[HISTORY: Derived from Art. XIX of Ch. V of the Charter and
Ordinances, 1974, of the City of Buffalo. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: The title of this chapter was amended to add
sightseeing buses 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007.
A.
It is hereby found and declared that the taxicab business in the
City of Buffalo provides an important part of the transportation facilities
of said City and the service rendered by said business is a matter
of public concern and interest.
B.
A study and survey of the business points to the conclusion that
the public cannot properly be served and the business itself cannot
operate in an orderly and appropriate manner without regulation of
the business and the limitation by the City of the number of taxicabs
using the streets.
C.
Taxicabs now in use and licensed are operated principally by fleet
owners and by owners of single or comparatively few taxicabs. To preserve
an equitable ratio of taxicabs operated by the two classes of owners
and to prevent a monopoly of the business by a limited number of owners,
the number of licenses which may be issued is hereby fixed as follows:
maximum total fleet available is 525 taxicabs.
[Amended 2-22-2005, effective 3-7-2005; 3-3-2015; 2-16-2016]
D.
If a fleet operator sells any of his licensed taxicabs to an individual
operator, the number of licensed taxicabs assigned hereinbefore to
fleet operators shall be deemed reduced accordingly and the number
of licensed taxicabs hereinbefore assigned to individual operators
shall be increased accordingly. However, no such sale shall be permitted
unless such sale is recommended by the Commissioner of Permit and
Inspection Services and approved by the Common Council.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
A.
It is hereby found and declared that the livery business in the City
of Buffalo provides an important part of the transportation facilities
of said City and the service rendered by said business is a matter
of public concern and interest.
B.
Months of discussions, public hearings and investigation lead to
the conclusion that the operation of liveries must be regulated to
protect the interests of the public. To enable both livery and taxicab
businesses to operate in an orderly manner, there must be a limitation
by the City of the number of livery cars using the City streets. The
number of livery licenses in effect at any one time shall not exceed
325.
[Amended 2-22-2005, effective 3-7-2005; 3-3-2015]
C.
Liveries are principally owned by fleet owners and by owners of single
or comparatively few livery cars. To maintain an equitable ratio of
liveries operated by the two classes of owners and to prevent a monopoly
of the business by a limited number of owners, the number of licenses
which may be issued is hereby fixed as follows: maximum total fleet
available is 325 livery cars.
[Amended 2-22-2005, effective 3-7-2005; 3-3-2015]
D.
If a fleet operator sells any of his licensed liveries to an individual
operator, the number of licensed liveries assigned hereinbefore to
fleet operators shall be deemed reduced accordingly and the number
of licensed liveries hereinbefore assigned to individual operators
shall be increased accordingly. However, no such sale shall be permitted
unless such sale is recommended by the Commissioner of Permit and
Inspection Services and approved by the Common Council.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
The Commissioner of Police of the City of Buffalo.[1]
An individual or individuals who operate pursuant to federal
law governing communications on two-way radios and dispatch various
liveries and/or taxicabs to locations pursuant to requests by potential
passengers.
A person licensed to drive a taxicab or livery in the City
of Buffalo.
A person, firm or corporation owning and operating five or
more taxicabs or liveries.
A person, firm or corporation owning and operating fewer
than five taxicabs or liveries.
A passenger automobile with an interior seating capacity
for seven or fewer passengers which transports fares for hire. However,
a livery service shall not secure business by cruising the streets
or by soliciting fares in public places. A "livery" may have the word
"livery" and the name of the owner or company on the vehicle. A "livery"
shall not, however, have placed upon it a dome light or other lights
located on the roof of the vehicle or the words "taxi," "taxicab"
or words of similar import or any other distinctive or unusual equipment,
device, design, color, numbers or lettering liable to deceive the
public that such a vehicle is a taxicab.
Includes any person, firm, corporation or association owning
and operating one or more taxicabs or liveries.
A person who owns a taxicab or livery and drives his own
vehicle exclusively.
Includes individuals, firms and corporations.
A motor vehicle used to provide a guide service or tour which
seats eight or more passengers, operating for hire by an individual
or group at a fixed price on a fixed route in the City of Buffalo
to a place or places of interest within the City of Buffalo.
[Added 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007]
Any individual whose function is to drive a sightseeing bus as herein defined within Chapter 437 for the purpose of providing a guide service or tour.
