Boston Tells Food Delivery Apps They Need City Permits, Must Share Driver Info
Boston is bringing in tough new rules for food delivery services. Apps will have to get permits and share their driver information as part of new safety measures.
The city’s transportation office will run a new permit system that makes delivery workers get liability insurance. Companies will also need to keep track of and report how fast their drivers go, where they drive, and how they behave on the roads.
“Delivery drivers are crazy driving in any which direction,” said resident Alicia Dobbyn to CBS News Boston.
DoorDash pushed back hard against the new rules. They said costs would go up for customers and argued the changes wouldn’t make streets any safer.
City Councilor Sharon Durkan backed the changes. She pointed to growing problems with delivery vehicles racing through Boston’s streets. The new system looks to protect people walking and driving from getting hurt.
The city has been dealing with more and more unlicensed mopeds and scooters making deliveries. Officials tried to crack down on these vehicles back in June 2024.
Mayor Michelle Wu noted that delivery apps already keep an eye on dangerous driving. Now the city will get to see this important information to better watch over street safety.
While saying they care about public safety, DoorDash slammed the city’s approach. The company wasn’t sure the rules would do what they’re meant to do.
For the first time, Boston’s transportation department can now approve or deny permits based on safety rules. This is a big shift in how the city controls food delivery services.
As delivery services keep growing across the country, Boston joins other big cities trying to get a handle on this uncontrolled industry. The trick is finding the right mix between making things easy and keeping people safe.