As used in this chapter:
"Driver"
means an individual engaged by an operator to drive a taxicab.
Driver includes every person driving any passenger-carrying or motor-propelled
vehicle, either as an owner-operator, contractor, franchisee, agent,
employee or otherwise.
"Driver permit"
means a permit issued by the TPO to an individual, permitting
that person to drive a taxicab upon the streets of the city.
"Operator"
means a person or entity engaged in the business of providing
transportation services for hire through the use of taxicabs.
"Operator permit"
means a permit issued by the city authorizing an operator
to provide transportation services for hire through the use of one
or more taxicabs within the city.
"Street"
means any place commonly used for the purpose of public travel.
"Street stand"
means a portion of a street designated by the city for the
use, while awaiting employment, of any taxicab, except for locations
at which a stand is located within the boundaries of any airport.
"Taxicab"
means every automobile or motor-propelled vehicle, is equipped
with a taximeter, and/or is used for the transportation of passengers
for hire over the public streets of the city, and not over a defined
route, irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the boundary
limits of the city, at rate for distance traveled or for waiting time,
or for both, and the vehicle is routed under the direction of the
passenger or of the person hiring same. Taxicabs shall not include
a charter-party carrier of passengers within the meaning of the Passenger
Charter-Party Carriers' Act, Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 5351)
of Division 2 of the
Public Utilities Code.
"Taxicab"
shall not include limousine services regulated by the Public
Utility Commission.
"Taximeter"
means a device that automatically calculates, at a predetermined
rate or rates, and indicates the charge for hire of a vehicle, either
for distance traveled or for waiting time, or for both.
"Taxi permit"
means a permit issued by the TPO for a specific vehicle,
permitting that vehicle to be used by an operator as a taxicab.
"Top light"
means illuminated sign, attached to the top of a taxicab,
which, when illuminated, clearly indicates whether or not the taxicab
is vacant and available for hire.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
Before any operator permit required by this chapter is issued
for a prospective operator, the operator shall procure and maintain
during the term of the permit, at its cost, insurance with such coverage
and provisions as established by resolution of the city council.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
The application fee for an operators permit, a taxi permit and
a driver's permit shall be established by resolution of the city council.
These fees shall be paid at the time an application for the permit
is submitted.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
The TPO shall have the power to grant, deny, suspend or revoke
any of all of the permits and approvals required by or authorized
by this chapter when, in the exercise of reasonable discretion, it
has determined that the applicant has or has not complied with all
the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
All permits issued under the provisions of this chapter shall
expire one year from the date of issuance. All operators and drivers
must apply for operator permits and driver permits on an annual basis
under this chapter. Operators are required to apply for taxi permits
on an annual basis for each vehicle to be used as a taxicab and listed
on an operator permit.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
Any applicant for an operator permit or driver permit whose application was denied by the TPO, any holder of an operator or driver permit whose permit has been suspended or revoked by the TPO, and any operator or driver assessed administrative monetary penalties by the TPO may appeal such action(s) under Section
5.04.310 of the Temecula Municipal Code.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
Each taxicab shall have permanently affixed to the top of the
taxicab an operable top light. The lights of the top light shall be
connected to the taximeter so that the top light clearly indicates
when the taximeter is in operation.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
It shall be the duty of every operator to at all times keep
the taximeter accurate. It shall be certified as to its accuracy by
the county of Riverside in accordance with county requirements and
a certificate to that effect shall be kept available for inspection
in the taxicab. A true and correct copy of certificate shall be filed
with the TPO. The taximeter shall be subject to inspection annually
and from time to time, by the TPO, or any peace officer. The TPO is
authorized, at his or her discretion, or upon information received
from any peace officer, or upon the complaint of any person, to investigate
the taximeter and to remove or cause to be removed from the streets
of the city, any taxicab upon discovery of a faulty or inaccurate
taximeter, until the taximeter has been adjusted and evidence of its
accuracy has been presented to the TPO.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
All taxicabs must base their charges on taximeters. All taximeters
shall be placed so that the reading dial showing the amount to be
charged is well lighted and readily discernible by the passenger(s)
riding in the taxicab.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
It is unlawful for the driver, upon receiving full payment of
a fare, to refuse to give a receipt upon the request of any passenger
making the payment.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
No taxicab for which an operator permit has been issued shall
be operated by anyone but the operator thereof, or an employee, independent
contractor, franchisee, or agent of the operator.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
Every owner operating taxicabs in the city under this chapter
shall at all times keep on file with the TPO a schedule of current
rates and proposed new rates, if any, to be charged for the transportation
of passengers. Reduced rates should be included for students, seniors
and the disabled. Such schedule of rates shall be effective ten days
after filing with the TPO. The owner shall also cause to be printed
rate cards setting forth the current rates, shall file one rate card
with the TPO and shall cause a copy of the rate card to be continuously
on display in each taxicab operating under the operator's certificate
in full view of the passengers.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)
Violation of the provisions of this chapter may be enforced pursuant to the enforcement provisions set forth in Title
1 of this code. Violations of this chapter shall be considered infractions.
(Ord. 14-02 § 3)