A. 
No person may provide taxicab service as provided by this title unless that person:
1. 
Is a permittee in possession of a valid taxicab permit issued to him or her under this chapter; or
2. 
Has entered into an agreement with a permittee which allows that person to provide taxicab services pursuant to the permittee's authority, such person being commonly known as a "lease operator." A copy of the lease agreement shall be filed with the Transportation Inspector. Lease operators are responsible for complying with sections 11.20.050—11.20.120 and section 11.10.080.
B. 
No permittee shall allow another person to provide taxicab service under the authority of his or her permit except as allowed in subsection A of this section.
C. 
Except as provided in section 11.20.050B, no person may operate or dispatch a vehicle as a taxicab unless that vehicle is described on a taxicab permit as provided in subsection A of this section.
D. 
No person may provide taxicab service pursuant to a taxicab permit except in accordance with this title.
E. 
The permittee shall utilize as chauffeurs only currently licensed chauffeurs.
(AO No. 78-177; AO No. 84-18; AO No. 85-87; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 2, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018)
A. 
The following taxicab permit types exist:
1. 
Transferable general taxicab permits originally issued prior to February 22, 1994, subject to the regulations of section 11.20.040;
2. 
Non-transferable taxicab permits issued pursuant to AMC Section 11.20.037;
3. 
Wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits issued pursuant to section 11.20.037F; and
4. 
Accessible fleet permits issued pursuant to section 11.20.036.
(AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 3, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2021-72, § 1, 8-10-2021)
A. 
An application for a taxicab permit shall be made to the transportation inspector. The transportation inspector shall refuse to accept any application unless it pertains to a non-transferable or wheelchair-accessible taxicab permit.
B. 
An application for all types of taxicab permits shall be submitted on a form approved by the transportation inspector and shall be accompanied by:
1. 
The permit fee established pursuant to section 11.10.160;
2. 
Proof of insurance for the vehicle as required by this title;
3. 
A complete list of the name, address and telephone number of every person who shall have a financial, proprietary, or security interest in the permit;
4. 
Proof that the applicant is at least 18 years of age;
5. 
A signed statement that the permit applicant acknowledges and accepts the permit requirement to be responsible for the chauffeurs retained or employed to drive the permitted vehicle and the quality of service they provide.
a. 
Comply with the drug and alcohol testing program described in section 11.10.085.
b. 
Maintain, and to make available to the transportation inspector, records of service and complaints, as described in chapters 11.10—11.40.
c. 
Equip and maintain any vehicle operated under the permit in safe and good working order, as described in section 11.20.080.
C. 
Issuance and annual renewal of non-transferable permits. Applicants for new or renewal of non-transferable general taxicab or wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits must meet these requirements:
1. 
Applicants who have had their chauffeur's license revoked in the preceding two years shall not be eligible.
2. 
For the seven-year period immediately preceding the application, a permit applicant shall have no felony or misdemeanor conviction entered by a court of competent jurisdiction for an offense listed in section 11.30.040E.1. or E.2.
3. 
Applicant has no felony or misdemeanor conviction involving the use or occupancy of a regulated vehicle under chapters 11.10—11.40.
4. 
Applicant is in good standing with the commission and in compliance with section 11.10.110A, section 11.10.170, and who has a current and valid driver's license from the State of Alaska.
D. 
If the commission decides to issue an additional permit or permits in accordance with section 11.20.030 or 11.20.037, a taxicab permit may be issued by the commission if the applicant complies with subsections B through D of this section, and is certified as required by section 11.10.170.
(AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 81-149; AO No. 84-18; AO No. 85-87; AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 93-220, §§ 13, 14, 8-21-1994; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 4, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018)
A. 
Taxicab permits shall be issued annually in accordance with this section. Prior to September 1, beginning with 2025 and every three years thereafter, the transportation commission shall hold a taxicab market-conciliation hearing to:
1. 
Receive testimony and evidence regarding the quality of taxicab service, safety of riders, drivers and the public, and other concerns with taxicab service in the municipality;
2. 
Beginning with the taxicab market-conciliation in 2021, determine whether the public hearing relevant to subsection A.1 above demonstrates objective and specific evidence that additional general taxicab permits will be substantially detrimental to public safety and quality of taxicab service in the municipality as a whole. The hearing shall include evidence on changes in call volumes and response times to determine the impact of additional permits. Evidence that additional competitive pressure occasioned by the issuance of additional permits would be detrimental to existing permit holders will not, in and of itself, constitute sufficient evidence to support restricting the issuance of permits; and
3. 
Determine how many permits for wheelchair accessible taxicabs should be issued effective the following year, if any, and including whether any expired or revoked wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits should be re-issued.
B. 
