The following definitions and phrases, when used in this article, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Driver.
The person actually driving the taxicab, limousine or shuttle service.
Franchise.
The authority granted by the city council by ordinance in compliance with the requirements of the charter of the city and state law after a finding that public convenience and necessity require the granting of a franchise and after compliance of such applicant with the conditions precedent prescribed by the franchise agreement and the provisions of this article.
Limousine service.
Passenger service that is chartered or reserved by the customer well in advance of the time the service is rendered and is not equipped with a meter or device calculating the distance traveled or waiting time. Fees or rates are established on an hourly basis, and are significantly higher than fees charged for taxicab service.
Motor vehicle.
Every motor-propelled vehicle used for transportation of persons over the public streets of the city.
Operator.
The person, firm or corporation to whom the franchise has been issued.
Person.
An individual, a partnership, an association, a corporation or any other organization.
Public convenience and necessity.
The applicant is fit, able and willing to provide transportation by taxicabs, limousines or shuttle service in accordance with the requirements of this article and that public convenience and necessity require the service proposed by the applicant.
Shuttle service.
Shuttle service is a shared ride approach to transporting multiple individuals or groups traveling from: a specific origin to a specific destination; a specific origin to multiple destinations; and multiple origins to a specific destination. These services are provided for a fixed rate per person or a fixed rate per hour. Shuttle services typically have designated drop-off and pick up points (e.g. airport to hotels) and run between these two points at regular intervals or as determined by reservation for a traveling group.
Street.
Any street, alley, lane, public place or highway within the corporate limits of the city.
Taxicab.
Every motor vehicle used for transportation of passengers over the streets of the city, for hire, with the following exceptions, to wit:
(1) 
Vehicles owned by a governmental entity or operated on behalf of a governmental entity.
(2) 
Ambulances as regulated in chapter 6.
(3) 
Vehicles rented or leased for self-operation by the person actually driving the same, unless such vehicle is transporting, for compensation, persons other than the one who actually rented or leased the same.
(4) 
Vehicles owned or operated by motels, hotels, and other businesses for transporting their guests or employees. This article shall apply however, to other companies or individuals providing such service under contract with said motels, hotels or other businesses.
(5) 
Nonprofit corporation vehicles that initiate transportation service outside the city for persons residing outside of the city, even though some additional transportation may be provided for such nonresidents within the city before returning to locations outside the city.
(6) 
Nonprofit corporation vehicles, if used for transportation that is incidental to their other public purpose activities, such as day care centers providing their own transportation for children using their facilities.
(7) 
Vehicles that transport wheelchair passengers and that are required to obtain a permit as a wheelchair equipped vehicle under article 4-16.
(8) 
Motor vehicles not subject to the jurisdiction of a municipal home rule city.
Taximeter.
A mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for hire of the taxicab is mechanically calculated either for distance traveled or for waiting time, or for both, and upon which such charges plainly register by means of figures indicating dollars and cents.
Vehicle.
See motor vehicle.
Waiting time.
Includes all time when a taxicab is not in motion, occupied by a passenger, and the time consumed while standing at the direction of the passenger or person who has engaged the taxicab.
(Ordinance 85-76, sec. 1, adopted 9/10/85; Ordinance 99-43, sec. 1, adopted 9/14/99; Ordinance 2004-06, sec. 2, adopted 1/27/04; 1957 Code, sec. 20-1; Ordinance 2008-31 adopted 7/22/08; Ordinance 2011-39 adopted 11/8/11)
(a) 
The following sections shall apply and the word “taxicab,” or “taxicabs” shall also refer to “limousine service” and/or “shuttle service”: 4-10-1; 4-10-31; 4-10-32; 4-10-33; 4-10-34; 4-10-35; 4-10-36; 4-10-37(a); 4-10-38; 4-10-39; 4-10-40(3), (4), (5), (7), (8); 4-10-41; 4-10-42; 4-10-71; 4-10-72; 4-10-74(a), (b); 4-10-76; 4-10-131; 4-10-151; 4-10-152; 4-10-153; 4-10-154; 4-10-155; 4-10-156; 4-10-157; 4-10-158; 4-10-183; 4-10-184; 4-10-185; 4-10-186; 4-10-187; 4-10-188; 4-10-241; 4-10-242; 4-10-243; 4-10-244; 4-10-245; 4-10-246.
(b) 
Each limousine or shuttle service vehicle shall have a sign or marking of adequate size and location showing the name of the company to which the franchise was granted. The chief of police shall make the final decision if there is any dispute regarding the adequacy or location of the sign or marking.
(c) 
The initial rates for all limousine service shall be approved by the city council in the ordinance approving the franchise. Any subsequent changes in the rates prior to the end of the franchise shall be made by filing with the city secretary a new schedule of rates setting forth all changes in the rates. The city council may, within thirty (30) days after the filing of the rates schedule by the operator, review the propriety of the rates and determine if said rates are reasonable. If the city council determines that there is a question as to the reasonableness of the rates filed, it shall set a public hearing on the matter, at which hearing the operator shall show cause why such rates as filed are not unreasonable. At the conclusion of the hearing, the city council shall determine if the rates as filed are reasonable or not, and if the city council determines that the rates filed are reasonable, then they shall be allowed. If the council finds the rates to be unreasonable, it shall by resolution establish reasonable rates for the operator’s service which shall be the rate charged by said operator until increased as hereinafter provided. The city secretary shall give notice to the operator of any public hearing held pursuant to this section.
(d) 
The city manager may designate other departments or city officials to inspect and assist in the enforcement of this section.
(Ordinance 85-76, sec. 1, adopted 9/10/85; Ordinance 95-13, sec. 1, adopted 2/14/95; Ordinance 95-34, sec. 1, adopted 6/13/95; Ordinance 2004-06, sec. 1, adopted 1/27/04; Ordinance 2004-09, sec. 1, adopted 2/10/04; 1957 Code, sec. 20-49; Ordinance 2011-39 adopted 11/8/11)