaging in workshops and action packed sessions chock full of relevant information, our conference attendees “Let the Good Times Roll” in the “Big Easy” with networking activities and entertainment that will be remembered forever. I am also honored and privileged to have been recognized by my IATR colleagues who unanimously re-elected me pro bono President for many years to come.

The State of the IATR & Our New World Transportation Order.

The theme of this 27th Annual Conference of the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) was “A New World Order for Ground Transportation Regulation,” which was also the title of my State of the IATR speech delivered at the conference. This speech, and all others, may be viewed on the IATR’s You Tube Channel by visiting www.iatr.org.

In sum, we are at a turning point on our regulatory axis where several worlds are colliding:

1. technology disruption;

2. the sustainability, disability rights,

3. “Vision Zero” traffic safety movements; and

4. decreased public tolerance for poor taxicab service.

These political and technological catalysts have led transportation regulators around the world to rethink the regulatory chemistry and institute bold reforms and adaptations. Technology has not only broken down the barriers between sub-modes and the taxi and limousine industries, but it has also brought for-hire services, regulators and the industry closer together, not just locally but worldwide.

The New World Order already involves or will involve global brands, apps everywhere, seamless integration and aggregation services. Separate industries are merging together into one regulatory Pangea whether it be:

(1) limousine, taxi, livery and sedan service all at once via one company or app as the gateway;

(2) the privatization of accessible public transit with private wheelchair accessible sedan and taxi services involving dispatch systems and apps; and

(3) supplemental services that include logistics or messenger services, and/or “business-to-business” (B2B) solutions.

All of these changes are happening alongside the collection and mining of data by private companies, and possibly government regulators over time. We do not necessarily know what the new transportation industry world will look like, but it will definitely be different than it is now.

There could be further reforms and more stringent regulations as a backlash to more high profile accidents, incidents and litigation rulings, or there could be partial or complete deregulation of the industry followed by re-regulation in a new paradigm. There already is a shift in the balance of power and the regulatory framework, by not only the private industry stakeholders, but possibly by and among government regulators.

The IATR has been and will be at the table in a leadership capacity. The disruptive events of the last few years, coupled with proactive leadership and advocacy by the IATR, have certainly led to a New World Order at the IATR as a vital organization that is a major transportation policy player.

The IATR now has board membership representing almost every world continent, including Asia, Australia, and Europe, in addition to members from the U.S. and Canada. Membership levels and conference attendance have never been higher, and many new members from all over the world joined the ranks over the past year, including: Russia; Germany; Belgium; Australia; Malaysia; Singapore; Dubai, UAE; Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Milan, Italy; London, U.K.; and many others.

Our membership and influence has grown due to the value added by membership, conferences and our involvement on the world stage as a major transportation player – submitting testimony, reports and advocating for common sense regulations to protect the public in the face of predatory and disruptive technology transportation companies.

We have identified and put to good use best practices and approaches involving the analysis of common facts, issues, data and challenges, culminating in:

• international model regulations for smartphone technology,
  
  
• accessibility,
  
  
• pedicabs,
  
  
• safety cameras, and
  
  
• partitions,
  
  
• as well as the first ever IATR International Fact Book.
  

In addition, the IATR is gaining momentum on implementing important reforms and integrity enhancements for its members via the Passenger Safety and Security Act (PASS Act) in Congress. As well, it is generating the issuance of a Request for Proposals or Qualifications for vendors to develop a national criminal background check clearinghouse for regulators. This will allow IATR to collect and share data of licensee criminal convictions from other states.

In addition to these ongoing initiatives, I am pleased to announce the IATR Board’s approval to commence the following new initiatives:

(1) the first ever IATR Journal of Transportation Regulation;

(2) the establishment of a government regulator training certification or accreditation program; and

(3) the issuance of a Request for Information (RFI) to explore the establishment of an IATR driver training certification program.

Transportation Technology – Insurance & Background Check Experts & Keynote Speakers!