At the taxicab market-conciliation hearing conducted pursuant to subsection A of this section, the Commission may consider, among other things, evidence of:
1. 
The public demand for additional taxi service;
2. 
The unfulfilled requests for service, including for wheelchair-accessible taxicab service;
3. 
The reasonableness of waiting time for service;
4. 
The economic impact of additional permits on the quality of service provided by the existing taxicab industry; and
5. 
The impact of competition for passengers among all taxicab permits on public safety and quality of taxicab service.
C. 
Beginning with the taxicab market-conciliation hearing in 2021 for permits for service the following year, the Commission shall order the issuance of new or re-issued general and wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits to qualified applicants, unless the commission finds by clear and convincing evidence presented at the public hearing that the public safety and quality of service standards will be substantially harmed or significantly negatively impacted by the issuance of more taxicab permits of any type. The commission shall issue a written decision describing its findings and conclusions and adopted by the commission. Only in the year 2021 and thereafter shall the Commission have authority to order that no new taxicab permits shall issue for the following year based on its determinations under subsection A Until the taxicab market-conciliation hearing in 2021 for permits for service the following year, the Commission shall issue permits according to the following schedule and process:
1. 
The Commission shall make available by competitive sealed bidding fifteen (15) new taxicab permits and five (5) new wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits for 2017.
2. 
The Commission shall make available by competitive sealed bidding fifteen (15) new taxicab permits and five (5) new wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits for 2018.
3. 
The Commission shall make available by competitive sealed bidding twenty (20) new taxicab permits and two (2) new wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits for 2019.
4. 
The Commission shall make available by competitive sealed bidding twenty (20) new taxicab permits and two (2) new wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits for 2020.
5. 
The Commission shall make available by competitive sealed bidding thirty (30) new taxicab permits and two (2) new wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits for 2021.
6. 
Competitive sealed bidding for 2017 new taxicab permits and 2017 new wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits shall occur as soon as practicable after December 20, 2016. Competitive sealed bidding for the new taxicab permits and the new wheelchair-accessible permits for each year after 2017 shall be conducted at least 30 days prior to the calendar year end of the preceding year in the manner provided in subsection D of this section.
D. 
This subsection applies only to taxicab permit-issuance in subsection C No later than 60 days before the established date for competitive sealed bidding, the transportation inspector shall cause competitive sealed bidding for permit(s) to be initiated as follows:
1. 
An invitation to bid for the permit shall be published. The permit shall be issued to the highest qualified bidder submitting a responsive bid.
2. 
To be responsive, a bid must equal or exceed the taxi permit issuance fee established pursuant to section 11.10.160 for each taxi permit.
3. 
As used in this section, the term "qualified bidder" means a person who meets the requirements of section 11.20.020, meets the requirements for the type of permit to be issued, and tenders the successful full bid pride in cash within five business days after notice that he or she is the highest bidder.
4. 
If the highest bidder submitting a responsive bid is not a qualified bidder, the permit shall be issued to the next highest bidder who is also a qualified bidder.
5. 
If none of the bidders submitting a responsive bid is a qualified bidder, the transportation inspector will hold the permit(s) and may, upon approval by the commission, either initiate an additional competitive sealed bid solicitation for such unissued permits for the year of the unsuccessful solicitation, or add any unissued permits to the total number of permits permitted for the next following year's competitive sealed bidding, the limitation on the number of permits for issuance under subsection C notwithstanding.
E. 
Beginning January 1, 2022, the transportation inspector shall issue a general or wheelchair-accessible taxicab permit to any qualified applicant for such permit at any time, unless the Commission has ordered that such permits shall not be issued that calendar year. The permit fee shall be in an amount established by the Commission to reflect the administrative cost for administering, processing, overseeing and maintain the taxicab system established under this Title. The establishment of the permit fee as determined by the commission and any subsequent changes to the fee must be approved by resolution of the assembly.
(AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 81-149; AO No. 84-18; AO No. 85-87; AO No. 93-220, § 16, 2-22-1994; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 5, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
[1]
Editor's note — Former § 11.20.035, Taxicabs—Limited permits, was repealed.
Prior history: AO No. 84-18; AO No. 93-220, 2-22-1994; AO No. 98-51(S), 5-4-1999; AO No. 2016-124(S), 12-20-2016.
A. 
The Commission may issue accessible taxicab fleet permits in accordance with this section, notwithstanding any other provision in chapters 11.10 through 11.40. The purposes of an accessible taxicab fleet permit is to fulfill the on-demand responsive transportation needs of persons with disabilities in the municipality, by allowing a non-profit entity to hold one fleet permit authorizing it to operate multiple accessible taxicabs under its own trade name. The benefits of an accessible taxicab fleet permit described in this section are intended to incentivize applicants and lessen the burdens of the costs of a wheelchair accessible vehicle and service.
