By Annika Kjos

On August 28, 2025, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) published a final decision in Rulemaking 12-12-011, taking an important step towards transparency in how transportation services like Uber, Lyft, HopSkipDrive, and Nomad Transit operate. This decision modifies an earlier decision (D.20-03-014), in which the CPUC ruled that most of the data these Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) submit in their annual reports from 2021 through 2024 must be made public.

Until now, much of this trip data has been kept confidential, with TNCs arguing that disclosure could harm their business interests or raise privacy concerns. The CPUC disagreed, finding that public access is essential for understanding how transportation services impact California’s roads, traffic congestion, safety, and equity. This information will also help city planners, researchers, and policymakers make better-informed decisions about transportation systems.

The public reports will now include pick-up and drop-off zip codes and census tracts, trip times in 30-minute intervals, miles traveled during different phases of a ride, fares paid, vehicle make, model, and year, and even information on accidents, citations, and complaints. This will give the public essential insight into the scale and patterns of transportation services across California.

At the same time, the CPUC recognized valid privacy and security concerns. Certain details will remain confidential, such as exact latitude and longitude data, driver names and licenses, vehicle VINs, specific sexual assault or harassment allegations, driver pay details (though total fares will be public), and settlement information or court records that are sealed.

Importantly, the decision modifies a 2020 ruling so that starting in 2025, TNCs will no longer be able to file blanket motions asking to keep report data confidential. Instead, the default will be transparency, unless the CPUC specifically allows exceptions for new reporting categories. The Commission also formally closed this long-running rulemaking proceeding, though additional issues related to autonomous vehicles will continue in a new proceeding soon.

For Californians, this decision marks a shift toward greater accountability for ride-hailing services. By shining a light on previously undisclosed data, the CPUC is empowering cities, researchers, and the public to better understand and influence how these services shape transportation across the state.