9-115-110 Transportation network vehicles – Inspections and conditions.

   (a)   No transportation network provider licensee shall allow any vehicle to be used as a transportation network vehicle unless such vehicle is annually inspected according to standards approved by the Commissioner, and has passed such inspection.

   (b)   [Reserved.]

   (c)   A driver engaged by any licensee shall maintain complete documentation of such inspection in the vehicle at all times while being used to provide transportation network services, and an electronic or written copy of such documentation shall be provided to the commissioner upon request.

   (d)   To pass inspection, a transportation network vehicle shall, at a minimum, be rust-free and shall pass the following inspections:

      1.   Foot brakes;

      2.   Emergency brakes;

      3.   Steering mechanism;

      4.   Windshield;

      5.   Rear window and other glass;

      6.   Windshield wipers;

      7.   Headlights;

      8.   Tail lights;

      9.   Turn indicator lights;

      10.   Stop lights;

      11.   Front seat adjustment mechanism;

      12.   Doors (open, close, lock);

      13.   Horn;

      14.   Speedometer;

      15.   Bumpers;

      16.   Muffler and exhaust system;

      17.   Condition of tires, including tread depth;

      18.   Interior and exterior rear view mirrors;

      19.   Safety belts for driver and passenger(s);

      20.   Drivetrain, including the transmission and universal joints;

      21.   Axles and wheels, including ball joints; and

      22.   If the vehicle is a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it shall also be inspected for compliance with legally required safety standards.

   (e)   The licensee and the licensee's driver shall be jointly and severally liable for any violation of this section.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12122, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 6-22-16, p. 27771, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. X, § 1)

9-115-120 Transportation network vehicles – Distinctive signage and emblem.

   (a)   A transportation network vehicle shall display, as provided by rule, consistent and distinctive signage at all times while being used to provide transportation network services. The distinctive signage shall be sufficiently large and color contrasted (i) as to be readable during daylight hours at a distance of at least 50 feet, and (ii) to identify a particular vehicle associated with a particular licensee. Acceptable forms of distinctive signage include, but are not limited to, symbols or signs on vehicle doors, roofs, or grilles. Magnetic or other removable distinctive signage is acceptable. Licensees shall file an illustration of their distinctive signage with the commissioner.

   (b)   A transportation network vehicle shall display a consistent and distinctive emblem at all times while being used to provide transportation network services. The commissioner is authorized to specify, by rule, the manner of display, method of issuance, design and contents of such emblem. Emblems displayed on wheelchair-accessible transportation network vehicles shall specify or mark that such vehicles are wheelchair-accessible.

   (c)   The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of aviation, shall promulgate rules, in furtherance of public safety, governing the display, design and contents of additional distinctive signs or emblems that may be required to be displayed on transportation network vehicles that are used to pick up passengers from the city's airports, McCormick Place, and Navy Pier. Providers shall provide such additional distinctive signs or emblems to drivers they engage.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12062, Art. XI, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12122, § 9)

9-115-130 Transportation network vehicles – Commercial advertisements.

   (a)   It is unlawful to display any advertising sign or device on or in a licensed transportation network vehicle before the advertising sign or device is approved by the Commissioner and permitted pursuant to the elements specified in this section and rules promulgated thereunder.

   (b)   A transportation network vehicle owner, transportation network driver, or licensed advertising vendor may apply for permits to display an advertising sign or device on the exterior or the interior of the vehicle, or both. A separate permit is required for each exterior and interior advertising display. The Commissioner shall promulgate rules: (1) specifying the locations on the transportation network vehicle where advertising signs or devices may be displayed; (2) describing the permissible design, construction, and method of affixing the display to the vehicle; and (3) specifying insurance requirements for approving a permit to display an advertising sign or device on or in the transportation network vehicle. The rules also may include additional guidelines for such displays and the permit process. In establishing such criteria, considerations shall include:

      (1)   visual clutter and aesthetics on the public way;

      (2)   the safety and comfort of passengers, drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists;

      (3)   the visibility of all information required by this chapter, Department rules, or other laws to be displayed in the interior or on the exterior of transportation network vehicles, including, but not limited to, distinctive signage; and

      (4)   the advertising or advertising equipment’s potential to create confusion by implying that the vehicle is a taxicab. A transportation network vehicle with the appearance of a taxicab is considered an unlicensed taxicab in violation of Chapters 2-25 and 9-112.

