(a) Driver’s License. Every taxicab driver, while in charge of, or driving, a taxicab, shall have in his or her possession a valid and current driver’s permit issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
(b) Presentment of Driver’s Permit. The taxicab driver shall post the taxicab driver’s permit in a permanent fixture in prominent view of passengers in the taxicab.
(c) Radio. A taxicab driver shall keep the radio tuned to the correct frequency for the area in which the taxicab is operating so that it shall be audible to the driver at all times the taxicab is available for service.
(d) Manner of Soliciting Customers. A taxicab driver shall not solicit a customer’s patronage on any public street in a loud or annoying manner.
(e) Destination. A taxicab driver shall not inquire of trip destination until a passenger is seated in the taxicab. A taxicab driver shall comply with the instruction of a passenger regarding destination and shall not attempt in any way to influence destination.
(f) Direct Route. A taxicab driver shall use the most direct available route on all trips unless otherwise specifically requested by the passenger.
(g) Rates and Fares Charged.
(1) A taxicab driver shall not solicit, demand or arrange for any compensation in an amount greater or lesser than the schedule of rates specified in the taxicab operator’s permit. No rate other than that approved by the city shall be charged, demanded, or collected for taxicab service originating in the city, regardless of whether the destination of such service is within or beyond the corporate boundaries of the city.
(2) Fares shall not exceed the amount shown on the taxicab meter, plus any lawful surcharges. Fares shall not be calculated based upon the number of persons transported in the vehicle.
(h) Records. A taxicab driver shall make an accurate, legible record of all trips and all service calls including time and location of pick up, directed to him or her by dispatching personnel, as they occur. The information shall be recorded on waybills, shall be complete as to all items indicated and shall reflect appropriate information for all responses including “no goes” or ‘‘no loads.’’ Such records shall be available for inspection by the director and the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department for at least six months.
(i) Refusal to transport a passenger. A taxicab driver shall not refuse to transport any passenger requiring transportation except:
(1) When the driver has already been dispatched on another call;
(2) When the passenger appears to be a disorderly person;
(3) When the passenger requires use of a stretcher; or
(4) When the passenger can, upon request, show no ability to pay fare.
(j) Occupied Cabs. A taxicab driver shall not accept any passenger while in route to fill an order, nor accept any additional passengers while the taxicab is engaged unless so directed by an occupant of the taxicab.
(k) Language. Taxicab drivers shall not use foul or abusive language toward passengers.
(l) Receipt. Every taxicab driver shall issue a receipt for the taxi fare when requested by the passenger.
(m) Coupons. Every taxicab operating in the city shall comply with all provisions of the city’s taxi coupon program as adopted by the council and shall accept taxi coupons issued by the city of La Puente at full face value from passengers.
(n) Compliance with Code. Taxicab drivers shall comply with all of the provisions of the city of La Puente Municipal Code, including the city’s nondiscrimination ordinances.
(o) Taximeter Display. The driver of a taxicab while engaged in carrying any passenger shall cause the meter to display the “HIRED” position so as to denote that such vehicle is employed; and shall not cause the taximeter to be in a recording position when such vehicle is not actually employed, or fail to place the taximeter in a non-recording position at the termination of each and every service.
(p) Evaluation Forms. “Taxi service evaluation forms” as designated by the city, shall be available for passengers in an easily accessible location in the taxicab.
(q) Cooperation with Law Enforcement. Every taxicab operating in the city shall cooperate with the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department and city staff during enforcement operations.
(r) Taxicab Zone. Only one taxicab per permitted operator shall wait in any taxicab zone at any time.
(s) Taxicab Operator.
(1) No taxicab driver shall operate a taxicab in the city of La Puente into which passengers are accepted for transportation unless such driver is employed by, or associated with, a taxicab operator issued an operator’s permit to do business in the city of La Puente.
(2) No taxicab driver shall knowingly work for or drive for a taxicab operator who does not comply with the provisions in this chapter.
(Ord. 788 § 28 (part), 1999)