HomeMy WebLinkAbout2865 TaxicabsORD,NANCE NO. 42'¢S
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
TAXICABS BY PERMITTING FLAT RATES AND CELL
PHONE DISPATCHING, EXEMPTING LIMOUSINES AND
MEDICAL TRANSPORTS, AND REQUIRING A FEE FOR
ANNUAL RENEWAL OF DRIVER PERMITS
THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF ASHLAND DO ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Sections 6.28.020 of the Ashland Municipal Code is amended to read:
SECTION 6.28.020 Definitions. As used in this Ordinance, the singular shall include the
plural, and the masculine shall include the feminine. Except where the context clearly
indicates otherwise, the following words shall mean:
A. Certificate. A numbered certificate issued under this chapter to operate a
taxicab. (Ord 2855, S1 2000)
B. Commission. The City of Ashland Traffic Safety Commission.
C. Director. The City of Ashland Director of Public Works.
D. Driver. Every person in direct and immediate possession or charge of
operating any taxicab, either as an agent, employee or otherwise, of the owner,
as owner or under the direction of the owner.
E. Flat rate. A fare which remains constant regardless of the distance traveled or
the time involved.
F. Limousine. A chauffeur driven motor vehicle that carries passengers for hire
where the minimum fare charged is at least $50.00.
G. Operate. Means to drive a vehicle, to use a vehicle in the conduct of
business, to receive money from the use of a vehicle, or cause or allow another
person to do the same.
H. Operation. Any operation, movement or otherwise propelling.
I. Owner. Every person having use or control of any taxicab, whether as owner,
lessee or otherwise.
J. Special vehicle. A horse-drawn cart or carriage, pedicab, licensed motorized
street car or other similar specialized vehicle used to transport passengers.
K. Street. Any street, alley, avenue, road, lane, highway or public place in the
City commonly used for the purpose of public travel.
L. Taxicab. Means any vehicle which carries passengers for hire whose journey
has originated in the City and where the destination and route may be controlled
by a passenger and the fare is calculated on the basis of any combination of an
initial fee, distance traveled, and delay or the fare is a flat rate. Any vehicle which
has an appearance deceptively similar to a taxicab is a taxicab for the purposes
of this chapter. A taxicab does not include licensed ambulances or non-emergent
medical transport vehicles, regular-route scheduled buses, bona fide State
approved buses engaged in charter service with a seating capacity of more than
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twenty persons, the Ashland Senior Program van, limousines and courtesy
vehicles operated by hotels and motels as a convenience for registered guests
only, where no charges are made. A "non-emergent medical transport vehicle"
means a vehicle which carries a person for hire and such person requires non-
emergency medical treatment or supervision by an emergency medical
technician or first responder certified by the Oregon State Health Division, while
in the vehicle.
M. Tour bus. A vehicle which is not subject to regulation by the State of Oregon
Public Utility Commission, and which has a passenger seating capacity which
does not exceed 20, provided, however, a tour bus does not include a vehicle
operated for the exclusive use of senior citizens or the disabled.
SECTION 2. Section 6.28.100 of the Ashland Municipal Code is amended to read:
SECTION 6.28.100 Equipment. Every taxicab is to be equipped with the
following:
A. Except for taxicabs charging flat rates, a taximeter in accurate operating
condition with a lighted face which can be read at all times by the customer.
Taxicabs charging flat rates must be equipped with a sign complying with section
16.28.140 stating "Flat Rate" conspicuous to a passenger upon entry into the
taxicab.
B. A top light identifying it as a taxicab.
C. The company name and telephone number where service can be requested
displayed on the exterior of the vehicle.
D. A cell phone or "state of the art" taxi radio on a clear coordinated taxicab radio
frequency for customer comfort and rapid dispatching of calls for service.
SECTION 3. Section 6.28.110.E of the Ashland Municipal Code is amended to read:
E. If the police chief determines that the applicant meets the requirements of this
chapter, the police chief shall issue the permit. The permit expires one year from
the date of issue and may be renewed from year to year upon application to the
police department. The fee for a renewal permit shall be set by resolution of the
council.
SECTION 4. Section 6.28.140.A of the Ashland Municipal Code is amended to read:
SECTION 6.28.140 Rates.
A. Except for a taxicab charging a flat rate, the rates to be charged to
passengers are to be based on the factors of mileage from the point of origin to
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the point of destination by the most direct route, the time involved, and the
number of passengers. Each taxicab must be equipped with a taximeter to
compute the rate. In lieu of the computed rate described in the previous
sentences, a flat rate may be charged to passengers.
B. The rate schedule must be posted in each taxicab in a place where it may be
readily viewed by the passengers. No taxicab may charge more than the posted
rate.
The foregoing ordinance was first read by title only in accordance with Article X,
Section 2(C) of the City Charter on the 16~h
PASSF__/~ and ADOPTED this ~ day of
Barbara Christensen, City Recorder
__day of January, 2001, and duly
SIGNED and APPROVED this ~7 day of ~
,2001.
Alan W. DeBoer, Mayor
o fo rm:
Paul Nolte, City Attorney
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