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SB 92

AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- RIDESHARE OR TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANY VEHICLE SURCHARGE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 8 co-sponsors

Rhode Island proposes taxing rideshare vehicle trips through a surcharge to generate state revenue from transportation network companies.

04/08/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 92

Legislative bill overview

SB 92 proposes to impose a surcharge on rideshare and transportation network company (TNC) vehicles—services like Uber and Lyft—in Rhode Island. The bill aims to generate revenue from these services, though the specific surcharge amount and use of funds are not detailed in the available legislative record.

Why is this important

Rideshare services have grown substantially as alternatives to traditional taxis, but currently operate under different regulatory and financial frameworks. This bill seeks to ensure TNCs contribute to state coffers similar to how other transportation services are taxed, potentially affecting pricing for consumers and profit margins for rideshare companies operating in Rhode Island.

Potential points of contention

  • Consumer cost impact: Surcharges are typically passed to riders through higher fares, which could reduce rideshare adoption, particularly affecting lower-income users and rural residents who rely on these services
  • Competitive fairness: Traditional taxi services already pay licensing and regulatory fees; surcharges must be designed to avoid unfairly advantaging or disadvantaging one transportation mode over another
  • Revenue allocation uncertainty: The bill's current status (held for further study) suggests unclear intent regarding how revenue would be used and whether it justifies the surcharge burden

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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