B. 
The accessible fleet permits issued under this section shall not be transferable through sale, lease, rental, or conveyance in any manner, including through power of attorney.
C. 
An accessible taxicab fleet permit shall:
1. 
Authorize and require the fleet permit holder to operate not more than 20 vehicles, all which shall meet the design and equipment requirements for accessible taxicabs in section 11.20.037F and G. Each vehicle shall have a separately numbered copy of the accessible fleet permit displayed at all times;
2. 
Waive the initial and annual permit fee for each vehicle operated under the fleet permit, and instead require payment of the accessible fleet permit fee established in this section or pursuant to section 11.10.160;
3. 
Exempt the fleet permit holder from the owner-operator requirements of section 11.20.037D; and
4. 
Allow the fleet permit holder to have a color scheme, name and markings on its taxicabs different than the dispatch service it subscribes to under section 11.20.060, or to operate its own dispatch service upon certification by the transportation inspector that the permit holder's dispatch system substantially meets the performance and records requirements of chapter 11.40 and the commission approves.
D. 
The accessible taxicab fleet permits issued under this section shall be available only to qualified non-profit entities that:
1. 
Have a principal or a substantial purpose to serve persons with disabilities and their families or companions;
2. 
Are located in the municipality;
3. 
Demonstrate readiness and capability to provide the minimum number of accessible vehicles required for a fleet permit, all which meet the requirements of section 11.20.037F; and
4. 
Submit a proposed vehicle markings and color scheme for its fleet, or acknowledgment of an agreement with one of the dispatch licensees in the municipality and intent to use that dispatch service's markings and color scheme.
E. 
A dispatch system operated by an accessible fleet permit holder shall:
1. 
Not require a dispatch service license or separate fee for operating the dispatch system, notwithstanding section 11.40.010;
2. 
Provide service only to taxicabs permitted as wheelchair accessible under section 11.20.037F, including other taxicabs not operated under the dispatch system operator's permit; and
3. 
Be allowed to charge other accessible taxicab permittees for subscription to its dispatch service, at reasonable rates subject to review by the commission.
F. 
The transportation inspector shall determine the eligibility of a non-profit entity applying for an accessible fleet permit under subsection D The commission shall review the application and determine whether to issue the permit. The commission may, for good cause, approve exceptions to the requirements of chapters 11.10 through 11.40 for an accessible fleet permit.
G. 
The fee for an accessible fleet permit shall be the same amount as the fee for a single regulated vehicle permit in Anchorage Municipal Code of Regulation section 11.10.009B.2. One year after December 20, 2016, the commission may establish the amount of the fee by regulation pursuant to section 11.10.160.
(AO No. 2016-124(S), § 12, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018)
A. 
The commission may issue non-transferable taxicab permits pursuant to which a taxicab may be operated throughout the municipality by an owner-operator.
B. 
(Reserved)
C. 
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11.20.040, a permit issued pursuant to this section shall not be transferable through sale, lease, rental, or any other manner of conveyance.
D. 
Issuance and annual renewal of non-transferable taxicab permits shall be restricted to licensed chauffeurs who are both owners and operators of the taxicab operating under the permit. For purposes of this section a non-transferable permit owner operator is an individual person (1) whose permitted vehicle is registered to and insured by the permittee, and (2) who annually operates the permitted vehicle as chauffeur of the permitted taxicab not less than 50 percent of the time the taxicab is operated during the annual period for which the permit is granted. Failure to meet these criteria shall result in revocation and denial of permit renewal following the procedures in section 11.10.110.
E. 
Permittees with non-transferable permits are subject to all revocation, suspension, and penalty conditions described in chapters 11.10 through 11.40.
F. 
Wheelchair-accessible taxicab permits are designed to meet the needs of persons with disabilities for demand-responsive transportation. Such permits would be allocated only for accessible vehicles or for other vehicles designed to satisfy specific needs of persons with disabilities that may be identified. Only vehicles designed by the manufacturer, or adapted by a recognized after-market conversion, to be capable of fulfilling the specific intended purpose shall be eligible for and operated pursuant to these permits. Before vehicles operated pursuant to these permits are authorized for service, the permittee shall submit to the transportation inspector documentation from the manufacturer or an original letter from the recognized after-market conversion company indicating that the vehicle modifications have been done so in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and its implementing regulations and specifications, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, and that the vehicle is considered an accessible vehicle in compliance with all applicable ADA specifications and requirements. Permits granted under this section shall be subject to all other provisions of this title and AMCR Regulations R11.10 and R11.20 applicable to taxicabs.
G. 