[Added 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007]
A passenger automobile with a seating capacity in the interior thereof for seven or fewer passengers, operated for the purpose of transporting persons for hire from points of origin within the City of Buffalo which either: cruises the streets of the City of Buffalo for the purpose of securing passengers; or receives calls from individuals or from dispatchers for the purpose of transporting passengers for hire; or is parked in a space as provided for in § 437-19 of this chapter.
A mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for
hire of a taxicab or livery may be mechanically calculated either
for the distance traveled or waiting time, or both, and upon which
such charge is indicated by means of figures.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definition of "Director," which immediately
followed this definition, was repealed 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
No person shall use any motor vehicle in the conduct of a taxicab
or livery business unless a license therefor issued by the Commissioner
of Permit and Inspection Services is in full force and effect.
[Added 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007]
No person shall use any motor vehicle in the conduct of a sightseeing
service unless a license therefor issued by the Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services is in full force and effect.
No taxicab or livery shall be licensed unless the same is equipped
with a taximeter of approved design and in good working order.
[Amended 4-3-2001, effective 4-16-2001; 12-9-2003, effective
12-19-2003; 1-23-2007, effective 2-5-2007; 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007; 4-16-2013; 2-16-2016; 3-5-2019, effective 3-5-2019]
A.
Application for a taxicab or livery license shall be made to the
Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services by the owner, in writing,
duly sworn to, upon forms to be furnished by the Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services, and shall show the owner's name and
address, the motor number and make of the vehicle, the year manufactured,
the New York State license number attached thereto, the size of the
tires used and the make, type and number or other descriptive designation
of the taximeter, together with an accurate and complete statement
of the color of said taxicab or livery and, if more than one color,
a description of the color design thereof. An application for a livery
license shall indicate if said vehicle operates through a dispatcher
and, if so, the identification of said dispatcher service. The Commissioner
of Permit and Inspection Services may require such further information
as he deems necessary.
B.
The Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services shall cause the
motor vehicle described in the application to be inspected and the
taximeter attached thereto to be tested. For taxicabs using electronic
systems operated by GPS software, before installation, operation or
use, proof of New York State Department of Agriculture, Bureau of
Weights and Measures certification must be provided. An unexpired
New York State inspection sticker, together with proof of GPS software
certification, where applicable, may be deemed sufficient to allow
the immediate operation of the motor vehicle, absent evidence to suggest
otherwise. If the motor vehicle is found to be clean and in proper
condition for the safe transportation of passengers and the taximeter
or GPS software attached thereto, upon test, is found to register
correctly, the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services shall
issue a license for such vehicle, and the taximeter attached thereto
shall be sealed. The owner of any licensed taxicab or livery shall
securely affix to such licensed taxicab or livery on the outside thereof
at the rear of the vehicle, in a conspicuous place, a metal plate,
showing the number assigned to such taxicab or livery. The licensing
of such vehicle should be subject, however, to the following conditions:
(1)
If it shall appear that the color design stated in the application
for the license of any taxicab or livery, if said taxicab or livery
is of more than one color, or if it appears at any time, upon inspection
of any taxicab or livery, that the color design thereof is so similar
to the color design of other taxicabs or liveries as to be liable
to deceive the public, then the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services is authorized to withhold a license to said applicant or
to revoke or suspend the license thereof until the color design of
said taxicab or livery has been changed or altered so as not to resemble
the color design of any other taxicab or livery operated under separate
ownership and so as not to deceive the public. Any applicant for a
license for a taxicab or livery of more than one color shall be entitled
to use the color design thereof, provided that such applicant establishes
to the satisfaction of the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services
that such applicant was using said color design upon his taxicab or
livery at the time of the enactment of this chapter and was the first
to continuously use said design in the City of Buffalo or, in case
of a new design, that the same is not being used by any taxicab or
livery owner. After being licensed, no color design of any taxicab
or livery shall be changed without the written approval of the Commissioner
of Permit and Inspection Services.
(2)
An owner who drives his own cab or livery exclusively may place the
words "owner driver" on the outside of the front doors thereof immediately
below the windows in letters contrasting strongly with the color of
the vehicle, not less than two inches high. However, taxicabs or liveries
so marked must be operated by no one other than the licensed owner,
under penalty of having the license suspended or revoked.
