Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 815 - Division of Public Utilities and Carriers
Chapter 50 - Common Carriers
Subchapter 10 - Motor Carriers of Passengers
Part 5 - Rules and Regulations Governing the Transportation of Passengers via Transportation Network Companies (815-RICR-50-10-5)
Section 815-RICR-50-10-5.2 - Definitions

1. "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Division of Public Utilities & Carriers or his or her duly appointed designee.

2. "Digital Network" means any online-enabled technology application service, website or system offered or utilized by a transportation network company that enables the prearrangement of rider transportation with transportation network company drivers.

3. "Division" means the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers.

4. "Partner" or "Partnering" means the act of a TNC operator agreeing to the terms and conditions set forth by a TNC for access to the TNC's digital network for the purpose of being connected to potential TNC riders seeking TNC services.

5. "Person" means and includes any individual, partnership, corporation or other association of individuals.

6. "Personal Vehicle" means a vehicle that is used by a transportation network company driver and is:

7. "Transportation Network Company" or "TNC" means an entity licensed by the Division pursuant to R.I. Gen Laws Chapter 39-14.2 that uses a digital network to connect transportation network company riders to transportation network operators who provide prearranged rides. A transportation network company shall not be deemed to control, direct or manage the personal vehicles or transportation network company drivers that connect to its digital network, except where agreed to by written contract.

8. "Transportation Network Company Affiliation Placard" means a recognizable logo or decal issued by the TNC used to identify personal vehicles whenever such a vehicle is available to provide, or is providing, TNC services.

9. "Transportation Network Operator" or" TNC Operator" or "TNC Driver" means an individual who:

10. "Transportation Network Company (TNC) Rider" or "Rider" means an individual or persons who uses a transportation network company's digital network to connect with a transportation network driver who provides prearranged rides to the rider in the driver's personal vehicle between points chosen by the rider.

11. "Transportation Network Company (TNC) Services" or "Prearranged Ride" means the provision of transportation by a TNC driver to a TNC rider beginning when a TNC driver accepts a TNC rider's request for a ride made only through a digital network controlled by a transportation network company (TNC), continuing while the TNC driver transports the requesting TNC rider(s) and ending when the last requesting TNC rider(s) departs from the personal vehicle. TNC services and prearranged rides do not include transportation provided using a jitney, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-13-1, a taxicab or limited public motor vehicle, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14-1, a public motor vehicle, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.1-1, a common carrier as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws Title 39, or a regional transportation provider. TNC services and prearranged rides do not include a shared expense carpool or vanpool arrangement or service.