§ 4-5.18 OPERATING RULES.

   All taxicabs shall be used strictly in conformance with the following rules:

   (A)   Carrying of additional passengers. When a taxicab is engaged, the occupant shall have the exclusive right to the full use of the passenger compartment, and the owner or driver of such taxicab shall not solicit or carry additional passengers without the consent of the occupant.

   (B)   Calls to be answered as received. The driver of any taxicab shall answer all calls received in the order of their receipt.

   (C)   Limitation on number of passengers. No driver of any taxicab shall transport any larger number of passengers than the rated seating capacity of his or her taxicab.

   (D)   Circuitous routes. Any driver employed to carry passengers to a definite point shall take the most direct route possible that will carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to their destination.

   (E)   Radio dispatch. All new taxicab permittees shall operate under a radio dispatch system.

(Ord. 801 C.S., passed 9-6-06)

§ 4-5.19 RATES OF FARE.

   (A)   The rates of fare to be charged to the public for use of taxicabs shall be the same for all taxicabs operated by the permittee, and shall be based upon time and distance traveled.

   (B)   The Council, by resolution, may establish rates for mileage, drop charges, and waiting time applicable to all taxicabs. This rate shall increase due to changes in the Consumer Price Index.

(Ord. 801 C.S., passed 9-6-06)

§ 4-5.20 PENALTY FOR REFUSAL TO PAY FARE.

   Except where credit is extended, any person who shall willfully or fraudulently fail or refuse to pay, at the end of the trip, or the termination or discharge of service, the legal fare for a taxicab that he or she has hired, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 801 C.S., passed 9-6-06)

§ 4-5.21 APPLICABILITY TO EXISTING TAXICAB PERMITS.

   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all taxicab companies which were conducting business prior to the date on which this chapter becomes effective; provided however, the permits required for taxicab companies existing on or before the effective date of this chapter shall comply with all provisions of this chapter within 120 days from and after the date on which this chapter becomes effective.

(Ord. 801 C.S., passed 9-6-06)

§ 4-5.22 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES.

   Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by forfeiture of his or her permits in addition to any other fine or imprisonment as provided in Chapter 2 of Title 1 of this code.

(Ord. 801 C.S., passed 9-6-06)