City Should Make Delivery Apps Pay for Operation in NYC, Says Advocacy Group
A safe streets advocacy group in New York City has recommended that the city charge delivery app companies such as GrubHub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats for the right to operate in the five boroughs. This recommendation is one of several ideas put forward to address the challenges posed by the increasing use of delivery apps in the city.
Transportation Alternatives, the executive director of the advocacy group, Danny Harris, stated that the goal is to consider a holistic approach to the interconnected set of delivery challenges faced by the city. Instead of knee-jerk reactions that fail to consider the wider impacts on city streets, he emphasized the importance of implementing system-wide responses.
The advocacy group's recommendations are aimed at managing the congestion and safety issues that have been exacerbated by the operations of delivery app companies. By charging these companies for their operations, revenue can be generated to invest in infrastructure upgrades, bike parking, safe batteries, and other safety measures. Additionally, delivery workers would benefit from mandatory safety standards and measures that ensure their well-being.
To implement these recommendations, the advocacy group suggests creating a sustainable delivery agency. This agency would be responsible for developing safe public charging infrastructure, providing secure on-street bike parking, and regulating the sale of mopeds to ensure that only licensed drivers can purchase them. Furthermore, the agency would work towards phasing out gas-powered delivery vehicles and prioritizing the establishment of protected bike lanes based on delivery data and cyclist safety.
The overall goal of these recommendations is not only to enhance safety and efficiency within the delivery system but also to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and regulations are in place to support both the workers and the wider community. The city has yet to comment on these recommendations, but a task force has been established to study the possibility of creating a new delivery-focused agency.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The recommendations made by a safe streets advocacy group to have delivery app companies pay the city for operating in the five boroughs, and to invest the collected money in infrastructure upgrades, safety measures, and worker standards, will lead to improved safety, efficiency, and support for workers and the community. The creation of a task force to study the establishment of a new delivery-focused agency signals a commitment to addressing delivery challenges in the city. The market is likely to see positive changes in the delivery system and a potential boost in infrastructure-related industries.
