Mayor Wu Announces New Road Safety Ordinance to Increase Accountability of Third Party Delivery Providers

Mayor Michelle Wu has introduced a new ordinance aimed at food delivery services such as DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub, requiring them to obtain permits to operate within Boston. This ordinance mandates that delivery companies provide proof of liability insurance for their drivers, including those using various modes of transportation, such as scooters and mopeds. The need for regulation arises from increasing resident complaints about unsafe driving and traffic congestion caused by delivery drivers. The ordinance seeks to create a safer environment for both pedestrians and drivers by holding large delivery services accountable for their operations. Mayor Wu stated that this initiative is a vital step in ensuring that delivery app drivers have adequate insurance coverage and that the city can better manage the impacts of food delivery on its streets.

The ordinance is designed to complement existing enforcement efforts and is supported by data collection to inform future regulations. With 105 complaints received in 2024 regarding unsafe delivery practices, this ordinance represents a proactive approach to urban safety. Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge highlighted the goal of incentivizing safer driving behaviors rather than encouraging reckless speed.