Austin, TX Mobility & Curb Rules: TNC Pickup Zones (2026)

Chapter 4-17, Article 2 creates a Ground Transportation Incentive Program under Sec. 4-17-3 to address safety issues, drunk driving, assault, emergency access, and traffic flow tied to ride-hail and taxi operations. To count as a badge holder eligible for the program's benefits, a driver must either pass a fingerprint-based national criminal background check meeting Sec. 13-2-102(D)-(E), or hold a valid chauffeur's license under Chapter 13-2 (Sec. 4-17-11(B)). Sec. 4-17-12 lists what the Incentive Program can include: preferred pickup and, where feasible, drop-off access at a designated or geo-fenced location during large gatherings and special events, named examples are South by Southwest, Austin City Limits Festival, and Trail of Lights, within director-established entertainment districts, and during director-set hours including evenings (Sec.

4-17-12(A)); preferred waiting or queuing areas (Sec. 4-17-12(B)); and physically or virtually fenced "Safe Loading Zones" around downtown entertainment areas restricted to badge holders (Sec. 4-17-12(C)). The section also authorizes reduced city fee schedules for badge holders and for ground transportation companies whose drivers are badge holders, subject to City Council budget approval (Sec. 4-17-12(D)-(E)), plus toll exemptions or HOV/managed-lane access where feasible (Sec. 4-17-12(H)). The director adopts implementing rules under Sec. 4-17-14, including rules addressing Austin-Bergstrom International Airport queuing. Access that existed for any driver, badge holder or not, as of January 28, 2016 is preserved.