(3)
No person shall drive or operate upon the streets of the City any
passenger automobile with a seating capacity in the interior thereof
for seven or fewer passengers and registered as an omnibus by the
State of New York, while such vehicle has a taximeter or unusual or
distinctive equipment, device, design, color, numbers or lettering
liable to deceive the public that such vehicle is a licensed taxicab
or livery as above provided, unless such vehicle is duly licensed
under this section. A livery shall not have a dome light or other
lights located on the roof of the vehicle or the words "taxi," "taxicab"
or words of similar import on the vehicle.
(4)
The mileage rates fixed by this chapter shall be displayed on each
taxicab and livery so as to be readily visible to passengers entering
the vehicle.
(5)
Advertising.
(a)
A taxicab or livery may have illuminated advertising billboards,
placards or similar devices, no larger than 18 inches high by four
feet six inches long, attached securely to the roof or trunk of the
vehicle, not to exceed the length or width of such roof or trunk.
The advertising displayed upon livery vehicles shall not include the
words "taxi" or "taxicab" or words of similar import.
(b)
Unless specifically prohibited by any rule or regulation of
the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, advertising wheel hubcaps
no larger than 17 inches in diameter, attached to the wheel hub, may
be utilized for advertising purposes as limited herein. Such wheel
hubcaps may be illuminated by a non-blinking light that is removable
by the taxi driver. Such advertising may only be used for a trial
period of 45 days from the ratification of this section. After such
time, such advertising shall be prohibited in the absence of a further
amendment to this section.
(6)
Effective May 1, 2007, the maximum allowable vehicle age in order
to obtain a taxicab and/or livery vehicle license shall be 15 model-year
age from the most current licensing year.
(7)
Effective May 1, 2008, the maximum allowable vehicle age in order
to obtain a taxicab and/or livery vehicle license shall be 12 model-year
age from the most current licensing year.
(8)
Effective May 1, 2009, the maximum allowable vehicle age in order
to obtain a taxicab and/or livery vehicle license shall be 10 model-year
age from the most current licensing year.
C.
No person shall be denied a license for a taxicab or livery by reason
of having been previously convicted of one or more criminal offenses,
or by reason of a finding of lack of good moral character when such
reason is based upon the fact that the applicant has previously been
convicted of one or more criminal offenses, unless: a) there is a
direct relationship between one or more of the previous criminal offenses
and the personal transportation for hire industry; or b) the issuance
of the license would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to
the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public.
D.
Application for a sightseeing bus license shall be made to the Commissioner
of Permit and Inspection Services by the owner, in writing, duly sworn
to, upon forms to be furnished by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services, and shall show the owner's name and address, the motor
number and make of the vehicle, the year manufactured, and the New
York State license number attached thereto. The Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services may require such further information as he
deems necessary.
(1)
The owner of any licensed sightseeing bus shall securely affix to
such licensed sightseeing bus on the outside thereof at the rear of
the vehicle, in a conspicuous place, a metal plate, showing the number
assigned to such sightseeing bus.
The City of Buffalo recognizes the value of partitions placed
between the front and rear seats of taxicabs and liveries for hire
and encourages the use of the same. In the event that said partitions
are used within the City, the following rules regarding construction,
design and placement shall control:
A.
Said partition shall be framed totally with metal, which frame shall
be firmly secured to the center post on each side of the vehicle so
that not more than two inches of space remains between the center
post and frame nor more than two inches between the frame and the
roof. In addition to the above, the space between the seat and center
post, extending from the top of the seat to the floor on the driver's
side of the vehicle, is to be covered by a shatterproof substance
in such a fashion as to prevent a passenger from reaching the driver
of said taxicab or livery.
B.
Said partition shall be constructed of an optically clear, shatterproof
substance and designed in a way which will afford the driver complete
rearview vision.
C.
Said partition shall also be so designed so that the driver can collect
fares without leaving the vehicle.
D.
Said partition shall also be installed so as not to cause any added
reflections.
E.
All edges or parts of said partition are to be smooth to afford maximum
safeguards to passengers.
[Amended 7-20-1993, effective 8-2-1993; 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
A.
The holder of a taxicab or livery license shall be permitted to renew the same annually, provided that all ordinance provisions relating thereto are complied with and the application for such renewal is filed with the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services not later than May 1 of each year. The motor vehicle to be used must be presented for inspection as provided in § 437-7 of this chapter. If the application for renewal is not made within said time, the holder will be deemed to have abandoned said license, and a license in place thereof may be issued to another applicant as hereinafter provided.
B.
The holder of a taxicab or livery license may voluntarily surrender
the same to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services at
any time.
