AI-assisted research summary: This section defines key terms used in the chapter, including digital network, personal vehicle, prearranged ride, transportation network company, driver, and rider.
Sec. 1954.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Digital network" means any online-enabled application, software, website, or system offered or used by a transportation network company that enables a prearranged ride with a transportation network company driver. (2) "Personal vehicle" means a vehicle that is used by a transportation network company driver and is: (A) owned, leased, or otherwise authorized for use by the driver; and (B) not a taxicab, limousine, or similar for-hire vehicle. (3) "Prearranged ride" means transportation provided by a transportation network company driver to a transportation network company rider, beginning at the time a driver accepts a ride requested by a rider through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company and ending at the time the last requesting rider departs from the driver's personal vehicle. The term does not include: (A) a shared expense carpool or vanpool arrangement or service; or (B) transportation provided using a taxicab, limousine, or similar for-hire vehicle. (4) "Transportation network company" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity operating in this state that uses a digital network to connect a transportation network company rider to a transportation network company driver for a prearranged ride. (5) "Transportation network company driver" means an individual who: (A) receives connections to potential transportation network company riders and related services from a transportation network company in exchange for payment of a fee to the company; and (B) uses a personal vehicle to offer or provide a prearranged ride to a transportation network company rider on connection with the rider through a digital network controlled by the company in exchange for compensation or payment of a fee. (6) "Transportation network company rider" means an individual who uses a transportation network company's digital network to connect with a transportation network company driver who provides a prearranged ride to the individual in the driver's personal vehicle between points chosen by the individual. Added by Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 742 (H.B. 1733), Sec. 1, eff. January 1, 2016. Amended by: Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 855 (H.B. 2501), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.