Provision of service by taxicabs permitted under subsection F is not restricted to passengers with disabilities, but they shall be operated to respond first to dispatched calls requesting an accessible taxicab when in service and not occupied by other passengers. Ramps and lifts, or other specialized equipment designed to meet specific needs of persons with disabilities that may be identified, shall be operable at all times; malfunctioning ramps/lifts/other specialized equipment must be repaired within 96 hours. An accessible taxicab permitted under subsection F may be operated while the specialized equipment is being repaired. However, days operated with non-functioning specialized equipment shall count as days not operated and shall be considered in a determination to suspend or revoke the permit.
(AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2001-85, § 1, 5-22-2001; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 7, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
A. 
No person may transfer any financial, proprietary, or security interest in a taxicab permit or any interest in the corporation, joint venture, association, partnership, or other group or entity which owns an interest in a taxicab permit originally issued prior to February 22, 1994, unless that person obtains the prior approval of the Commission.
B. 
Permits issued subsequent to February 22, 1994, shall not be transferable, and shall revert to the Commission when the permittee is determined by the Transportation Inspector or by the annual permit renewal process to no longer be eligible to hold a permit, including when the permittee is no longer a currently active taxicab chauffeur as required in section 11.20.020D.
C. 
Regardless of the date, terms or purpose of transfer of a taxi permit, any violations, complaints, citations or other actions to a permit which could be considered by the Commission under section 11.10.110 in determining whether to suspend or revoke a license or permit shall be treated by the Commission as applying to that permit as if the permit had not been transferred.
D. 
Only a taxicab permittee possessing a transferable general taxicab permit originally issued prior to February 22, 1994, can transfer his or her interest in a taxicab permit to another. An application for transfer shall be made to the Transportation Inspector on forms approved by the Transportation Inspector and shall be accompanied by a proposed contract of sale which states the specific consideration to be paid by the transferee, as well as all other material conditions of the sale. If the transferee meets the requirements of this section and those of section 11.20.020 for the issuance of a permit, the Commission shall approve the transfer. A dispute arising from an underlying contract of sale is not grounds to refuse the transfer of a taxicab permit. The application for transfer shall identify all parties who have or are proposed to have either a financial, proprietary, or security interest in the permit.
E. 
Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to grant any property rights of any kind to any permittee or any other person. All rights and restrictions created by the express language of this chapter may be expanded, reduced or eliminated at any time by ordinance or by regulation of the license administrator or other officer.
(AO No. 78-177; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 81-149; AO No. 84-18; AO No. 87-8; AO No. 93-220, § 18, 2-22-1994; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 8, 12-20-2016)
A. 
Except as otherwise provided in chapter 11.20, only one vehicle, which shall be designated on the taxicab permit application, may be operated pursuant to that permit. The permittee may suspend use of the permit on a calendar month-to-month basis so long as reasonable prior notice is given to the dispatch service and transportation inspector, during which no vehicle shall operate pursuant to that permit and the dispatch service subscription and insurance coverage may be suspended as provided in this title. Reasonable prior notice is as defined in section 11.40.040B.
B. 
Upon application to the transportation inspector, payment of the appropriate annual fee, and a demonstration of need, operation of a substitute vehicle shall be authorized for a period of time not to exceed 14 consecutive days. Using a notice of substitution form approved by the transportation inspector, the transportation inspector shall be notified prior to substitution of the date, time, and substitute vehicle being placed in service, the permit number utilizing the substitution vehicle, the reason for the use of the substitute vehicle and the signature of the person authorizing the use of the substitute vehicle. Using a notice of substitution form, the transportation inspector shall be immediately notified of the date and time the substitute vehicle is removed from service and the regular permitted vehicle is placed back in service. No person may operate a substitute vehicle under this section unless the notice of substitution has been forwarded to the transportation inspector and a copy carried in the substitute vehicle at all times. A chauffeur of a taxicab shall present the notice of substitution form upon request of a police officer, transportation inspector, or code enforcement officer. The use of a substitute vehicle in place of a disabled vehicle operated under one taxicab permit shall not preclude use of the same substitute vehicle in place of a disabled vehicle operated under a different taxicab permit, where such use occurs a later time, based upon issuance of a new Notice of Substitution Form. The substitute vehicle will be identified with the letter "S" followed by permit number of regular taxicab pursuant to section 11.20.070.
C. 
The Transportation Inspector will determine if the use of the substitute vehicle was occasioned by a mechanical problem or vehicle accident affecting the safe operation of the regular vehicle. If such mechanical problem or vehicle accident required the use of the substitute vehicle, the Transportation Inspector may require an inspection of the regular vehicle before it is returned to service.
