HomeMy WebLinkAbout030898 ORD - 07/19/2016 Ordinance
Amending Chapter 57, Article II "TAXICABS" of the Corpus Christi Code;
Amending Chapter 57, Article IIIA "LIMOUSINE AND SIGHTSEEING SERVICE" of
the Corpus Christi Code; amending Sec. 57-284. - Transportation network company
permit fee and Sec. 57-294. - Transportation network vehicles—Inspections of the
Corpus Christi Code; providing an effective date, severance, penalty, and
publication.
SECTION 1. Chapter 57, Article II "TAXICABS" is revised to read as follows:
ARTICLE II. - TAXICABS
DIVISION 1. - GENERALLY
Sec. 57-20. - Definitions.
The following terms, as used in this article, article III, and article IIIA, shall have the
meanings respectively ascribed to them:
Business days: The official working days of the City of Corpus Christi not including
weekends or public holidays.
Certificate: A certificate authorizing taxicab or vehicle for hire service in the City of
Corpus Christi issued pursuant to this article.
Driver or chauffeur: Shall be held to include every person in actual charge of the
operation of a taxicab or vehicle for hire, whether he is the owner or is an agent, servant
or employee of the owner.
For hire: For money or other thing of value, gratuities, tips and free-will offerings,
whether paid directly or indirectly, as compensation or consideration for services
rendered.
Mobile data terminal or MDT: A computerized GPS dispatch system terminal that is
mounted in the vehicle to allow for dispatching of taxicabs.
Owner: Any person, firm, corporation, association, partnership or society who holds a
valid and current certificate and who has the control, direction, maintenance and the
benefit of the collection of revenue derived from the operation of one (1) or more taxicabs
on or over the streets or public ways of the city, whether as owner or otherwise.
Taxicab: Every automobile or motor-propelled vehicle used for the transportation of
passengers for hire over the public streets of the city and not over a defined or fixed
route, irrespective of whether or not the operations extend beyond the city limits, at rates
for distance traveled, for waiting time, for both or at rates per hour, per day, per week or
per month under circumstances that such vehicle is routed under the direction of the
passenger hiring same. The term "taxicab" does not include Transportation Network
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Vehicles or Limousines. The term "taxicab" does not include driverless vehicles nor does
it include vehicles operated exclusively under any special certificate carrying to or from
any municipal airport of the city to any point within the city or through any part of the city,
but the provisions relating to drivers shall apply to all vehicles operated under special
certificate, as well as other vehicles included herein, when a driver is furnished.
Taxicab stand: A public place alongside the curb or curbline of a street which has
been designated by the city traffic engineer as reserved exclusively for the use of
taxicabs in accordance with the provisions of this article and the traffic ordinances of the
city.
Taximeter: A machine adapted automatically to calculate at a predetermined rate and
to register the charge for hire of a taxicab, and such charges shall be indicated
numerically.
Vehicle for hire: Shall mean every chauffeured vehicle, other than mass transit
vehicles or vehicles involved in an organized car pool not available to the general public,
which operated for any fare or compensation and used for the transportation of
passengers over city streets. Such vehicles shall include but not be limited to taxicabs,
buses, vans, motor coaches, limousines, classic vehicles, luxury vehicles, horse-drawn
carriages and pedicabs.
Waiting time: Such time as may be consumed or lost at the special instance and
request of a passenger after such passenger has first entered the taxicab to make a trip
and before reaching his final destination; and no charge shall be made against a
passenger for any time lost on account of any other delay whatsoever.
Sec. 57-21. - Enforcement and administration—Generally.
Enforcement and administration of the provisions of this article and the supplemental
regulations for taxicabs at the Corpus Christi International Airport shall be a function of
such officers and employees of the city as may be designated by the city manager. The
designated employees shall exercise powers and promulgate rules necessary to enforce
the provisions of this article.
Sec. 57-22. - Same—Police assistance.
The taxicab inspector and such other employees as are designated by the city
manager or his designee may call upon the police department of the city for cooperation
in enforcing the provisions of this article, and it shall be the duty of the chief of police to
direct the members of the police department to give such cooperative action as
requested, and it shall further be the duty of all police officers of the city to make
investigations of violations of this article and to make arrests for violations of this article
committed in their presence in the same manner as for violations of the traffic ordinances
of the city.
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Sec. 57-23. - Taxicab inspector—Appointment.
Taxicabs and vehicles for hire shall be under the supervision of the taxicab inspector
of the city, who shall be appointed with the approval of the city manager.
Sec. 57-24. - Same—Duties generally.
It shall be the duty of the taxicab inspector to receive all applications for certificates to
operate taxicabs and vehicles for hire and to receive all other applications under this
article, conduct hearings thereon, from time to time inspect the operations of taxicabs and
vehicles for hire; inspect the taxicab and vehicles for hire vehicles within the city;
enforcement of city ordinances and such other duties as may be required of him in
connection with the taxicab and vehicle for hire operations.
