KNOXVILLE — Joyride is a popular ride-sharing service using golf carts to take people around town for $3 dollars per rider. The ride service first came to Knoxville in 2015 and now the city is deciding how, if at all, to regulate it.
“We’re positioned such that if we do need to get an ordinance on the books we could probably do so pretty quickly," said Crista Cuccaro with the City of Knoxville's legal team. "At this point, I don’t think that’s where we’re headed, but it could change.”
Erin Sweeney, a driver for Joyride, says the company works under a clear and defined set of rules in the city. The carts must follow all state laws regulating low-speed vehicles on roads. That requires special places from the county clerk's office as well as other features like brake lights and seat belts.
“We operate around downtown, the old city, the fort and campus," said Sweeney. "I think we have a good relationship with the police department and the city.”
Nashville placed specific ordinances on the carts after problems involving a law suit over a crash and carts driving on roads that the city didn't allow. Knoxville's legal team plans to watch what happens in Nashville and make a decision down the road.
“We have to make sure that it’s operating safely and right now that’s our priority," said Cuccaro. “The additional things that could be drafted into the ordinance would be something like a permitting system, inspections though our division in the police department that handles taxi inspections…but because there are already laws in place, that gives us a sense of comfort," she said.
