The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
OWNER. The purchaser of any vehicle under reserve title contract or the legal or equitable owner of any motor vehicle.
TAXICAB and VEHICLE FOR HIRE. Any public motor-driven vehicle used for the transportation of passengers for compensation, except buses operated under franchises and over fixed routes and between fixed termini and interurban buses operated under franchises granted by the state utility commission.
(1989 Code, § 7-326)