Drivers For Food Delivery Apps Now Need Permit To Operate In Boston

BOSTON, MA — Drivers for food delivery apps now need to be covered by a permit.

"The permit would require the companies to have liability insurance coverage for all drivers using their platform, including those using motorcycles, mopeds, and electric scooters, and to share aggregate data on delivery trips," according to a media release from Mayor Michelle Wu's office.

Subscribe

See also: Framingham's Zippity Do Dog Hot Dog Stand For Sale

Delivery companies must submit proof of adequate insurance coverage to the city and share delivery data, including data on unsafe and illegal vehicle operations on city streets, according to the release.

"This ordinance follows a concerning uptick in complaints regarding the impact of third-party food delivery on City streets," the release said.

See also: Dog Abandoned Outside Attleboro Animal Shelter

"Residents made 105 reports through 311 about increased traffic and congestion, illegal double parking, as well as reckless and unsafe delivery drivers on scooters, mopeds, motorbikes, and e-bikes in 2024," according to the release.

See also: Best-Selling Author Of 'The Housemaid' Reveals Secret Identity As MA Doctor: Reports

"The City of Boston, and in particular the Boston Police Department, remain focused on enforcing the traffic violations across Boston," the release said. "This new ordinance will complement existing enforcement efforts by providing new data. In 2024, at least 475 mopeds were towed, impounded, or seized."

Enforcement of the permit ordinance went into effect Saturday.

See also: Boston House Owned By John Hancock On The Block For Nearly $5M

“This ordinance is an important step toward making app deliveries safer for our city’s pedestrians and drivers on our streets, and toward ensuring delivery app drivers have insurance coverage from the large, national companies they work for,” Wu said in the release.

“As this new technology continues to develop, we want to make sure Boston is leading the way in safe and efficient regulation," Wu said.

See also: Animal Control Seeking To ID 2 Dogs Found Dead In Weymouth