Regulations & Notices

Notice of Regulatory Fee Changes - King County Code 4A.750.100

The for-hire industry has changed significantly over the last few years.  The industry continues to innovate, existing service models continue to evolve, and new models seek to start up and enter the local market.  As a result, there are increased numbers of drivers and companies participating in the for-hire transportation marketplace and paying the associated fees.  As a regulatory body, the for-hire licensing group of the Records and Licensing Services (RALS) division needs to ensure that the cost of providing for-hire regulatory services is covered by for-hire fees.  

To determine appropriate fee adjustments, RALS assessed growth of the industry and anticipated regulatory costs.  In proposing changes to annual for hire licensing fees and per trip fees below, the director considered the factors set forth in King County Code 4A.750.100(B): (1) the projected costs and annual budget for regulatory and enforcement costs related to transportation network companies, taxicabs, for hire vehicles and for-hire drivers; (2) the need for increased enforcement activities; and (3) the total number of trips across transportation network companies, taxicabs, and for hire vehicles. 

On August 31, 2018, notice of the proposed fee changes was sent as provided for in KCC 6.64.026, including to those affected by the change, and a comment period was provided.  Having received no comments in opposition to the proposed change, and having considered all comments received, the fee changes in KCC 4A.750.100.A are hereby set, as follows: 

The fee changes in KCC 4A.750.100.A.1 apply to licensing fees beginning July 1, 2018.  All other fee changes apply beginning October 1, 2018.