Customer Service Center
The customer service center remains closed to walk-ins until further notice. All permitting processes can be completed in the ONLINE PORTAL. We are returning phone calls and emails Monday through Friday. If you need a permit photo or have other questions, please email regulatory@portlandoregon.gov. Please view detailed information HERE. Thank you for your patience. Limited in-person assistance is available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and must be scheduled HERE.
Vehicle Safety Inspections and Driver Background Checks
To ensure that private for-hire vehicles and drivers meet the requirements in Portland City Code 16.40 , PBOT Inspectors conduct thousands of safety inspections every year. Inspectors verify the vehicle registration and insurance are current and confirm a driver's identity. PBOT also conducts and/or reviews the criminal background and motor vehicle records of all drivers who apply for a permit to drive.
Private for-Hire Inspections Results
Complaints filed with the Private for-Hire program
Download a list of permitted companies
PDX WAV
PBOT created this new program in 2019 using money from the Accessibility Fund with one goal in mind; make it easier for passengers who use a wheelchair or other mobility device to get an on-demand taxi, Uber, or Lyft in the City of Portland. People with disabilities, on average, wait much longer, and sometimes rides that are ordered don’t show up at all. With the creation of PDX WAV, we created regulations requiring that both Uber and Lyft, as well as all permitted taxi companies, provide accessible service to customers in Portland 24-7. You can order an accessible Uber or Lyft on their app, or call PDX WAV at 503 865-4WAV (865-4928) to be directed to a taxi company dispatcher who will help match you with a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV).
How is the Accessibility Fund helping to make on-demand accessible service better in Portland? PBOT provides a subsidy to companies providing accessible on-demand service, which is helping them buy more accessible vehicles, and encourage more drivers to operate them. Accessible vehicles are more expensive to purchase, are heavy and require more gasoline to operate, and have higher yearly maintenance fees associated with them. As a city, we are prioritizing financial incentives to help off-set the high cost of providing this vital service. To learn more about PDX WAV, please visit the website HERE. To order a ride now, call 503-865-4WAV (503-865-4928).
Driver Education and Training
PBOT is expanding the education and training it offers to drivers. New programs will include more training on safe driving habits, private for-hire regulations and requirements, customer service, and how to help identify and report human trafficking. Link to our current training and study guides can be found HERE located under "Driver Information".
Transportation Wallet
The Transportation Wallet is an innovative program that provides free or highly-discounted transit passes, bike-share memberships, taxi and TNC (Uber and Lyft) discounts, and carshare credits to qualified Portlanders who meet eligibility requirements such as living or working in select parking districts, trading in parking passes, or living on low incomes. The surcharge all customers in Portland pay when taking a trip in a Lyft or Uber is one of several funding sources that fund this program. For more information about the Transportation Wallet Program, visit the website.
Safe Ride Home
The Safe Ride Home Program was on hold during the Covid-19 Pandemic, but returned in 2023 offering discounted rides in taxis, Uber and Lyft during certain holidays and events where people are likely to celebrate.
Driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is one of the most significant contributors to deadly traffic crashes. The number of deadly crashes often increase on holidays like New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day when many people drink alcohol and attend gatherings. To help people celebrate responsibly, PBOT offers the Safe Ride Home Program. Safe Ride Home provides discounts on taxi, Uber and Lyft rides, so people in Portland can leave the driving to a safe and sober driver. If you have questions, please email saferidehome@portlandoregon.gov. For more information about PBOT’s overall approach to traffic safety, visit our Vision Zero website.If you are a business and want to sign up to receive updates on future Safe Ride Home events, please sign up HERE.