(A) It shall be unlawful for any person owning, operating, driving or in charge of any taxicab to operate or drive such taxicab unless such taxicab is equipped with a taximeter and such taximeter is used to determine the fare to be charged which is recorded on the reading face of such taximeter for any trips; and no other rates or methods of measuring the distance or time charges shall be allowed except by taximeter as herein provided except the holder may authorize the driver of a taxicab to make the flat rate charges for trips between the city and other incorporated municipalities within the metropolitan area in accordance with the flat rate fare posted in such taxicab. However, the taximeter shall be in operation at all times when the taxicab is within the city.
(B) Every taxicab having affixed thereto a taximeter shall use a taximeter of a size and design approved by the chief of police and such taximeter shall conform to the following specifications:
(1) The taximeter shall be a mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is mechanically calculated for distance traveled, for waiting time, if any, and upon which much charge or charges shall be indicated by means of clearly legible figures which are electrically lighted each time the taximeter flag is thrown from the nonearning to earning position.
(2) Every taximeter must register upon visual counters the following items:
(a) Total miles, unless shown by accurate registration on the speedometer, tested and in good working order, on the taxicab.
(b) Paid miles.
(c) Number of units.
(d) Number of trips.
(3) Each taximeter must be furnished with a tamper-proof switch and system of electrical distribution so that when the taximeter flag is in the “high” or nonearning position, the cruising light or lights will be automatically lighted, between sunset and sunrise, and when. the taximeter flag is on “mileage” or “time,” both of which are earning positions an amber “tell-tale” light of the top light will be automatically lighted at all times. Provided that any taxicab not having a taximeter at the time of the passage of this subchapter [i.e., April 9, 1974] be given time to install these no later than June 1, 1974.
(C) A current schedule of all rates and fares charged by the owner shall always be on file with the City Secretary. The holder may from time to time propose changes in those rates and fares by filing such proposed rates and fares with the City Secretary for consideration of the City Council and left on file for a period of 15 days. If, within that period, the same have been approved or have not been acted upon by the City Council, in whole or in part, the whole or part so approved, or so not acted upon shall take effect, as proposed; provided, however, the City Council shall have the right, by resolution duly passed, to extend the time for action upon such proposed changes in rates or fares for a reasonable time, and, in such case, the City Council shall give the holder notice of having ordered such extension prior to the end of the 15-day period.
(D) No person owning, operating, driving or in charge of any taxicab within the city shall demand or charge any rate or fare other than that filed with the City Secretary.
(E) There shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the inside of each taxicab and on the back of the front seat a card showing the rates charged by the taxicab. A failure to have such card so posted at all times is a violation of this subchapter and may subject the permit to revocation at the will of the Council.
(F) (1) The following fares shall be charged by all taxicabs operating in the city:
For the first one-fifth mile $ 1.25
For each additional one-fifth mile 0.10
For waiting time (per hour) 6.00
For each additional passenger over one 0.25
Minimum fare 1.25
(2) No charge shall be made by the driver of any taxicab for waiting time of five minutes or less. Hourly and daily rates for extraordinary services shall be mutually agreed upon by the driver and passenger in advance upon terms satisfactory to them. It shall be unlawful for any driver or owner or refuse or avoid a call or to refuse or avoid picking up a passenger coming from any distant section of the city because of excessive distance in relation to the amount charged, or for any other reason, and such refusal shall be a violation of this subchapter and subject the owner toe revocation of the franchise within the discretion of the City Council.
('68 Code, § 28-19) (Ord. 4-1974-16, passed 4-9-74; Am. Ord. 4-1975-11, passed 4-8-75; Am. Ord. 5-1976-18, passed 5-11-76; Am. Ord. 10-1976-6, passed 12-19-76; Am. Ord. 6-1978-28, passed 6-13-78) Penalty, see § 117.99