Hood River seeks local solutions before welcoming Uber, Lyft

“We haven’t taken an extensive review of our code. At this point, we’re still in the research stage,” Elder said. She added that this topic was brought up by council.

According to city staff, most parties surveyed on the subject were in favor of welcoming rideshare drivers. Expressing support for the TNCs was Columbia Area Transit (CAT) Executive Director Amy Schlappi, who believes the added transportation options could help everyone involved. Studies have shown that increased transportation options increase public transit ridership, such as assist with first-mile, last-mile gaps, she said. CAT has also received a grant aimed at reducing impaired driving. The grant will provide vouchers for free rides home on taxis.

Additionally, Schlappi expressed concerns with specific areas where ridesharing could negatively impact their bus routes. They do not want drivers utilizing their bus stops for pick up an drop off, she said. They hope that any future code can reflect rules that would prevent that.

Concerns stem from a few taxicab business owners who suggest this could potentially put them out of business. Taxicab businesses in Hood River get roughly 60% of their yearly revenue during the summer months.

City staff pointed out coordinating with other jurisdictions could prove to be a challenge as well. According to the council packet, city code would only allow for rides originating inside the city limits.

Councilor Mark Zanmiller and others emphasized they would like to consider any local solutions. “I would like nothing better than to encourage Visit Hood River, CAT and local business providers to come up with a local solution that doesn’t invite Uber and Lyft in at all,” Zanmiller said.

“I, too, would locally like to have a solution as opposed to outsourcing. But unfortunately, we are still waiting. And that hasn’t happened. So it’s our job to make sure that we at least have policy that allows for more options,” said Councilor Gladys Rivera.

Elder said that the council is interested in this topic, but remain patient in making a decision. She estimates coming back to the council in early 2024 with a plan.

In other news, Elder confirmed that the Westside Urban Renewal District will take effect on Jan. 1, and they hired a full time position dedicated to urban renewal in Hood River. The city welcomed back Will Norris to fill the position. Elder said everyone is excited to have Norris back, who has been on the job two weeks now.

“We’ve got some new energy around urban renewal,” Elder said.