For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
“CENTRAL OFFICE.” The physical location, having a street address, from which a public vehicle for hire operates, at which street address an applicant or licensee will receive all mail sent by the United States Postal Service.
“OWNER.” The person whose residence determines the county in which a vehicle must be registered pursuant to IC 9-18-2-15.
“PERSON.” Natural person, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, association or any other entity with the power to sue and be sued.
“PUBLIC VEHICLE FOR HIRE.”
(1) As used in this chapter, except as provided in division (3) of this definition, “PUBLIC VEHICLE FOR HIRE” means a motor vehicle that:
(a) Is a passenger vehicle;
(b) Is designed and constructed to accommodate and transport not more than 15 passengers, including the driver; and
(c) Is used or offered for use to transport a passenger for a fare.
(2) As used in this chapter, “PUBLIC VEHICLE FOR HIRE” includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Vans;
(b) Minivans;
(c) Station wagons;
(d) Buses;
provided that such motor vehicles meet the requirements of division (1) of this definition.
(3) As used in this chapter, “PUBLIC VEHICLE FOR HIRE” does not include:
(a) School buses;
(b) Vehicles used or operated under the control of the United States, the State of Indiana or any political subdivision of the State of Indiana;
(c) Vehicles used for ride-sharing programs on a nonprofit basis;
(d) Vehicles used for commuter services operated by an employer for the exclusive use of its employees;
(e) Vehicles certified as ambulances under IC 16-31;
(f) Vehicles used exclusively to provide regular route intercity passenger service on regular routes originating or terminating outside the town, including such vehicles which make one or more incidental stops along such routes within the town;
(g) Vehicles without a taximeter that are used exclusively to provide transportation for persons with a mental or physical disability or illness, older adults, or persons who require nonemergency medical treatment and that are operating under a certificate or permit of public convenience and necessity issued by the Indiana Department of State Revenue;
(h) Vehicles used exclusively to solicit and transport passengers on trips originating outside the town;
(i) Vehicles which are the subject of cost sharing arrangements between passengers and drivers, which arrangements are not designed to generate a profit; and
(j) Vehicles excluded from the town’s regulatory authority by state law.
“TAXICAB.” A public vehicle for hire which transports passengers for a fare, which fare is determined, in whole or in part, by a measurement, to be made during the trip, of the distance over which the passenger is transported.
“VIOLATION OF LAW.” Commission of a felony, misdemeanor, infraction or ordinance violation, without regard to whether the violation is characterized as criminal or civil in nature.
(Ord. 2014-10, passed 5-27-14)