The program included many sessions on the very important technology front. Two excellent keynote speakers provided insight into pressing issues involving Transportation Network Companies (TNCs).

First, the former New York State Superintendent of Insurance, Gregory Serio, delivered a commanding speech simplifying and demystifying the complex issues surrounding the world of vehicle insurance coverage and TNC related insurance issues. Also, Mayor Paul Soglin of Madison, Wisconsin, provided insight into how he handled the introduction of TNC services in his jurisdiction.

IATR President Daus (left) with Keynote Speaker Gregory Serio, former NY State Insurance Superintendent.

Keynote Speaker Paul Soglin, Mayor of Madison, Wisconsin.

Mayor Soglin’s command of transportation issues and commitment to sustainability were impressive and inspiring. Other critical sessions provided:

• detailed briefings,
  
  
• analysis and discussion of pending and recently promulgated TNC legislation and regulations,
  
  
• the proliferation of lawsuits,
  
  
• as well as a primer in understanding criminal background checks in general and in a post TNC world.
  

Discussions and debate took place on how technology is changing our regulatory paradigm around the world. This included presentations from technology companies and regulators from near and far discussing where the app and technology movement is going.

We also introduced new policy and technology related initiatives involved in the “Vision Zero,” movement, including black boxes and big transportation data analysis platforms.

The Debate between the Industry and Transportation Network Companies!

The conference ended with a “Big Bang,” with a high energy debate between industry leaders and TNC executives moderated by Pete Donohue, a very experienced, smart, and objective transportation reporter from the New York Daily News. The TNC team included Geoff Mathieux of Wingz, Wesley Hottot of the Institute for Justice, and three empty seats for Lyft, Sidecar and Uber all of which refused to participate.

The industry team consisted of Rich Antonacci, COO of Signature Financial, Bill Rouse, former Taxicab, Limousines and Paratransit Association (TLPA) President, and Blair Davies, CEO of the Australian Taxi Industry Association.

IATR President Daus releases report summarizing all legislation involving TNCs.

The TNC Debate Transportation Technology Company Debate Team: Geoff Mathieux, CEO of Wingz (left), and Wesley Hottot of the Institute for Justice (right).

The TNC Debate Transportation Technology Company no-shows: Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar.

The TNC Debate Taxi & Limousine Industry Leaders & Stakeholders Team (left to right): Bill Rouse, Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association; Richard Antonacci, Signature Financial, and Blair Davies, Australian Taxi Industry Association.

The TNC Debate Moderator Pete Donohue of the NY Daily News.

The event took on the flavor of a political debate with pre-debate posturing that involved an outright refusal by Uber to participate, and a last minute confirmation that was rescinded by the CEO of Sidecar. A representative from Lyft attempted to deliver a speech at the end of the debate, and, well, to see what happened next, I recommend you view the debate by visiting the IATR website to access its You Tube channel.

International Public Hearing Held on Proposed Model Regulations for Accessible Taxicabs and For-Hire Vehicles

The IATR unveiled its first draft of proposed model regulations for accessibility, and held an international public hearing to solicit comments from regulators and stakeholders alike. The internationally comprised IATR Accessibility Committee expended considerable time and effort in developing this first draft of reform oriented regulations, and commenced the rule making process.

Opening remarks were delivered by the original author and original sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), United States Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa, whose speech can be viewed on the IATR’s website. The proposed model regulations can be accessed at http://www.windelsmarx.com/public_document.cfm? id=388&key=8I0, and written comments can continue to be submitted on or before December 22, 2014 to Jason Mischel at jmischel@iatr.org.

IATR Honors Safest NYC Cab Driver as IATR’s International Driver of the Year & Carlton Thomas of Austin, Texas, as IATR Regulator of the Year.

