For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
FIXED RATES OF FARE. A pre-arranged fare filed by taxicab companies or transportation companies with the city to provide transportation from a location in the city to a specifically identified location. A FIXED RATE OF FARE cannot be a range of charges to a single location; instead, it must be a single amount.
RATES OF FARE. The fee or charge by taxicab companies or transportation companies, whether expressed as a dollar amount per distance traveled, time elapsed; or, a combination of distance traveled and time elapsed.
STREET. Any public street, alley or public way within the corporate limits of the city.
TAXICAB, TAXI and CAB. All motor-driven vehicles equipped with a taximeter engaged in the business of carrying passengers for hire on the streets of the city.
TAXICAB COMPANY. Every corporation, company, association, joint stock association, person, firm or partnership, or their lessees, trustees, receivers or trustees appointed by any court owning, controlling, operating or managing any taxicab engaged in the business of transporting persons for hire on the streets of the city.
TAXIMETER. A mechanical, electronic or digital electronic instrument or device by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is calculated, either for distance traveled or for waiting time or for both, and upon which such charge is indicated by means of monetary figures.
TRANSPORTATION COMPANY. Every corporation, company, association, joint stock association, person, firm or partnership, or their lessees, trustees and trustees appointed by any court owning, controlling, operating or managing any vehicle engaged in the business of transporting persons for hire on the streets of the city, except taxicabs and motor vehicles owned or operated by a taxing authority or district of the state.
(Prior Code, § 850.01) (Ord. 2013-28, passed 2-11-2014; Ord. 2014-07, passed 7-8-2014)
(A) The rates of fare to be charged by taxicabs and/or transportation companies operating in the city shall be provided in writing to the Service Director, on a form created, approved and published by the city, at least 30 days prior to the implementation of those rates.
(B) The rates of fare provided to the city shall be conspicuously posted within the taxicab or transportation vehicle and all meters within the taxicab or transportation vehicle shall be programmed for the rates of fare previously provided to the city, pursuant to division (a) of this section.
(1) Rates of fare established by taxicab companies shall be effective 30 days following written notice of such new fares delivered to the Service Director or after all taximeters have been programmed for the new rates of fare and the new rates of fare have been conspicuously posted in all taxicab vehicles, whichever occurs later.
(2) Rates of fare established by taxicab companies shall be accurately metered by all taxicab vehicles, except, if the taxicab company or transportation company only provides pre-arranged, fixed rates of fare, to specific locations, taximeters in their vehicles are not required. The city, or an agent or independent contractor acting on behalf of the city, shall certify the accuracy of the taximeters in all taxicabs.
(3) Rates of fare established by taxicab companies or transportation companies may be based on different rate schedules in effect during specified days of the week or hours of the day, or both; provided each of such different schedule of rates is metered and the meter at all times conspicuously displays the schedule of rates being recorded and charged to passengers. Taxicab companies and transportation companies may also publish and charge predetermined fixed rates of fare for travel to specifically identified locations or areas.
(C) Any taxicab or transportation company providing services within the city shall provide to passengers, upon request, dated and signed receipt for services rendered. In the event a transportation company receives advance payment from passenger(s), the company shall provide a dated and signed receipt that specifies all the material terms, conditions, rates and fares of the transportation service to be provided during such future purchase and upon request, both the date and driver’s identity on such receipt after each trip is concluded. A transportation company may not solicit, either directly or indirectly, additional compensation for the services.
(Prior Code, § 850.02) (Ord. 2013-28, passed 2-11-2014; Ord. 2014-07, passed 7-8-2014)
No person shall operate a taxicab company or transportation company without having in effect:
(A) Public liability insurance for each vehicle with a combined single limit of $3,000,000 covering both passengers and third parties, plus a comprehensive general liability policy with limits of $1,000,000;
(B) Such policy or certificate shall be provided by an insurance or liability carrier authorized to issue this type of insurance in the state and shall contain a provision obligating the insurance carrier to give 15 days’ written notice to the Service Director before cancellation or termination of the insurance. Such policy or certificate shall list the manufacturer’s serial number and the state license plate number for each vehicle covered therein. The policy or certificate shall be refiled with the Service Director whenever any vehicle is deleted from the transportation service of the insurance or a vehicle is added to the transportation service of the insured; and
(C) The liability insurance required by this section may contain a deductible or self-insured provision in an amount not to exceed the first $25,000 of liability for all personal injuries, loss of life and property damage in any one accident or incident arising from the operation of any vehicle of a taxicab company or transportation company; provided that the taxicab company or transportation company shall deposit cash or other similar collateral acceptable to the Director of Finance.
(Prior Code, § 850.03) (Ord. 2014-07, passed 7-8-2014)
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