   (c)   The fee for the issuance of any advertising display permit shall be $100.00 for each display, due at the time of application. This fee shall be in addition to the personal property lease transaction tax that applies to lease or rental payments pursuant to Chapter 3-32. An advertising display permit applicant shall have satisfied all debt, as defined in Section 4-4-150, to the City before the Department may issue the permit.

   (d)   When the Commissioner has approved any type of advertising display device that involves the installation of a physical apparatus on or in the transportation network vehicle, an inspection is required as part of the advertising permitting process. The fee for such inspection shall be an additional $100.00, due prior to the inspection.

   (e)   The Department shall inform applicants for an advertising display permit under this section whether the application is approved or disapproved within thirty business days after its receipt of the completed application, unless it gives the applicant written notice that it needs an additional thirty business days and the reasons therefor. If the application is approved and the requirements of subsections (c) and (d) complied with, the Department shall issue the advertising display permit. If the Department denies the permit application, it shall provide written notice of its decision within such time period, stating the specific grounds and rules that form the basis for such denial. If the Department fails to so act within thirty business days after receipt of the application, or sixty business days if it has given notice of the need for an additional review period, the application shall be deemed granted and the permit shall be issued, provided that the permit fee has been paid.

   (f)   An advertising permit issued under this section shall expire one year after the date of issue, unless it is surrendered, revoked, or terminated prior to that date.

   (g)   No permit for advertising issued pursuant to this section shall be transferred or assigned.

   (h)   The denial, rescission, suspension, or revocation of a license issued pursuant to this chapter shall act as the suspension or revocation of any advertising permit issued hereunder to the affected transportation network vehicle.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-14-18, p. 90376, Art. IV, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31925, Art. VI, § 8)

9-115-140 Transportation network service – Accessibility and accessibility fund.

   (a)   The Internet-enabled application or digital platform used by a licensee to connect drivers and passengers shall be accessible to customers who are blind, visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing.

   (b)   Such application or platform shall provide customers with an opportunity to indicate whether they require a wheelchair-accessible transportation network vehicle. Licensees shall provide service to customers who require a wheelchair-accessible transportation network vehicle either by: (1) connecting such customers with the licensee's drivers who operate wheelchair-accessible transportation network vehicles; or (2) entering into a service agreement with other persons that dispatch wheelchair-accessible vehicles in order to dispatch such vehicles through the licensee's application or platform. Subsection (a) of Section 9-115-100 shall not be construed to prohibit licensees from entering into a service agreement with persons that dispatch wheelchair-accessible transportation vehicles as provided in this subsection. Such application or platform shall allow customers to designate whether or not they need a wheelchair-accessible transportation network vehicle in setting their customer's profile with the licensee. In addition, if such application or digital platform allows drivers to rate their passengers, licensees shall train their drivers not to discriminate against people with disabilities in their passenger ratings. It shall be a violation of this chapter for a driver to rate a passenger based upon a disability.

   (c)   (1)   Each licensee shall, within 6 months from the effective date of this amendatory ordinance of 2016, submit to the commissioner a plan to enhance service to customers with disabilities, and, if such plan is approved by the commissioner, the licensee shall execute such plan within 6 months from the date of approval of the plan.

      (2)   The commissioner is authorized to launch a taxi fare subsidy program to subsidize the cost of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle taxi ride by a person with a disability when such ride is arranged through any Internet-enabled application or digital platform for the provision of prearranged ride services by taxicabs.

      (3)   Failure of a licensee to submit a plan to enhance service to customers with disabilities within 6 months from the effective date of this amendatory ordinance of 2016, or to implement said plan within 6 months from the date of approval of same, shall result in a fine of $10,000 per day, per licensee.

   (d)   In addition to the inspection requirements specified in Section 9-115-110, wheelchair-accessible vehicles shall be inspected by the city for compliance with legally required safety standards before such vehicles are used as wheelchair-accessible transportation network vehicles.

   (e)   In addition to the fees specified in Section 9-115-040, as part of the license issuance or renewal fee, a transportation network provider licensee shall pay $0.10 per vehicle per ride accepted to the city's accessibility fund for each transportation network vehicle registered with the licensee which is not a wheelchair-accessible transportation network vehicle. The licensee may pay the fee provided in this subsection at the same time as the licensee remits the ground transportation tax the licensee collects pursuant to Chapter 3-46 of this Code. Only for purposes of this subsection, "ride accepted" means any ride where passengers are either picked up or dropped off in the city, or both.

