The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Applicant.
A person who is applying for a franchise certificate.
City chauffeur’s license.
A license to operate a taxicab issued to an individual by the director pursuant to this chapter.
Conviction.
A conviction in a federal court or a court of any state or foreign nation or political subdivision of a state or foreign nation that has not been reversed, vacated, or pardoned. A plea of guilty or no contest to a judge in a deferred adjudication is considered a conviction.
Curb.
The raised edge of the street, driveway or other public or private way upon which a taxicab is operating, provided that if no raised edge curbing exists, then it means the edge of the area that is paved for vehicular operation.
Director.
The director of the Department of Aviation, Traffic and Transportation or his designee.
Franchise.
An agreement between the city and another entity, under which said entity is granted the privilege of operating a taxicab service inside the city for a specific period of time and in accordance with the specific terms and conditions of the agreement.
Franchise holder.
Any person who obtains a franchise from the city.
Operate.
To drive or to be in control of a taxicab.
Operator.
The driver or operator of a taxicab.
Primary facility.
A fixed facility from which the primary administrative operations of the taxicab services are conducted and at which taxicabs are parked, stored, repaired, or maintained, and where all taxicab service documents are stored.
Taxicab.
A chauffeured motor vehicle used to transport persons for compensation on property on which the city possesses an ownership interest, that operates on irregular routes, irregular schedules, or on a call-and-demand basis.
Taxicab inspector.
The director or his designee whose duties include taxicab inspections.
Taxicab service.
A passenger taxicab transportation service pursuant to Texas Local Government Code sec. 215.004(a), as amended, that is operated for hire that uses one or more taxicabs in the operation of the service.
Taxicab stand.
A public place reserved exclusively for use by taxicabs.
Taximeter.
A device that computes a fare based upon the distance traveled, the time the taxicab is engaged, and any other basis for charges which are specified in the operating authority or rate ordinance pertaining to the holder.
Waiting time.
Such time as may be consumed or lost at the special instance and request of a passenger, after such passenger has first engaged and entered a taxicab to make a trip, and before reaching his final destination.
(Ordinance 46-2016, sec. 1, adopted 11/1/16)
It is the city’s policy to provide for and to promote adequate and efficient taxicab service in the city. To this end, this article provides for the regulation of taxicab rates and services, to be carried out in a manner that protects the public health and safety, promotes the public convenience and necessity, and respects the concept of free enterprise.
(Ordinance 46-2016, sec. 1, adopted 11/1/16)