No person shall operate along or upon any public street of the city, any vehicle for the transportation of passengers for hire, irrespective of whether such operations extend beyond the boundary limits of the city, except the following:
(A) A taxicab or automobile for hire when authorized by permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter;
(B) A vehicle operated by a duly authorized "passenger stage corporation," as defined in the Public Utilities Act of the State of California; or
(C) A vehicle operated by the holder of a franchise duly and regularly awarded by the city.
(`78 Code, § 5.50.110.)