C.
If a taxicab or livery license issued to a fleet operator is abandoned
or surrendered by the holder or revoked by the Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services, a license in place thereof may be issued
only to a fleet operator, except as hereinafter provided; and, similarly,
if a taxicab or livery license issued to an individual operator is
abandoned or surrendered by the holder or revoked by the Director
of Licenses and Permits, a license in place thereof may be issued
only to an individual operator whose total taxicab or livery licenses
will not be increased to more than four thereby or to a new applicant
who will be an individual operator.
D.
In case of the disuse for a taxicab or livery purposes of any licensed taxicab or livery, the holder of the license may have the same transferred to another vehicle with the approval of the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services and the payment of a transfer fee as provided in Chapter 175, Fees.
E.
A fleet operator, any of whose taxicab or livery licenses are abandoned, surrendered or revoked so that the number of his licenses remaining in force are less than five in number, shall thereupon become an individual operator. Any person not now holding a taxicab or livery license desiring to secure a license may annually register his name for such purpose with the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services upon payment of a registration fee as provided in Chapter 175, Fees.
F.
A taxicab or livery license may be issued to the applicants so registered
in the order of registration in place of any license which is abandoned,
surrendered or revoked; and in case two or more such persons were
registered on the same day, such licenses shall be awarded to them
by lot; provided, however, that the total number of taxicab or livery
licenses held by fleet operators shall not be increased by such award.
In case of the sale of a licensed taxicab or livery, the license therefor
may be transferred to the new owner if he complies with all ordinance
requirements and the number of taxicab or livery licenses held by
fleet operators is not increased thereby.
G.
The holder of a taxicab or livery license shall be permitted to renew
the same annually, provided that all ordinance provisions relating
thereto are complied with and the application for such renewal is
filed with the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services not
later than May 1 of each year.
[Added 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007]
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
A.
Any person who desires to act as a driver of a taxicab or livery
shall make written application to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services for a taxicab or livery driver's license, furnishing in such
application the information required by the Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services, including but not limited to the person's
correct address, phone number and proof of motor vehicle liability
insurance coverage currently in effect and in the amounts prescribed
by New York State for omnibus vehicles. Any change in the information
provided must be reported to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services within 10 days after the change occurs. Any person applying
for a taxicab or livery driver's license must hold a valid chauffeur's
license issued by the State of New York. The Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services shall issue to each licensed taxicab or livery
driver a badge showing the number assigned to such driver; and the
badge, conspicuously displayed, shall be worn by such driver at all
times when on duty. Such badge shall remain the property of the City
of Buffalo and shall be surrendered upon the expiration or revocation
of the driver's license.
[Amended 3-5-2019, effective 3-5-2019]
B.
Each driver's license shall provide a space wherein the Department
of Police shall enter a record of all accidents of any nature and
retain a record thereof. Such record shall be given consideration
in relation to the renewal, suspension or revocation of the driver's
license. The erasure or obliteration of any official entry relating
to accidents made upon a driver's license shall be sufficient cause
for suspension or revocation of such license.
C.
It shall be the duty of each driver to keep a record, upon forms
approved by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services, of
all trips made and to file the same with the owner of the taxicab
or livery, and such record shall be preserved for at least 60 days.
D.
At the time of the issuance of the driver's license herein provided
for, the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services shall issue
to each licensed driver an identification card containing the driver's
license number and his name and address and shall provide space for
a small photograph of said licensed driver. Said driver shall provide
the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services with two copies
of said small photograph, one to be affixed to said identification
card. Said identification card shall be carried in a suitable frame
furnished by the City through the Department of Permit and Inspection
Services and shall be hung in the passenger compartment in the rear
of the taxicab or livery, together with a card showing the rates of
fare, at all times while said driver is on duty. Said identification
card and rate card shall be visible to any passenger riding in said
vehicle, shall be so placed as to be readable by any passenger and
shall have light shining on the same at night. The kind and size of
said cards, the writing thereon and the placing and illumination of
said cards shall be approved by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services.
[Amended 3-5-2019, effective 3-5-2019]
E.
