Source: https://regulations.vlex.com/vid/federal-travel-regulation-transportation-700126497
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 22:28:50
Document Index: 276833913

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 300', 'arts 302', 'art 300', 'ART 300', 'art 300', 'art 300', 'art 301', 'art 301', 'ART 302', 'art 302', 'ART 302', 'art 302', 'art 304']

Federal Travel Regulation; Transportation Network Companies (TNC), Innovative Mobility Technology Companies, and Reporting Travel, Transportation, and Relocation Costs - January 05, 2018 - Regulations - VLEX 700126497
Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 4 (Friday, January 5, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Number 4 (Friday, January 5, 2018)
FR Doc No: 2017-28503
41 CFR Parts 300-3, 300-70, 301-10, 301-70, Appendix C to Chapter 301, Parts 302-1, 302-4, and 304-2
FTR Amendment 2017-01; FTR Case 2017-301; Docket No. 2017-0004, Sequence 1
RIN 3090-AJ89
AGENCY: Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), General Services Administration (GSA).
SUMMARY: GSA is amending the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by adding terms and definitions for ``innovative mobility technology company'', ``taxi'', and ``transportation network company (TNC)'', and designating ``innovative mobility technology company'' and ``TNC'' as forms of special conveyances. In addition, this direct final rule adds a due date by which agencies must report travel, transportation, and relocation costs and data to GSA. These actions are required by the Modernizing Government Travel Act.
DATES: This rule is effective on February 20, 2018 without further notice, unless GSA receives adverse comments by February 5, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FTR Case 2017-301 by any of the following methods:
Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by entering ``FTR Case 2017-301'' under the heading ``Enter Keyword or ID'' and selecting ``Search''. Select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with ``FTR Case 2017-301'' and follow the instructions provided on the screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and ``FTR Case 2017-301'' on your attached document.
Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite ``FTR Case 2017-
301'' in all correspondence related to this case.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact Mr. Cy Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of Government-wide Policy, at 202-219-2349 or email protected. For more information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20405, 202-501-4755. Please cite FTR Case 2017-301.
A significant adverse comment is defined as one where the comment explains why the rule would be inappropriate, including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or approach, or would be ineffective or unacceptable without a change. In determining whether a significant adverse comment is sufficient to terminate a direct final rulemaking, GSA will consider whether the comment raises an issue serious enough to warrant a substantive response in a notice-and-comment process. GSA notes that comments that are frivolous, insubstantial, or outside the scope of the rule would not be considered adverse under this procedure. A comment recommending a rule change in addition to the rule would not be considered a significant adverse comment, unless the comment states why the rule would be ineffective without the additional
change. In addition, if a significant adverse comment applies to part of a rule and that part can be severed from the remainder of the rule (e.g., where a rule deletes several unrelated regulations), GSA may adopt as final those parts of the rule that are not the subject of a significant adverse comment. For further information about commenting on this rule, please see the ADDRESSES section of this document.
In recent years, a new kind of transportation service provider, known as TNCs, have begun operating across the United States and the world. TNCs connect paying passengers with drivers for hire via websites and mobile applications (``apps''). TNCs are a form of special conveyance under the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), and when permissible under local laws and ordinances, may be an efficient and cost-effective alternative to taxis or rental cars.
Discussion of Changes and Expected Impact of This Rule
As a result of Public Law 115-34, this direct final rule amends the FTR by defining the terms ``innovative mobility technology company'' and ``TNC'' and listing them as special conveyances. This direct final rule also defines the word ``taxi'' and will treat ``taxi'' and ``TNC'' as synonymous in that both are used to transport passengers for hire. These changes will explicitly authorize Federal agencies to reimburse employees for use of TNCs and innovative mobility technology companies while on official travel. The changes from this final direct rule will bring the Federal Travel Regulation more in line with modern transportation service trends and practices.
Government employees, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Travel and transportation expenses.
Common carriers, Government employees, Government property, Travel and transportation expenses.
Administrative practice and procedure, Government employees, Individuals with disabilities, Travel and transportation expenses.
The authority citation for part 300-3 continues to read as follows:
Amend Sec. 300-3.1 by adding, in alphabetical order, the definitions ``Innovative mobility technology company'', ``Taxi'', and ``Transportation network company (TNC)''. The additions read as follows:
Sec. 300-3.1 What do the following terms mean?
Innovative mobility technology company--An organization, including a
corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship, or any other entity, that applies technology to expand and enhance available transportation choices, better manages demand for transportation services, or provides alternatives to driving alone.
Note to definition of ``Innovative mobility technology company'':
Taxi--A hired car that carries passengers to a destination for a fare based upon the distance traveled, time spent in the vehicle, other metric, or a flat rate to and from one point to another (e.g., a flat rate from downtown to a common carrier terminal).