(AO No. 78-177; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 81-149; AO No. 84-18; AO No. 87-8; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018)
Every taxicab permittee shall subscribe to a dispatch service licensed pursuant to chapter 11.40 for the dispatch of any taxicab operated under his or her taxicab permit. No taxicab may subscribe to more than one dispatch service.
(AO No. 78-177; AO No. 81-149; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
Every taxicab shall bear markings, colors or other visible indication of the trade name under which it is operated. There is no vehicle coverage amount requirement for the markings and color scheme, but it shall be reasonably conspicuous.
B. 
Every taxicab shall bear its vehicle number, as assigned to it by the transportation inspector, on all sides of the taxicab with permanent letters no less than four inches high. Taxicab vehicle numbers will be clearly visible and aligned approximately perpendicular to the road surface.
C. 
Except as otherwise provided by law, no taxicab may be used or sold for any purpose other than for use as a taxicab until all signs, insignia, license plates, lights, taximeter, dispatch equipment, or other markings have been removed or an "out of service" sign is posted on the taxicab in the form and manner designated by the transportation inspector.
D. 
Every taxicab shall bear the markings adopted by its dispatch service and approved by the transportation inspector with the permit application or a request to change such markings. The transportation inspector's review for approval is limited to ensuring the markings are compliant with subsection A, unique from competitors, and conspicuously visible.
E. 
A taxicab operating under an accessible fleet taxicab permit issued under section 11.20.036 may bear markings different from those adopted by its dispatch service to designate the accessible fleet permit affiliation of the vehicle.
F. 
Each owner shall prominently display for each of his or her taxicab(s):
1. 
A decal stating "Driver does not carry more than $20 in change." This decal shall be prominently displayed on the exterior and the interior of each taxicab. A chauffeur may not be cited for a violation of this Code based on the amount of change the chauffeur is carrying.
2. 
A decal stating "fuel surcharge in effect". This decal shall be prominently displayed on the exterior and the interior of each taxicab.
3. 
A placard containing the telephone number to report complaints, cab number, and fare rates, as designated in section 11.10.055 3.
4. 
Notice to passengers that the interior of the taxicab is under video surveillance recording, as required by section 11.20.080.
G. 
A taxicab permitted under section 11.20.037F as an accessible taxicab shall have the international symbol of access, or similar image, on each side of the permitted vehicle in a size and image approved by the transportation inspector.
(AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 98-187, § 2, 3-15-1998; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 13, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018)
A. 
Every taxicab shall be equipped with a dispatch system comprised of an operable two-way radio or computer. In addition, a taxicab may also be equipped with a digital dispatch system. If equipped with an operable two-way radio for dispatch service, the taxicab shall receive and transmit a signal only on the radio frequency used by that taxicab's dispatch service. At no time may a taxicab be equipped with an apparatus capable of monitoring a frequency used by a radio dispatch service other than that used by that taxicab's radio dispatch service. The radio of each taxicab shall be identifiable through the dispatch company through which the taxicab is dispatched.
B. 
Every taxicab shall be equipped at all times with an interior light of not less than two candlepower arranged so as to illuminate the entire passenger compartment. The light shall be illuminated whenever passengers are being loaded or unloaded from the taxicab between one-half hour after sunset of one day and one-half hour before sunrise the next day. No shades or blinds shall be drawn over any windows of the taxicab while occupied by a passenger.
C. 
Every taxicab shall be equipped with a nonflashing light on the exterior of the roof or other internal light indicating the taxicab is a taxicab available for hire. The light shall be illuminated only when the taxicab is not occupied by a paying passenger or when proceeding to a dispatch directed location for passenger pick up.
D. 
Every taxicab shall be equipped with a smart taximeter approved by the transportation inspector. No one shall tamper with a smart taximeter to alter or compromise the system’s accuracy.
E. 
Every taxicab shall be equipped with a silent electronic alarm system. The owner of the taxicab shall be responsible for installing such electronic alarm system.
F. 
Every taxicab shall be equipped at all times with an audio and visual camera surveillance system and global positioning system capability, as described in section 11.10.185.
(AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 79-58; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 87-8; AO No. 88-21; AO No. 98-187, § 3, 6-13-1999; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2000-107, § 1, 7-25-2000; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
A. 
Except as provided in subsection B of this section, no taxicab may be operated unless a smart taximeter is approved by the transportation inspector, who shall serve as a city sealer pursuant to AS 45.75.150—45.75.160.
B. 
A taxicab carrying unapproved equipment may be operated without violating this section if a temporary operating permit has been obtained from the division of measurement standards, or the transportation inspector, who shall serve as a city sealer pursuant to AS 45.75.160. The temporary operating permit shall be kept in the taxicab during the time in which it is to be effective and shall be displayed upon request to the transportation inspector or a police officer.
C. 