Any person who desires to act as a driver of a sightseeing bus shall
make written application to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services for a sightseeing bus driver's license, furnishing in such
application the information required by the Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services, including but not limited to the person's
correct address, phone number and proof of motor vehicle liability
insurance coverage currently in effect and in the amounts prescribed
by New York State for omnibus vehicles. Any change in the information
provided must be reported to the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services within 10 days after the change occurs. Any person applying
for a sightseeing bus driver's license must hold a valid chauffeur's
license issued by the State of New York. The Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services shall issue to each licensed sightseeing bus
driver a badge showing the number assigned to such driver; and the
badge, conspicuously displayed, shall be worn by such driver at all
times when on duty. Such badge shall remain the property of the City
of Buffalo and shall be surrendered upon the expiration or revocation
of the driver's license.
[Added 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007; 3-5-2019, effective 3-5-2019]
F.
At the time of the issuance of the driver's license herein provided
for, the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services shall issue
to each licensed driver an identification card containing the driver's
license number and his name and address and shall provide space for
a small photograph of said licensed driver. Said driver shall provide
the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services with two copies
of said small photograph, one to be affixed to said identification
card. Said identification card shall be carried in a suitable frame
furnished by the City through the Department of Permit and Inspection
Services and shall be hung in the passenger compartment in the rear
of the sightseeing bus, together with a card showing the fixed rates
of fare, at all times while said driver is on duty. Said identification
card and fixed rate card shall be visible to any passenger riding
in said vehicle and shall be so placed as to be readable by any passenger.
The kind and size of said cards, the writing thereon and the placing
and illumination of said cards shall be approved by the Commissioner
of Permit and Inspection Services.
[Added 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007; amended 3-5-2019,
effective 3-5-2019]
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007]
No taxicab, livery or sightseeing driver's license shall be
assigned from one person to another. No taxicab, livery or sightseeing
bus license shall be assigned from one person to another, and no plate
attached to a taxicab, livery or sightseeing bus by the Commissioner
of Permit and Inspection Services shall be transferred from one vehicle
to another except as otherwise herein permitted.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
Any license issued by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services may be revoked or suspended by him for cause.
A.
The fee for a taxicab license and for a taxicab driver's license, including identification card, shall be as provided in Chapter 175, Fees. The fee for a livery license and for a livery driver's license, including identification card, shall be as provided in Chapter 175, Fees. The fee for a sightseeing bus license and for a sightseeing bus driver's license, including identification card, shall be as provided in Chapter 175, Fees. Each such license shall expire on the first day of May annually.
[Amended 6-12-2007, effective 6-20-2007]
B.
There shall also be paid to the City at the office of the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services, upon the issuance of a duplicate identification card to replace a lost, stolen, destroyed or misplaced card, the sum as provided in Chapter 175, Fees.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 3-5-2019, effective 3-5-2019]
C.
All fees and moneys received by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection
Services shall be transmitted to the office of the Director of the
Treasury of the City for deposit therein in accordance with regulations
established by the Comptroller.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 3-5-2019, effective 3-5-2019]
A.
No person shall use or permit to be used on any taxicab or livery
a taximeter which shall be in such condition as to be more than 5%
incorrect to the prejudice of a passenger. No taximeter affixed to
any taxicab or livery shall be operated from either rear wheel of
such vehicle. Between sunset and sunrise, the face of every taximeter
shall be illuminated by a suitable light so arranged so as to throw
a continuous steady light thereon and render the figures on such taximeter
readily discernible by any passenger. No person shall use or permit
to be used a taximeter on which the seal placed by the Director of
Licenses and Permits has been broken nor unless its cover and gears
are intact.
B.
It shall be unlawful to change the size of the front wheels or tires
of a taxicab or livery or the gears operating the taximeter or to
change said instrument from one vehicle to another without a reinspection
and approval of the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services.
C.
In recognition of changing technology, rather than utilizing traditional taximeters, a vehicle may be equipped with a soft meter operated by GPS software, rather than tire rotation. Soft meters must either meet the display standards listed in Subsection A herein, or otherwise be provide to passengers.
[Added 3-5-2019, effective 3-5-2019]
[Last amended 3-5-2019, effective
3-5-2019]
A.
No person shall charge a greater sum for the use of a taxicab or
livery than in accordance with the following rates:
B.
No additional or extra charge shall be made for carrying more than
one passenger, but all passengers up to the seating capacity of the
vehicle shall be carried for the same fare as that above prescribed
for one passenger.
C.
Upon demand, the driver of a taxicab or livery shall furnish to the
passenger a receipt for the fare paid, showing the name and badge
number of the driver.
D.
All disputes as to the lawful rate of fare shall be determined by
the police officer responding to the complaint; and a failure to comply
with such determination, provided that it be in accordance with the
rate herein fixed, shall be a violation of this chapter.