   (f)   For purposes of this section, the term "accessibility fund" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 9-112-010. The maximum amount of reimbursement per taxicab vehicle from the fund, and the conditions of reimbursement and the maximum amount of reimbursement per a transportation network vehicle from the fund shall be established by rules, in consultation with, among other individuals as the Commissioner may determine, representatives from the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, the community of people with disabilities, the taxi industry, and the transportation network providers industry.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12062, Art. XI, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 6-22-16, p. 27771, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. X, § 2)

9-115-150 Transportation network drivers – Requirements.

   (a)   (1)   No transportation network provider licensee shall engage any person as a transportation network driver unless the person possesses a valid transportation network chauffeur license, restricted chauffeur license, taxi chauffeur license, or as authorized by rule.

      (2)   No driver shall operate a transportation network vehicle unless the driver possesses a valid transportation network chauffeur license, restricted chauffeur license or taxi chauffeur license.

   (b)   (1)   Any transportation network provider licensee may accept an application, in a form prescribed by the Commissioner, for the issuance or renewal of a transportation network chauffeur license. An applicant is qualified for the issuance or renewal of a transportation network chauffeur license, if the applicant:

         (i)   has possessed a valid permanent driver's license of any state, district or territory of the United States, for at least one year prior to applying to become a transportation network driver, and shall not currently have a suspended or revoked driver's license in any state, district, or territory;

         (ii)   is at least 21 years of age;

         (iii)   has not been convicted of reckless driving, hit and run, attempting to evade the police or driving with a suspended or revoked license, and has not been convicted of or placed on supervision for two or more offenses involving traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles, or whose Illinois driver's license has not been suspended or revoked pursuant to Section 6-206 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, codified at 625 ILCS 5/6-206, for violations that occurred within the 12 months immediately prior to applying to become a transportation network driver;

         (iv)   has successfully completed an online or in-person transportation network driver's training program approved annually by the Commissioner, as part of the license issuance or renewal application, and conducted by the licensee or other authorities approved by the commissioner. In addition to other applicable requirements, such training program shall include:

            A.   Guidelines on transporting passengers in a safe manner, consistent with the City's initiative to reduce and eliminate fatalities and serious injuries from traffic crashes (Vision Zero Initiatives);

            B.   Guidelines on driving in the City, including rules of the road specific to the City;

            C.   Guidelines for a zero-tolerance policy regarding use of intoxicating substances while operating a transportation network vehicle;

            D.   Guidelines on providing service to people with disabilities;

            E.   Guidelines on compliance with the City's laws specific to transportation network providers; and

            F.   Guidelines and information on compliance with other applicable laws and rules;

         (v)   has not, within the 3-year period preceding the date of application to be a driver, been convicted by a court of any jurisdiction, in custody, under parole, under any other noncustodial supervision, or any similar deferral program, or subject to conditional discharge, resulting from a finding or determination of guilt by a court of any jurisdiction for any of the following offenses:

            A.   any forcible felony as defined by Article 2-8 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012, codified at 720 ILCS 5/2-8;

            B.   any controlled substance trafficking (as provided in 720 ILCS 570/401.1 or comparable law) or trafficking in persons (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/10-9 or comparable law);

            C.   operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, cannabis, alcohol or other substance which impairs one's ability to safely operate a motor vehicle (as provided in 625 ILCS 5/11-501 or comparable law);

            D.   criminal sexual assault (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/11-1.20 or comparable law), criminal sexual abuse (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/11-1.50 or comparable law), promoting prostitution (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/11-14.3 or comparable law), child pornography (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1 or comparable law), stalking (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/12-7.3 or comparable law), or any similar offense;

            E.   unlawful use or possession of a weapon or firearm (as provided in Chapter 24 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012 or comparable law);

            F.   arson (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/20-1 or comparable law);

            G.   racketeering or organized criminal activity (as provided in 720 ILCS 5/33G-1, et seq., or comparable law); or

            H.   any crime that raises public safety concerns, as determined by the Commissioner; and

         (vi)   has not been: (i) required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (730 ILCS 150/1, et seq.) or a comparable law of another jurisdiction; or (ii) required to register as a violent offender against youth pursuant to the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act (730 ILCS 154/1, et seq.) or a comparable law of another jurisdiction; or (iii) sentenced by a court of any jurisdiction to a life-time parole or supervision; or (iv) currently under an outstanding arrest warrant issued by a court of any jurisdiction;

