(a) Fare rates. Each taximeter shall be set to register fares on the following schedule of rates:
(1) for the first one-tenth of a mile or fraction thereof, $2.00;
(2) for each additional one-tenth of a mile or fraction thereof, $0.25; and
(3) for each 37.5-second period of waiting time, $0.25.
(b) Charges for suitcases and the like. The charge for each suitcase carried, in excess of two, is $0.25. The charge for each trunk, footlocker, or other oversized personal property is $1.00.
(c) Proximity to cab stand. The charge for a call answered three or more miles from the cab stand that does not return within a three-mile zone of the cab stand is $5.00 or the taximeter charge, whichever is greater.
(d) Ride sharing. The Department shall approve the fares to be charged when passengers agree to share a taxicab to different destinations, and the fares shall be posted in each taxicab.
(e) Tolls. The passenger shall pay all tolls, on both the outgoing and return trip.
(f) Animals. A taxicab operator may refuse to transport an animal or may agree to do so for a charge not to exceed $5.00, except that a taxicab operator shall transport without charge an animal licensed to assist the disabled.
(g) Airport taxicab surcharge. Airport taxicabs holding the concession rights to work out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport may add a $0.90 surcharge for trips originating from the airport.
(h) Weather-related emergency conditions. During weather-related emergency conditions designated for the County by the Maryland State Police, taxicab operators may add a surcharge of 25% of the metered fare, with a minimum surcharge of $1.00.
(i) Display. An owner or taxicab operator shall display the rate schedule in the passenger section of the taxicab.
(j) Prohibition. An owner or taxicab operator may not charge or attempt to charge a customer a fare in excess of the rates authorized under this section.
(1985 Code, Art. 16, § 17-302) (Bill No. 14-91; Bill No. 56-97; Bill No. 24-00; Bill No. 50-04; Bill No. 62-05; Bill No. 47-06; Bill No. 73-08; Bill No. 95-08)