The following rules and regulations shall be observed by all persons operating taxicabs or automobiles for hire; and it shall be unlawful to operate the same in violation of any of the following rules:.
(A) Standing restricted. No taxicab or automobile for hire shall remain standing upon any portion of any public street within the city except for loading and unloading passengers, and then not for a period of more than five minutes, excepting such stands as may be designated by the Council and described in the application for a permit.
(B) Direct route. The operator of any taxicab, other than one charging a flat rate, shall carry any passenger engaging the same, safely and expeditiously to his or her destination by the most direct and accessible route.
(C) Mechanical maintenance. All automobiles for hire and taxicabs shall be kept in good mechanical condition.
(D) Sanitation of passenger compartment. No taxicab or automobile for hire shall be operated unless the passenger compartment is kept clean and in sanitary condition.
(E) Violation of law. No person shall operate a taxicab or automobile for hire in violation of any law.
(F) Unfair competition; fraud. No owner or operator of any automobile for hire or taxicab shall indulge in unfair competition with competitors or shall commit any fraud upon the public; and the Council shall be the sole judge of what constitute fraud or unfair competition.
(G) Designation as “taxi”. No automobile for hire shall be designated by any word or phrases using the word “taxi” or “taxicab” in any sign or advertising matter.
(H) Excessive charges. No charge shall be made by any operator or owner of a taxicab or automobile for hire in excess of the rates posted in the passenger compartment of the car.
(I) Posting of rates, regulations. Every taxicab shall have posted in the passenger’s compartment a schedule of rates and charges and a copy of this chapter.
(1995 Code, § 5.36.220)