         (vii)   has not, within the 1-year period preceding the date of application, been convicted or released from incarceration, whichever occurs later, for any of the following offenses: (i) any non-forcible felony, as the term felony is defined in Section 2-7 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012, codified at 720 ILCS 5/2-7; (ii) identity theft; (iii) forgery or counterfeiting; or (iv) theft of property valued over $1,000;

         (viii)   has not had a previous public chauffeur license or restricted public chauffeur license application denied, rescinded, within the 12-month period preceding the date of application;

         (ix)   has not had his driver's license cancelled, suspended or revoked by any governing jurisdiction as a result of a driving-related incident within the 12-month period preceding the date of application;

         (x)   is not ineligible to operate a transportation network vehicle under Section 15 of the Transportation Network Providers Act, codified at 625 ILCS 57/15;

         (xi)   has not had a public chauffeur license or restricted public chauffeur license revoked by the City within the three years immediately preceding his application to be a driver; and

         (xii)   has not been listed as ineligible to be a transportation network driver by the Commissioner pursuant to Section 9-115-250(b) and rules promulgated thereto.

      (2)   An applicant who has been charged with the commission of a felony as defined in Section 2-7 of the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012, codified at 720 ILCS 5/2-7, or a felony in another jurisdiction, or any crime that raises public safety concerns, as determined by the Commissioner, shall not be eligible for a public chauffeur license until final disposition of such charges.

      (3)   Any conviction for a minor cannabis offense, as defined in Section 4-4-005, shall not disqualify an applicant.

      (4)   In addition to complying with other legal requirements, each transportation network provider licensee shall: (i) perform a criminal background check, as defined by Section 9-104-010, on each transportation network chauffeur license applicant; and (ii) obtain each transportation network chauffeur license applicant's driving record. The licensee shall submit to the Commissioner the name of each applicant eligible for the issuance or renewal of a transportation network chauffeur license, attesting, in an electronic form prescribed by the Commissioner that each such applicant meets all the requirements of subsection (b). In addition, any transportation network provider licensee shall, as the Commissioner determines by rule, transmit to the Department a background check report that the licensee or a third-party vendor has performed on each transportation network chauffeur license applicant. Nothing provided in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the Commissioner from requesting any other information that the Commissioner may reasonably require in connection with the issuance or renewal of a license from a licensee or transportation network chauffeur license applicant.

      (5)   After receiving: (i) the attestation provided pursuant to subsection (b)(4), and (ii) any other application information, as the Commissioner deems appropriate, the Commissioner shall issue a transportation network chauffeur license, in a form prescribed by the Commissioner, to each applicant that the Commissioner determines to be eligible for such license. Each transportation network chauffeur license shall be issued for a maximum of a one-year period. The Commissioner is authorized to issue initial transportation network chauffeur licenses for less than a one-year period to establish an efficient system for issuing and renewing chauffeur licenses in a manner that the Commissioner determines by rule. Each transportation network chauffeur license shall bear the name and photograph of the licensee and a license number. No person shall alter, modify or replicate a transportation network chauffeur license without authorization by the Department.

   (c)   Each transportation network provider licensee shall maintain and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for intoxicating substances, which policy shall be approved by the Commissioner as a condition of the license. Such policy shall promote zero tolerance using a combination of appropriate means that may include education, random testing, assistance programs and counseling, among other measures.

   (d)   The Commissioner may, from time to time, require licensees to provide data, as the Commissioner prescribes, to audit and enforce their compliance with this chapter. Nothing provided in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the Commissioner from taking other enforcement actions, as provided in this chapter, against any person that violates this chapter.

   (e)   The Commissioner has authority to investigate zero tolerance complaints that the Department receives through a 311 call or other equivalent complaint reporting mechanism and take appropriate actions to determine a transportation network chauffeur licensee's eligibility to operate a transportation network vehicle.

   (f)   If any licensee engages an ineligible driver, the licensee shall be liable for the violation of this section and shall also be jointly and severally liable with the ineligible driver for any violation of this chapter by the ineligible driver.

   (g)   Eligibility for engagement as a driver under this chapter shall be a continuing requirement for remaining so engaged.

   (h)   Each transportation network licensee shall annually establish, through a process determined by rules promulgated by the Commissioner, that each transportation network chauffeur licensee engaged by such transportation network provider does not owe debt to the City.

   (i)   All transportation network chauffeurs are required to have a sign visible to the passengers in the rear seat of the vehicle that reads, "for compliments and complaints, please call 311".

