Vail police to host meetings to address concerns about passenger transportation ordinance

Ahead of the coming winter season, the Vail Police Department will host meetings Nov. 21 and Dec. 4 to review and discuss implementation of the Vail Passenger Transportation ordinance. The Nov. 21 meeting is for shuttle, taxi and limousine companies, while the Dec. 4 meeting will   address questions and concerns from hotel and lodge operators.

Implemented in December 2012 the ordinance requires permits for all commercial passenger transportation providers doing business in the town, including taxis, luxury limousines, buses, lodging industry vans, shuttles and courtesy cars. It was enacted by the town council to address the proliferation of commercial passenger transportation vehicles accessing the transportation centers and skier and rider drop off zones within the town.

Last winter more than 500 permits were issued to taxi, shuttle, courtesy car and luxury limousine service vehicles. The new regulations resulted in noticeable decreases in traffic congestion last winter, according to Cmdr. Daric Harvey. The department facilitated a meeting last January to collect suggestions and develop an action plan. Harvey says the upcoming meetings will build on the earlier work. He says the goal is to provide a safe environment for vehicles and pedestrians and to deliver the highest guest service possible.

The Nov. 21 meeting for transportation providers will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held in the Grand View room on the third floor of the Lionshead Welcome Center. The Dec. 4 meeting for hoteliers will take place at the Four Seasons Resort Vail, located at 1 Vail Road, and will begin at 8:30 a.m. No reservations are needed to attend either of the meetings.

Permit applications are accepted year-round and require proof of insurance, copies of any state or federal licensing such as the Public Utilities Commission, and payment of a $50 fee per permitted vehicle.

To view the ordinance in its entirety, go to  http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=560

For more information, contact Chief Dwight Henninger at 479-2218 or Police Management Assistant KD Perino at 479-2211.