A. Every driver of a taxicab who is engaged to carry passengers shall take the most direct route possible that will carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to their destinations unless otherwise directed by the hirer.
B. When a taxicab is engaged, the person or persons engaging such taxicab shall have the exclusive right to the full and complete use of the passenger compartment, and it is unlawful for the carrier, or driver of the taxicab to solicit, or carry additional passengers therein except with the express consent of each of said persons; provided, however, that where the Department of Finance and Management Services finds that public necessity requires the grouping of passengers in such taxicabs, the Department of Finance and Management Services may issue a special written permit, which permits shall specifically set forth the rules and regulations under which such passenger grouping is permitted. It is unlawful for any driver or carrier to operate, or permit to be operated, any taxicab in violation of any of the rules and regulations set forth in such special permits.
C. The number of adult passengers which may be carried in any vehicle covered by this Chapter shall be limited to the seating capacity of such vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. The number of passengers consisting of children attending schools below the level of junior high schools, which may be carried in any vehicle covered by this Chapter shall be limited to the adult seating capacity of such vehicle, as specified by the manufacturer, plus one. No person shall be carried in such vehicle who is required to share in any way the seating space occupied by another, nor shall any person be carried who is not provided a seat.
D. The provisions of subsections A and B of this section shall not apply to dial-a-ride taxicab.
(Ord. MC-1625, 2-21-24; Ord. MC-1480, 4-18-18; Ord. 3585, 7-06-76; Ord. 3022, 10-21-69; Ord. 1987, 7-07-53)