   (j)   In addition to conducting an initial background check on each transportation network chauffeur license applicant within the meaning of subsection (b)(4)(i) and (b)(4)(ii) of this section, a licensee shall: (i) perform an annual, or as requested by the Commissioner, new background checks on a randomly selected group of up to ten percent of the licensee's drivers, if the Commissioner determines that such check is warranted by the occurrence of an incident posing a threat to public safety; and (ii) perform bi-annual (twice a year), or as requested by the Commissioner, audit on the background checks that have been undertaken by the licensee, and submit the results of such audit to the Commissioner, in accordance with a process prescribed by rules, to ensure compliance with subsection (b)(4)(i) and (b)(4)(ii) of this section. The audit required under this subsection shall verify that the licensee has instituted procedures to ensure that its drivers have undergone a background check within the meaning of this subsection, and, upon request by the Commissioner, shall be accompanied by proof that the required background checks have been performed. Such proof shall be in the form and manner prescribed by the Commissioner in duly promulgated rules. Such rules may require that the bi-annual (or the requested) audit required under this subsection be conducted by a qualified, independent, third-party vendor identified by the Commissioner.

   (k)   A licensee, in compliance with applicable law, shall require a transportation network driver to verify his or her identity on the licensee's internet-enabled application or digital platform, using an identify verification process approved by the Commissioner after consultation with the Superintendent of Police, on a scheduled basis, as determined by rule, after a driver has initially been approved to drive, in order to continue providing transportation network services. Examples of an identity verification process may include, but are not limited to, use of facial recognition software, a social security trace, or multi-factor authentication of a driver operating a transportation network vehicle.

   (l)   A licensee, or one or more licensees acting in cooperation, shall analyze and semi-annually report to the Commissioner new technologies that potentially enhance the security of transportation network vehicle passengers.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12122, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 6-22-16, p. 27771, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 11-9-16, p. 36266, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 2-22-17, p. 43916, Art. IX, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. X, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31925, Art. VI, § 8)

9-115-160 Transportation network driver – Intoxicating substance policy.

   (a)   In addition to the prohibitions set forth in section 9-115-180(c), any licensee shall include on its website, mobile application and riders' receipts, a notice or information on the licensee's zero-tolerance policy for intoxicating substances and the methods to report a transportation network driver whom the rider reasonably suspects was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the ride. The website and mobile application shall include a phone number or mobile application call function and e-mail address to report the zero-tolerance complaint. The website and mobile application shall also include the phone number and e-mail address of the department's public passenger vehicle division. Promptly after a zero-tolerance complaint is filed, the licensee shall suspend the transportation network driver for further investigation. In investigating a zero-tolerance complaint against a driver with a speech disability, the licensee shall factor the driver's speech disability in the investigation to inquire whether or not the complaint is based on an erroneous perception of the driver's speech disability.

   (b)   Any person who knowingly makes a false zero-tolerance complaint shall be in violation of Chapter 1-21 of this Code.

   (c)   A licensee that does not immediately suspend a driver after a zero-tolerance complaint shall be in violation of this section.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1)

9-115-170 Driver – Identification card.

   The licensee shall issue an identification card to drivers that such licensee engages. Such identification card shall have the name of the driver and a photograph permanently attached to the identification card. Any transportation network driver shall, in electronic or paper form, possess the identification card at all times while operating a transportation network vehicle.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 6-22-16, p. 27771, § 6)

9-115-180 Operating regulations.

   (a)   In addition to all other applicable requirements provided by law, it shall be unlawful for any person:

      (1)   Who is under the age of twenty-one years to operate a transportation network vehicle;

      (2)   To operate a transportation network vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances other than medication prescribed by a physician, provided that such prescribed medication does not warn that the user not operate machinery while taking the medication;

      (3)   To operate, or cause to be operated, a transportation network vehicle in any area where the operation of such vehicle is prohibited by applicable law;

      (4)   To operate a transportation network vehicle within the city while not in possession of a valid driver's license issued by a state, district or territory of the United States;

      (5)   To operate, or cause to be operated, a transportation network vehicle that does not meet the vehicle standard and inspection requirements specified in this chapter; or

      (6)   To transport or cause to be transported more than seven passengers on any given ride in a vehicle.

   (b)   No transportation network driver shall pick up a passenger on any portion of (1) O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport or McCormick Place unless the commissioner determines, in duly promulgated rules, following consultation with the commissioner of aviation, that such pickups can be accomplished in a manner that preserves security, public safety, the orderly flow of traffic and compliance with all applicable tax ordinances; and (2) designated taxicab stands or loading zones.