A taxicab equipped with a smart taximter shall have an approved GPS- or software-based system using location services for time and distance measurement. A taxicab may use a smart taximeter only after verification by the transportation inspector that the taximeter system complies with the standards adopted by the Division of Measurement Standards, and that the application cannot be reset or controlled manually to alter the fare rate, time or distance traveled data.
D. 
The taximeter equipment shall be capable of, independently or in conjunction with the dispatch system, creating trip data required to be maintained as records by the dispatch service in accordance with section 11.40.060.
(AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 85-87; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
A. 
Before any permit is issued for any taxicab, the applicant shall furnish one or more policies or certificates of liability insurance issued by or on behalf of an insurance company that is an authorized insurer or that is placed by a surplus lines broker. If surplus lines insurance is issued, it shall be from an insurer rated A or better by A.M. Best or a comparable rating by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and listed by the State of Alaska, Division of Insurance, as an eligible surplus lines insurer. For purposes of this section an "authorized insurer" and "surplus lines broker" shall have the meaning set forth in AS 21.97.900.
B. 
The insurance required by this section for vehicles with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity (or, if a minivan, the seating capacity after seat removal to accommodate baggage) of seven persons or less shall provide coverage as follows:
1. 
For all bodily injury or property damage arising from one accident: Bodily injury $100,000.00 per person, $300,000.00 aggregate; property damage $50,000.00 per occurrence; and
2. 
For all bodily injury or property damage in any one accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist: Bodily injury $100,000.00 per person, $300,000.00 aggregate; property damage $50,000.00 per occurrence.
C. 
The insurance required by this section for vehicles with a manufacturer's rated seating capacity (or, if a minivan, the seating capacity after seat removal to accommodate baggage) of eight persons or more shall provide coverage as follows:
1. 
For all bodily injury or property damage arising from one accident: Bodily injury $100,000.00 per person, $700,000.00 aggregate; property damage $50,000.00 per occurrence; and
2. 
For all bodily injury or property damage in any one accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist: Bodily injury $100,000.00 per person, $300,000.00 aggregate; property damage $50,000.00 per occurrence.
D. 
The policy or policies of liability insurance shall be approved by and filed with the transportation inspector. Insurance policies shall be issued for periods of not less than one year. Permittees shall be allowed to suspend insurance coverage on vehicles idle from service on a month-to-month basis so long as reasonable prior notice is given to the dispatch service and the transportation inspector. Reasonable prior notice is as defined in section 11.40.040B.
E. 
Every insurance policy or certificate shall contain a clause obligating the insurer or surety to give the transportation inspector written notice no less than 30 days before the cancellation, expiration, nonrenewal, lapse, or other termination of such insurance. An allowed idling of a vehicle on a month-to-month basis when insurance is suspended is not a cancellation, expiration, nonrenewal, lapse or other termination if the insurer agrees the insurance coverage is only suspended and will continue when the covered vehicle is returned to active service. A lapse, cancellation, expiration, nonrenewal, or termination of insurance coverage shall result in an automatic suspension of any permit for so long as the permittee is without insurance as required by this section, and it shall be a violation of this chapter to provide taxicab service with a vehicle not insured as required by this section. The insurance policy shall list as a certificate holder:
Municipality of Anchorage
Transportation Inspection Division
P.O. Box 196650
Anchorage, Alaska 99519
(AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 79-58; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 81-149; AO No. 81-167; AO No. 85-87; AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 89-63; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2000-107, § 2, 7-25-2000; AO No. 2005-102, § 1, 8-30-2005; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 11.20.110, Posting of insurance notice, derived from AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); and AO No. 98-51(S), was repealed by AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026.
A. 
Every taxicab permittee shall ensure the maintenance of a current and accurate daily list for the taxicab operated pursuant to his or her permit of:
1. 
The name, address, telephone number, license number and expiration date for each chauffeur operating such taxicab and whether the chauffeur's working hours comply with AMC Section 11.30.060;
2. 
The dates of hire and termination for each chauffeur operating such taxicab;
3. 
The daily hours worked by each chauffeur operating such taxicab;
4. 
The number of daily hours each such taxicab is operated during each calendar month; and
5. 
The time and place of passenger pickup and delivery, the number of passengers, the amount of fare received, the time of the call for service and the name and license number of the chauffeur responding to that call.
B. 
A taxicab permittee may designate an agent to provide the records required by this section so long as:
1. 
Such agent is a resident of or domiciled in the United States; and
2. 
The taxicab permittee executes an agreement establishing the agency relationship. The agreement shall be on a form provided by the transportation inspector with signatures notarized, and shall be filed with the transportation inspector.
C. 
