Wednesday could mark the beginning of the end of scooters in Dallas – at least for some time.
The city’s Transportation Department will halt the use of the scooters citing public safety concerns and consultation with the Dallas Police Department. Officials say complaints included claims that both companies and riders failed to adhere to the dockless vehicle ordinance and posed a public safety issue.
"We have received complaints about scooters and would like to make substantial changes to the scooter program," Transportation Director Mike Rogers said in a released statement. "The changes will include public safety considerations so that the city may have safe modes of alternative transportation."
Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano backed up those claims saying people were concerned that scooter use continued past curfew for inappropriate and dangerous riding behaviors.
As the program stops, though, it’s impacting those who depend on scooter use for income. We spoke to an independent contractor who said for two and half years, the scooter program has been his main source of income. First COVID-19 impacted business, and now this.
"I was laying in the bed when I got a notification from the company that we had to pick up and cease everything. I was just sitting there wondering like whoa what’s next," said Curtis Dixon. "My family, you know, this is how we eat. The bills are due. It’s the first of the month, we have to pay our rent and everything. So now we just have to hold on."
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Scooter operators must stop operation by Wednesday, Sept. 2 and the scooters must be off the streets by Friday, Sept. 4.
Mayor Eric Johnson said Wednesday that he wasn’t involved or briefed on the decision to temporarily ban scooters. Medrano says the transportation director is within his rights to cancel the program for public safety reasons without council action.
The Dallas Police Department and Transportation Department will hold meetings with residents, business owners and vendors to discuss public safety and solutions while the scooters remain off the road.