The IATR named Frederick Amoafo of New York City its International Driver of the Year. Mr. Amoafo was recognized for his dedication to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero traffic safety plan, and for having a spotless safe driving record for a minimum of five years. He distinguished himself in that field having driven his cab 190,000 miles without a single violation or injury producing crash.

Left to right, IATR President Matthew Daus, International Driver of the Year Fred Amoafo, NY Daily News reporter Pete Donohue, IATR Board Chair Tom Drischler, and Michael Shank of Mobility Works.

A true hybrid taxicab - half NYC yellow taxi and half NYC green livery cab. This taxi was donated for use by Mobility Works and driven by IATR International Driver of the Year Fred Amoafo (left of vehicle).

Having graced the cover of the New York Daily News, the honoree continued to turn heads by driving from New York City to New Orleans in a taxicab provided by Mobility Works for the trip – painted half yellow and half green in a nod to both of the NYC’s predominant hail services. He was accompanied on the trip by the Daily News’ veteran transportation reporter/columnist Pete Donohue who chronicled the journey along with photographers and a videographer.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio even issued a statement on the IATR’s award to Mr. Amoafo: “We are so proud to have one of New York City’s own honored for his service to our city and its riders. Taxi drivers set the tone for our streets, and when they drive safely and treat their fellow New Yorkers with respect, it helps protect all of us. We congratulate Mr. Amoafo on his award.”

Upon arriving in New Orleans, an elated Mr. Amoafo was made grand marshal of a parade through the famed French Quarter waving and tossing beads as tradition demands to the cheers of onlookers. The next evening, the humble cabbie was officially presented with his title at the IATR’s gala dinner on the Creole Queen riverboat. To view articles published about his journey and award see the following links:

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens-cabbie-driving-midtown-new-orleans-award-article-1.1947050?cid=bitly

http://www.nydailynews.com/nyc-cabbie-newser-flora-country-folk-road-trip-article-1.1948308

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/queens-cabbie-crowned-driver-year-new-orleans-article-1.1950750

The IATR Board of Directors was pleased to present the distinguished and coveted Regulator of the Year Award to Carlton Thomas, the regulator from Austin, Texas. Mr. Thomas was a true profile in regulatory courage in standing up to disruptive app companies and seeking to implement the IATR’s model regulations against stiff lobbying and political pressure. He put safety and consumer protection and not politics first.

He has attended IATR conferences in the past as a former Norma Reyes IATR scholarship recipient. He has not only learned regulation from the ground up, but instituted reforms in many other areas. He is a true role model for regulators, and a much deserving recipient of the “Crystal Taxi” to be displayed in Texas this year.

IATR Conference 2014 Platinum Plus Sponsors Evgeny Freidman, Ethan Gerber, and Everett Abitbol.

?IATR 2014 New Orleans Conference Sponsors.

Windels Marx volunteers and IATR staff (left to right): Pasqualino Russo, Bianca Blag, Michelle Iadarola, Jason Mischel, Jason Fromberg, Tom Drischler, Matthew Daus, Sarah Huque, Justin Hagerty, Anna-Claude Poulin, Brook Taye.

The IATR “Let the Good Regulatory Times Roll” in NOLA! – Montreal is Next!

New Orleans was the place where we not only learned about important transportation issues that affect all of us, but where regulators enjoyed one of the most unique cities in the United States.

Among the networking and educational activities, we held a city tour, a visit to the Basin Street Station Transit Museum, a dinner gala event on an authentic steamboat known as the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, as well as the first ever IATR parade and “second line” festivities.

The parade included authentic NOLA musical entertainment, floats, a parade of accessible taxicabs and the IATR Driver of the Year as our parade’s grand marshal. The 2014 IATR NOLA conference was not only a regulatory “game changer” that will re-order our regulatory tectonic plates, but all of our attendees had fun and enjoyed fantastic food and company in the birthplace of Jazz.

While every year I am told that we cannot top last year’s conference, I promise we will do it again in 2015, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada!

© 2014 TLC Magazine Online, Inc.