E.
The rate charged in the City of Buffalo shall be subject to review
and renewal by the Common Council after a period of one year from
the effective date of such rate change. During that one-year period,
taxicab and livery service providers shall work with the Common Council
on improving the quality of service in the City of Buffalo. The amount
of improvement and extent of cooperation by the taxicab and livery
service providers may be considered in the decision to renew the rate
for an additional period of time.
F.
The rate of fare for any sightseeing bus (including all charges)
for each fixed route of said sightseeing bus shall be on file with
the Office of Licenses and shall be clearly displayed within each
sightseeing bus.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 7-11-2006, effective 7-25-2006]
Upon producing certification issued by the Mayor's office as
to senior citizen status, persons shall be entitled to a 10% reduction
in the amount of the fare.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 7-11-2006, effective 7-25-2006]
No person shall charge, for taxicab or livery service, rates higher than the rates permitted by § 437-14; any person who charges greater rates than the rates so filed for taxicab or livery service in vehicles to which such advertised rates apply shall be guilty of a violation of this chapter.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003; 7-11-2006, effective 7-25-2006]
A card indicating rates allowed to be charged by this chapter,
printed in English, shall be furnished by the Commissioner of Permit
and Inspection Services and displayed in each taxicab or livery. Such
cards, before being used, shall be approved, as to design and size
of type used, by the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services.
No taxicab driver shall solicit passengers on any street or
taxicab stand at a greater distance than 20 feet from his taxicab.
A.
The following are hereby designated as places where taxicabs may
stand while awaiting employment:
|
Name of Street
|
Side
|
Location and Restrictions
|
Number of Cabs
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Allen Street
|
North
|
West of Main Street
|
1
|
|
Best Street
|
North
|
Gate No. 1 at Civic Stadium, east of Grape Street, 30 minutes
only before closing of event
|
9
|
|
Best Street
|
South
|
Opposite Gate No. 2 at Civic Stadium, between Peach Street and
entrance to State Armory; 30 minutes before closing of event
|
10
|
|
Broadway
|
North
|
Approximately 80 feet east of the east curbline of Gibson Street
|
5
|
|
Broadway
|
South
|
(Lafayette Square) Starting at a point approximately 35 feet
east of Main Street and 60 feet east therefrom
|
3
|
|
Clinton Street
[Repealed 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003] | |||
|
Clinton Street
[Repealed 7-22-2003, effective 8-4-2003] | |||
|
Church Street
|
South
|
Between Shelton Square and Pearl Street
|
12
|
|
Delaware Avenue
|
—
|
North of Cary Street between hotel entrance and Cary Street
|
3
|
|
Delaware Avenue
|
East
|
Nighttime stand, in Parking Meter Stall Nos. DE-307 and DE-309,
south of entrance to Chez Ami Restaurant, between 7:00 p.m. and 1:30
a.m., December 1 to March 15, and 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., March 15
to December 1
|
2
|
|
Delaware Avenue
[Added 7-25-2006, effective 8-3-2006] |
East
|
North of West Chippewa Street from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. only
|
2
|
|
Delaware Avenue
|
West
|
North of Niagara Square
|
3
|
|
Delaware Avenue
[Added 11-16-2004, effective 11-24-2004] |
West
|
Between a point 300 feet south of North Street and a point 70
feet south therefrom
|
2
|
|
Dodge Street
|
South
|
Gate No. 3, Civic Stadium, between points opposite west property
line of 298 Dodge Street and east property line of 304 Dodge Street;