   (c)   No person may drink any alcoholic liquor while such person is operating or being transported by a transportation network vehicle, nor may any person transport, carry, possess or have any alcoholic liquor while being transported by a transportation network vehicle, except in the original package with the seal unbroken. For purposes of this subsection the term "alcoholic liquor" has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 4-60-010.

   (d)   No licensee or transportation network driver shall solicit potential passengers. Transportation network vehicles may only be used to provide prearranged transportation service. For purposes of this subsection, the term "solicit" means an appeal by words or gestures for immediate patronage of a transportation network vehicle by a licensee or a transportation network driver upon the public way attempting to direct people to a transportation network vehicle that is parked, stopped, standing or moving upon the public way.

   (e)   No transportation network driver shall accept or respond to passengers' or potential passengers' requests for service via traditional street hail, including hand gestures and verbal statements.

   (f)   No transportation network vehicle shall be parked on any public way for a time longer than is reasonably necessary to accept passengers in answer to a prearranged transportation service and no passenger shall be accepted except as provided in subsection (d) of this section.

   (g)   The Internet-enabled application or digital platform used by a licensee to connect drivers and passengers shall display for a passenger: (1) the identification card of the transportation network driver; (2) a picture of the transportation network vehicle the driver is approved to use, including the license plate number of the vehicle, and the make, model and model year of the vehicle; (3) the city's 311 service center number the passenger may use to report complaints; and (4) whether smoking is permitted in the vehicle. If such application or digital platform allows drivers to rate their passengers, it shall have a feature that allows passengers to opt-out from being rated by drivers.

   (h)   Each licensee shall clearly disclose, on the licensee's on-line enabled application or digital platform and website, that the licensee is a transportation network provider. Additionally, the disclosure shall state that each licensee is required to maintain insurance policies as specified in Section 9-115-090.

   (i)   Each licensee shall provide proof of insurance policies required in Section 9-115-090 to each transportation network driver before the driver begins providing service and for as long as the driver remains available to provide service.

   (j)   (1)   Licensees shall have an affirmative duty to respond to requests for service in underserved areas and to insure compliance with this subsection by the licensee's drivers. Licensees shall immediately report to the Commissioner any of the licensee's drivers who fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection.

      (2)   Any licensee shall have an affirmative duty to respond to requests for service and shall be responsible for the actions of any of its employees, transportation network drivers, or other person that reports to, or acts as an agent of, the licensee, for any failure to respond to a request for service.

   (k)   Each transportation network driver shall, in the transportation network vehicle at all times carry: (1) proof of the insurance policies required in Section 9-115-090 covering the vehicle; (2) an electronic or paper copy of the agreement or terms of service between the driver and the transportation network provider; (3) an electronic or paper copy of the City's ground transportation tax registration emblem for the vehicle to be able to immediately display to an officer or other authorized City personnel; and (4) an electronic or paper copy of the vehicle's distinctive emblem issued pursuant to Section 9-115-120(b).

   (l)   All licensees and drivers must comply with all Federal, State of Illinois and City of Chicago non-discrimination laws. No licensee shall discriminate against any potential or existing employee, driver or passenger on account of race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military status or source of income, as defined in Section 6-10-020.

   (m)   Each transportation network driver shall comply with all Federal, State of Illinois and City of Chicago non-discrimination laws by accepting, without extra charge, riders with service animals.

   (n)   Any terms or conditions in the agreement between the licensee and the transportation network driver, or between the licensee and any customer, that would act as a waiver of the licensee's liability to the driver, the customer, or to the public, are declared to be contrary to public policy, null, void and unenforceable.

   (o)   Any terms or conditions in the agreement between a licensee and a transportation network driver that would prohibit the driver from engaging as a transportation network driver with other licensees are declared to be contrary to public policy, null, void and unenforceable.

   (p)   Transportation network vehicles shall be kept clean at all times they are used to provide a transportation network service.

(Added Coun. J. 5-28-14, p. 82771, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-28-15, p. 12062, Art. XI, § 5; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 18514, § 18; Amend Coun. J. 11-21-17, p. 61755, Art. X, § 4; Amend Coun. J. 4-27-22, p. 46382, § 25)

9-115-185 License ineligibility – Indebtedness and child support.

   (a)   Indebtedness: All licensees must be in good standing with the City in reference to debt pursuant to and as defined in section 4-4-150 of this Code.

   (b)   Child support: All licensees must be in compliance with court-ordered child support pursuant to and as defined in section 4-4-152 of this Code.

(Added Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 31925, Art. VI, § 8)