Transportation network company (TNC)--A corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity, that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers affiliated with the entity in order for the driver to transport the rider using a vehicle owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the driver to a point chosen by the rider; and does not include a shared-expense carpool or vanpool arrangement that is not intended to generate profit for the driver. Note: Certain jurisdictions may have limits or prohibit the operation or use of TNCs. Federal employees are expected to follow all laws, including those related to TNCs, as well as choose the most cost effective level of service.
PART 300-70--AGENCY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The authority citation for part 300-70 continues to read as follows:
Amend part 300-70 by revising the heading of Subpart A to read as follows:
Subpart A--Requirement To Report Agency Payments for Employee Travel, Transportation, and Relocation
Amend Sec. 300-70.1 by revising the section heading and the introductory text to read as follows:
Sec. 300-70.1 What are the requirements for reporting payments for employee travel, transportation, and relocation?
Agencies (as defined in Sec. 301-1.1 of this subtitle) must report total travel and transportation payments, including relocation, no later than November 30 of each year to GSA, as described in this part:
Revise Sec. 300-70.2 through Sec. 300-70.4 to read as follows:
Sec. 300-70.2 What information must we report?
Sec. 300-70.3 When must we report pertinent travel, transportation, and relocation data?
All travel, transportation, and relocation data are due by the date prescribed in Sec. 300-70.1. The head of your agency is responsible for ensuring this data is complete and accurate before submitting it to GSA.
Sec. 300-70.4 Must we report travel, transportation, and relocation data if we have major suborganizations?
The authority citation for part 301-10 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707, 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 49 U.S.C. 40118; Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-126, ``Improving the Management and Use of Government Aircraft.'' Revised May 22, 1992.
Sec. 301-10.3 Amended
Amend Sec. 301-10.3 by removing from paragraph (d) ``taxi'' and adding ``taxi, TNC, innovative mobility technology company,'' in its place.
Revise Sec. 301-10.308 to read as follows:
Sec. 301-10.308 What will I be reimbursed if I park my POV at a common carrier terminal while I am away from my official station?
Sec. 301-10.400 Amended
Amend Sec. 301-10.400 by removing from paragraph (a) ``Taxicabs'' and adding ``Taxis, TNCs, or innovative mobility technology companies'' in its place.
Revise the undesignated center heading that appears immediately before Sec. 301-10.420 to read as follows:
Amend Sec. 301-10.420 by--
Removing from the introductory text of paragraph (a) ``taxi,'' and adding ``taxi, TNC, innovative mobility technology company,'' in its place; and
Removing from the introductory text of paragraph (c) ``taxicabs'' and adding ``taxis, TNCs, or innovative mobility technology companies'' in its place.
Sec. 301-10.420 When may I use a taxi, TNC, innovative mobility technology company, shuttle service or other courtesy transportation?
Amend Sec. 301-10.421 by revising the section heading to read as follows:
Sec. 301-10.421 How much will my agency reimburse me for a tip to a taxi, TNC, innovative mobility technology company, shuttle service, courtesy transportation driver, or valet parking attendant?
The authority citation for part 301-70 is revised to read as follows:
264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701, note); OMB Circular No. A-126, revised May 22, 1992; OMB Circular No. A-123, Appendix B, revised January 15, 2009.
Sec. 301-70.102 Amended
Amend Sec. 301-70.102 by removing from paragraph (f) ``commercially rented vehicles'' and adding ``taxis, TNCs, innovative mobility technology companies, or commercially rented vehicles'' in its place.
Appendix C to Chapter 301 Amended
Amend Appendix C to Chapter 301 by--
Removing from the second table, under the heading ``Commercial Transportation Information'', in the second column under the heading ``Data elements'', in the last entry, the word ``Taxi,'' and adding ``Taxi, TNC, Innovative mobility technology company,'' in its place.
Removing from the third table, under the heading ``Travel Expense Information'', in the second column
under the heading ``Data Elements'', the words ``Car rental, Taxis, Other'' and adding ``Car rental, Taxi, TNC, Innovative mobility technology company, Other'' in its place.
PART 302-1--GENERAL RULES
The authority citation for part 302-1 continues to read as follows:
Sec. 302-1.102 Removed
Remove Sec. 302-1.102.
PART 302-4--ALLOWANCES FOR SUBSISTENCE AND TRANSPORTATION
The authority citation for part 302-4 continues to read as follows:
Sec. 302-4.302 Amended
Amend Sec. 302-4.302, by removing from paragraph (b), ``taxicab fares'' and adding ``taxi or TNC fares, or the cost of utilizing an innovative mobility technology company,'' in its place.
The authority citation for part 304-2 continues to read as follows:
Sec. 304-2.1 Amended
Amend Sec. 304-2.1, in the definition ``Travel, subsistence, and related expenses (travel expenses)'', in the first sentence, by removing ``taxi fares'' and adding ``taxi or TNC fares, or the cost of utilizing an innovative mobility technology company,'' in its place.
FR Doc. 2017-28503 Filed 1-4-18; 8:45 am