30 minutes only before closing of event
|
5
|
|
Dodge Street
|
South
|
Between the west side of Gate No. 3 at Civic Stadium and Main
Street feed line; for a period of 30 minutes before closing of event
|
—
|
|
Dodge Street
|
South
|
Gate No. 4, Civic Stadium, between points opposite east property
line of 332 Dodge Street and west property line of 342 Dodge Street;
30 minutes only before closing of event
|
5
|
|
Eagle Street
|
North
|
East of Main Street
|
3
|
|
Ellicott Street
[Repealed 1-24-2008, effective 2-15-2008] | |||
|
Ellicott Street
|
West
|
Between points 45 feet north and 120 feet north of Swan Street
|
2
|
|
Franklin Street
[Added 9-20-2005, effective 9-30-2005] |
East
|
Between a point 210 feet north of Court Street and a point 60
feet south therefrom (in existing "No Parking" zone during Convention
Center events only)
|
3
|
|
Franklin Street
[Added 7-25-2006, effective 8-3-2006] |
East
|
North of West Chippewa Street from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. only
|
3
|
|
Genesee Street
|
North
|
Mohawk Street to Franklin Street
|
4
|
|
Genesee Street
[Repealed 3-22-2005; effective 4-1-2005] | |||
|
Genesee Street
|
South
|
West of Main Street
|
3
|
|
Huron Street
|
North
|
West of Main Street
|
2
|
|
Jefferson Avenue
|
East
|
100 feet north of Eagle Street and extending 40 feet north therefrom
|
2
|
|
Jefferson Avenue
|
East
|
125 feet south of East Ferry Street and extending 40 feet south
therefrom
|
2
|
|
Jefferson Avenue
|
West
|
125 feet north of Florida Street and extending 40 feet north
therefrom
|
2
|
|
Lafayette Square
[Added 11-25-2003, effective 12-5-2003] |
South
|
East of Main Street
| |
|
Lafayette Square
[Repealed 7-22-2003, effective 8-4-2003] | |||
|
Lower Terrace
|
South
|
East of Pearl Street and west of Lower Terrace, Memorial Auditorium
entrance
|
5
|
|
Lower Terrace
|
South
|
West of Pearl Street in no-standing area, taxi feed line only
|
—
|
|
Main Street
|
—
|
At No. 621 Main Street
|
2
|
|
Main Street
|
East
|
Nighttime stand, in Parking Meter Stall Nos. M-669, M-671 and
M-673, opposite the Greyhound Bus Terminal, between 7:00 p.m. and
1:30 a.m., December 1 to March 15, and 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., March
15 to December 1
|
3
|
|
Main Street
|
West
|
At Hotel Worth
|
1
|
|
Main Street
|
West
|
At foot of Main Street opposite D.L. and W. Depot, cab terminus
|
4
|
|
Main Street
|
West
|
North of Main Street entrance to Memorial Auditorium
|
5
|
|
Main Street
|
West
|
South of Main Street entrance to Memorial Auditorium
|
5
|
|
Main Street
|
West
|
South of Seneca Street
|
1
|
|
Main Street
|
West
|
South of Utica Street
|
2
|
|
Main Street
|
West
|
Between points 125 feet north and 165 feet north of West Seneca
Street
|
2
|
|
Masten Avenue
|
East
|
Between East North Street and Best Street feed line only to
Civic Stadium; for period of 30 minutes before closing of event
|
—
|
|
Michigan Avenue
|
East
|
110 feet south of Broadway and extending 60 feet south therefrom
|
3
|
|
Mohawk Street
|
North
|
East of Main Street
|
1
|
|
Mohawk Street
|
North
|
Beginning at a point 25 feet west of Main Street and 60 feet
west therefrom
|
3
|
|
Mohawk Street
|
South
|
Genesee Street to Franklin Street
|
3
|
|
Mohawk Street
|
South
|
West of Main Street
|
1
|
|
North Division Street
[Amended 1-24-2008, effective 2-15-2008] |
North
|
Between the northeast corner of the intersection of Ellicott
Street and North Division Street and the northwest corner of the intersection
of Oak Street and North Division Street
|
9
|
|
North Division Street
|
South
|
East of Main Street
|
2
|
|
Pearl Street
|
East
|
Starting at a point 30 feet north of Chippewa Street and 105
feet north therefrom
|
5
|
|
Pearl Street
[Added 9-20-2005, effective 9-30-2005] |
East
|
Between a point 310 feet north of West Chippewa Street (St.