The records maintained pursuant to subsection A of this section as well as any other records related to the operation of the permit shall be retained by the taxicab permittee for at least two years and shall be made available upon request of the transportation inspector or a police officer. The transportation inspector may request that the taxicab permittee forward the record to him or her on a monthly basis.
(AO No. 57-75; AO No. 78-177; AO No. 79-58; AO No. 80-19(S); AO No. 87-8; AO No. 2018-6(S), § 2, 4-10-2018)
A. 
A particular vehicle described on a taxicab permit may be so used only in accordance with the terms of the applicable taxicab permit. Such vehicle may not be used for transportation network company services[1].
[1]
Editor's Note: Cross Reference: AS 28.23.180 Transportation Network Companies and Drivers, Definitions.
B. 
A particular vehicle may be described on only one permit issued pursuant to this title. It shall be unlawful to use that vehicle for any other transportation service regulated by this title other than the service which is authorized by that permit.
(AO No. 81-149; AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 14, 12-20-2016; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
A. 
No person may provide limousine service as provided by this title unless that person is in possession of a valid limousine permit issued to him or her pursuant to this chapter.
B. 
Except as provided in section 11.20.050B, no person may operate or otherwise offer a vehicle for use as a limousine unless that vehicle is described on a permit authorizing such service and issued pursuant to this chapter.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999)
An application for a limousine permit shall be granted by the commission if the applicant complies with the requirements listed in section 11.20.020B and is certified as required by section 11.10.170.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
Before any permit is issued for a limousine, the applicant shall furnish one or more policies or certificates of liability insurance issued by an insurance company that is an authorized insurer within the meaning of AS 21.97.900.
B. 
The insurance required by this section shall be subject to the same requirements as for taxicabs under section 11.20.100B—E.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 90-68; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
Limousine permittees shall establish written internal policies provided to all chauffeurs and forward those internal policies to the transportation inspector.
B. 
Internal policies shall be consistent with code in terms of prohibited chauffeur conduct, with specific reference to prohibition against use of an electronic device to communicate by text while driving, and the prohibition against cell phone use when a passenger is present, absent an emergency. Internal policies shall require chauffeurs to inform each passenger they transport that video surveillance recording of non-private areas of the limousine is in progress.
(AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
Limousine permittees shall ensure the maintenance of records sufficient to demonstrate the service offered or performed is pursuant to the terms of the permit. Record keeping shall be in the same manner as required for taxicabs by section 11.20.120, including without limitation chauffeur information, daily and monthly hours of operation, monthly reporting, records retention and disclosure, records agent, and submittal requirements at renewal.
B. 
Limousine record keeping shall include an accurate and current daily list of the time and place of passenger pickup and delivery, the number of passengers, the time a reservation was requested, the name of the person receiving the reservation and the name and license number of the chauffeur who operated a limousine pursuant to that reservation.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), 12-3-2013)
A. 
It is unlawful for a limousine chauffeur to transport passengers pursuant to a curbside hail. Limousine service shall only be provided pursuant to a previous call for service.
B. 
Limousine services, including executive sedan services, may only be provided pursuant to hourly charges posted on all limousine vehicles, clearly visible to customers, with minimum rates as follows:
1. 
For service from a specific point of departure to a specific destination, which requires no more than one hour, a minimum of one-hour charge at a minimum rate of $50.00 per hour for executive sedans and $60.00 per hour for all limousines.
2. 
For all other limousine service, a minimum ninety-minute charge, with a minimum hourly charge of $40.00 per hour for executive sedans and $45.00 per hour for limousines based upon a minimum of 90 minutes.
C. 
Every limousine shall display a notice clearly visible to passengers stating the non-private areas are under video surveillance recording. A limousine chauffeur shall inform each passenger, prior to commencing transport, of the video surveillance recording required by section 11.10.185 in progress of only the non-private areas of the limousine.
D. 
Notwithstanding AMC Section 9.36.200B.1, a limousine chauffeur shall not knowingly allow consumption of alcoholic beverages by a minor in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 94-21(S), § 2, 4-12-1994; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
Only a limousine permittee or designated agent may receive requests and make arrangements for limousine service. Reservation paperwork, receipts, or confirmations shall include a notice to the customer of the video surveillance recording of non-private areas of the limousine.
B. 
The business office of every limousine service shall be located within the municipality.
(AO No. 81-149; AO No. 87-8; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
An application for a vehicle for hire permit shall be submitted on a form approved by the transportation inspector and shall be accompanied by the same submittals listed in this chapter for taxicab permit applications. An application for a vehicle for hire permit may be issued by the commission if the applicant meets the requirements of this section, section 11.20.020B and C, and is certified as required by section 11.10.170.
B. 
An application for a vehicle for hire permit shall include a complete description of the transportation service to be offered pursuant to the vehicle for hire permit, addressing, among other things:
1. 
