For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings respectively set forth in this section.
(A) “Automobile for hire” includes every automobile or motor-propelled vehicle by means of which passengers are transported for hire upon any public street in the city and not over a regular or defined route, irrespective of whether the operation extends beyond the boundary limits of the city or not, excepting vehicles embraced within the term “taxicab” and the term “tow truck” and excepting vehicles of transportation companies as defined in division (C).
(B) "Taxicab" includes every automobile or motor-propelled vehicle in the city and not over a regular or defined route and irrespective of whether the operation extends beyond the boundary limits of the city or not, where charge for such transportation is measured by the distance traveled, or by the time required for such transportation, or both, and where a meter is used for such measurement as provided in this chapter, excepting vehicles of transportation companies as defined in division (C).
(C) "Transportation companies" is synonymous with the phrase "transporting company" as defined in that certain Act of the Legislature of the state approved May 10, 1917, providing for the supervision and regulation of the transportation of persons and property for compensation over public highways by automobiles, jitney buses, auto trucks, stages and auto stages and all amendments to the Act.
(`78 Code, § 5.50.010.) (Am. Ord. 2567 § 1, 2002.)