Lt. 433) and a point 50 feet north therefrom
|
3
|
|
Pearl Street
[Added 1-12-1999, effective 1-25-1999] |
East
|
From a point 55 feet south of West Huron Street to a point 125
feet south of West Huron Street
|
3
|
|
Pearl Street
|
West
|
South of Lower Terrace
|
5
|
|
Pearl Street
[Added 7-25-2006, effective 8-3-2006] |
West
|
South of West Chippewa Street from 7:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. only
|
2
|
|
Pennsylvania Street
|
North
|
Just east of drive leading into Pennsylvania Street entrance
to Kleinhans Music Hall, feed line only to Kleinhans Music Hall; for
a period of 30 minutes before the closing of event
|
5
|
|
Perry Street
[Added 11-16-2004, effective 11-24-2004] |
North
|
Between a point 75 feet east of Washington Street and a point
120 feet east therefrom
|
6
|
|
Prospect Avenue
|
—
|
Between Porter Avenue and Connecticut Street as a feed line
only
|
28
|
|
South Elmwood Avenue
|
West
|
South of Chippewa Street
|
3
|
|
Swan Street
|
South
|
East of Washington Street
|
2
|
|
Walnut Street
|
West
|
South of William Street
|
6
|
|
Washington Street
|
East
|
North of Broadway, adjacent to Lafayette Theatre
|
2
|
|
Washington Street
|
East
|
50 feet south of Swan Street
|
2
|
|
Washington Street
|
West
|
South of Swan Street
|
2
|
|
Washington Street and Chippewa Street
|
—
|
Southeast corner
|
4
|
|
Water Street
|
South
|
West of Boat Ramp, as feed line only
|
10
|
|
West Seneca Street
[Added 9-4-2007, effective 9-27-2007] |
South
|
Between Main Street and a point 60 feet south therefrom
|
3
|
|
William Street
|
North
|
20 feet west of Cedar Street and extending 40 feet west therefrom
|
2
|
|
William Street
|
South
|
20 feet east of Monroe Street and extending 60 feet east therefrom
|
3
|
|
Windermere Boulevard
|
West
|
South of Kenmore Avenue
|
2
|
B.
No owner or operator of any taxicab shall occupy with such vehicle for the purpose of securing passengers any other place or stand on any public street or place than those above designated, except that radio-dispatched taxicabs, if not otherwise in violation of parking or standing ordinances, may stand on such main thoroughfares as are listed in Chapter 479, § 479-4, of the Code while awaiting employment or further direction from the radio dispatcher of their employer; except that, to meet special conditions, the Commissioner of Police is hereby authorized to designate additional places where taxicabs may stand while awaiting employment, but the use of such stands shall be subject at all times to the orders of said Commissioner.
C.
No owner or operator of any livery shall occupy with such vehicle for the purpose of securing passengers any area designated by this section as a taxi stand nor any other place or stand on any public street; except that liveries, if not otherwise in violation of parking or standing ordinances, may stand on such main thoroughfares as are listed in Chapter 479, § 479-4, of the Code while awaiting further direction from the radio dispatcher of their employer.
D.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the temporary
occupation of any street in the vicinity of hotels, theaters and places
of public entertainment by any taxicab while actually engaged by one
or more passengers; provided, however, that, in such case, the vehicle
and its operator shall be subject at all times to the orders of the
police.
E.
For the purpose of finding a vacant taxicab stand in which to await
business or in proceeding to a definite location, a taxicab driver
shall proceed with the general flow of traffic and shall not obstruct
traffic by slow driving or dilatory tactics and shall not, for said
purposes, frequently drive around substantially the same blocks or
area. No taxicab driver shall resort to any practice or manner of
driving which unnecessarily will add to or tend to cause traffic congestion.
F.
No owner or operator of any livery shall secure business by cruising
the City streets or by soliciting fares in public places. In proceeding
to a definite location, a livery driver shall proceed with the general
flow of traffic and shall not obstruct traffic by slow driving or
dilatory tactics and shall not frequently drive around substantially
the same blocks or area. No livery driver shall resort to any practice
or manner of driving which unnecessarily will add to or tend to cause
traffic congestion.
G.
Where a taxicab stand is located in an area regulated by an ordinance
prohibiting parking or standing during certain periods, no operator
of a taxicab or other vehicle shall permit the same to remain parked
or standing in violation of such parking or standing ordinances.
A.
Except as herein otherwise specifically provided, every person who
shall in any manner violate any of the provisions of this chapter
or who shall charge, take or receive or attempt to charge, take or
receive any greater rate or rates of fare or charges than those prescribed
by this chapter or who shall fail to do any act required by this chapter
to be done by him shall be liable to a fine or penalty of not more
than $1,500 or to imprisonment for not more than 15 days, or to both
such fine and imprisonment, for each offense.
B.
In addition to the fines and penalties herein fixed, the Commissioner
of Permit and Inspection Services may, for cause, revoke any license
issued hereunder, in accordance with the Charter of the City.
[Amended 12-9-2003, effective 12-19-2003]
The provisions of this chapter shall have no application to
vehicles while in use at funerals, christenings or weddings.