The nature of the vehicle to be used;
2. 
The hours of operation;
3. 
The area to be served;
4. 
The manner in which the service differs from that of a taxicab and limousine;
5. 
The business name of the transportation service to be offered;
6. 
A narrative description of the service to be offered and the fares to be charged; and
7. 
The period of time during which the permit to which the application pertains will be valid.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 88-21; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
Every vehicle for hire shall bear, in figures no less than four inches high, the trade name under which it is operated and its vehicle number, as assigned to it by the transportation inspector, on each side of the vehicle.
B. 
Every vehicle for hire shall post a statement that video surveillance recording is in progress in such a place or manner as prescribed by the transportation inspector.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
Every vehicle for hire shall be equipped at all times with an operable two-way communication system by which contact can be maintained with the business office of the permittee for that vehicle for hire. Such communication system shall not be used to monitor other frequencies not assigned to the permittee for that vehicle or to transmit or receive calls for immediate service. Every vehicle for hire shall be equipped at all times with a video camera surveillance system and global positioning system capability, as described in section 11.10.185.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
It is unlawful for a vehicle for hire chauffeur to transport passengers pursuant to a curbside hail or other request for immediate service. A chauffeur may transport a passenger only pursuant to a call for service received by the business office and then referred to that vehicle for hire.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2016-124(S), § 9, 12-20-2016)
A. 
Before any permit is issued for a vehicle for hire, the applicant shall furnish one or more policies or certificates of liability insurance issued by an insurance company that is an authorized insurer within the meaning of AS 21.97.900.
B. 
The insurance required by this section shall be subject to the same requirements as for taxicabs under section 11.20.100B through E.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 90-68; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A vehicle for hire permittee shall establish a set of written internal policies provided to a chauffeur and forward those internal policies to the Transportation Inspector. Internal policies shall be consistent with code in terms of prohibited chauffeur conduct, with specific reference to the prohibition against use of an electronic device to communicate by text while driving, and the prohibition against cell phone use when a passenger is present, absent an emergency.
(AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013)
A. 
Vehicles for hire permittees shall ensure the maintenance of records sufficient to demonstrate the service offered or performed is pursuant to the terms of the permit. Record keeping shall be in the same manner as required for taxicabs in section 11.20.120, including, without limitation, chauffeur information, daily and monthly hours of operation, monthly reporting, records retention and disclosure, records agent, and submittal requirements at renewal.
B. 
Vehicles for hire record keeping shall include an accurate and current daily list of the time and place of passenger pickup and delivery; the number and names of passengers; the time a reservation was requested; the name of the person receiving the reservation; and the name and license number of the chauffeur who operated a vehicle for hire pursuant to that reservation.
C. 
The transportation inspector may determine that certain vehicle for hire permittees whose operation primarily involves transportation of group tours may alternatively comply with the record keeping requirements in subsections A and B by maintaining an accurate and current daily list of the time and place of initial and final passenger pickup and delivery (record of each intermediate stop may be omitted); reporting reservations made per person per day; and report the origin point of the reservation, which may be a third-party booking.
(AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999; AO No. 2013-109(S-1), § 2, 12-3-2013; AO No. 2026-16(S), 2-17-2026)
[1]
Editor's note — Former § 11.20.400, which pertained to horse-drawn vehicles—permit required; transfer, was repealed by AO No. 98-51(S), 5-4-1999.
[1]
Editor's note — Former § 11.20.410, which pertained to horse-drawn vehicles—application for permit, was repealed by AO No. 98-51(S), 5-4-1999.
[1]
Editor's note — Former § 11.20.420, which pertained to horse-drawn vehicles—vehicle to be designated on permit; substitute vehicles, was repealed by AO No. 98-51(S), 5-4-1999.
A. 
No person may operate a horse-drawn vehicle for hire or transport passengers in or upon a horse-drawn vehicle for hire without being insured by one or more policies of liability insurance issued by an insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Alaska with at least the following insurance coverage:
1. 
For all persons injured or deceased in any one accident: $300,000.00.
2. 
For damage to property in any one accident: $25,000.00.
3. 
For all persons injured or deceased in any one accident caused by an uninsured motorist: $100,000.00.
B. 
The policy of liability insurance shall be approved as to substance and form by the risk manager for the municipality and filed with the Transportation Inspector.
C. 
Every insurance policy or certificate of insurance shall contain a clause obligating the insurer or surety to give the Transportation Inspector written notice not less than 30 days before the cancellation, expiration, nonrenewal, lapse or other termination or modification of such insurance.
(AO No. 87-8; AO No. 87-126(S); AO No. 97-134(S-1), § 2, 12-9-1997; AO No. 98-51(S), § 2, 5-4-1999)