Sec. 57-25. - Same—Records and reports; action to suspend or revoke privilege;
records and reports by others.
The taxicab inspector shall establish, maintain and keep a system of records showing
whether the holder of any certificate to operate a taxicab or vehicle for hire in the city has
been guilty of a breach of any condition of such certificate or has failed to comply in any
material manner with the terms and stipulations thereof, and the taxicab inspector shall
take action when, in his opinion, the certificate of any such operator should be suspended
or revoked or penalties imposed on the holder under all the facts and circumstances
reflected by the records.
The records to be kept by the taxicab inspector as to performance of certificate
holders shall include, but without limitation, records of charges, convictions, reprimands,
warnings, and observations of officers and employees of the city concerning the
performance of any certificate holder or employee of such holder.
Sec. 57-26. - Certificate holder and driver to comply.
(a) Certificate holder. In the operation of a taxicab or vehicle for hire service, a holder
shall comply with the terms and conditions of this article and regulations established
under this article and be responsible for all vehicles authorized to operate under the
holder's certificate.
(b) Driver. While on duty, all drivers shall comply with this article, regulations established
under this article, other law applicable to the operation of a motor vehicle in this state,
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and orders issued by the holder employing or contracting with the driver in
connection with the holder's lawful discharge of his duty under this article.
Sec. 57-27. - Certificate holder's duty to enforce compliance by drivers.
(a) A holder of a valid and current certificate shall establish policy and take action to
discourage, prevent, or correct violations of this chapter by drivers, who are
employed by or contracting with the holder.
(b) A holder shall not permit a driver who is employed by or contracting with the holder to
drive a taxicab or vehicle for hire if the holder knows or has reasonable cause to
know that the driver has failed to comply with the rules and regulations established by
this article.
(c) Any failure to comply with regulations established under this article shall be cause for
suspension or revocation of the certificate authorizing the holder to operate a taxicab
or vehicle for hire service within the city.
Sec. 57-28. Contract driver.
(a) Certificate holders may contract with a driver, but only if the contract:
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taxicab or vehicle for hire driver shall indemnify the city and hold the city
harmless for all claims or causes of action against the city arising from the
claims arising under the contract; and
(2) Provides that any taxicab operated pursuant to such contract be properly
licensed, be in good working order and be equipped with a two way
(3) Provides that the driver agrees to operate the taxicab or vehicle for hire and
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driver will constitute a breach of contract with the certificate holder.
(b) The contract between a holder and driver must be consistent with regulations
request from the city. Any certificate holder who enters a contract inconsistent with
regulations established under this chapter is subject to suspension or revocation.
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Sec. 57-29 28. - Suspension and revocation of certificate.
Any certificate may be either suspended for any period of time not to exceed six (6)
months or revoked by the taxicab inspector.
(1) The taxicab inspector shall suspend or revoke a certificate if it is determined that
the holder has:
a. Failed to comply with a correction order issued to the holder by the taxicab
inspector or his designee, within the time specified in the order; or
b. Intentionally or knowingly impeded the city manager or his designee, the
taxicab inspector or a law enforcement agency in the performance of their
duties; or
c. Failed to comply with the requirements established in this article in any way;
or
d. Been convicted for violation of another city, state or federal law, which
violation reflects unfavorably on the fitness of the holder to perform a public
transportation service; or
e. Substantially breached the terms of the certificate; or
f. Failed to pay city ad valorem taxes, when due, on all vehicles and other
equipment used in connection with the taxicab service; or
g. Failed to pay the street use Certificate of operation fee at the time it is due.
(2) Every suspension or revocation of the certificate shall be in writing, dated and
shall state the reason for such suspension or revocation. Such notice shall
immediately be sent to the holder of such certificate. Such order of suspension or
revocation shall be effective as of the date of such notice; provided, however,
that the holder whose certificate has been suspended or revoked may within five
(5) business days after the date of such notice appeal to the city manager or his
designee for reinstatement by a request in writing for such relief. The city
manager or his designee shall set a date not later than fifteen (15) business days
following receipt of the notice of appeal for hearing and after such hearing
sustain or reverse the suspension or revocation. If no appeal is taken within the
time and by the method hereby provided, then the order of suspension or
revocation by the taxicab inspector shall be final.
(3) A suspension of a certificate shall not affect the expiration date of the certificate.
(4) Upon revocation of a certificate, said holder shall be ineligible for a new
certificate for a period of two (2) years.
(5) Reinstatement. After suspension of a permit, a holder may file with the city
manager or his designee a written request for reinstatement. The taxicab
inspector shall inspect the operation of the suspended holder to determine if the
deficiency causing the suspension has been corrected by the holder. After
inspection, the taxicab inspector shall submit his recommendation together with
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supporting facts to the city manager. The city manager or his designee may as
he determines appropriate, reinstate the certificate or deny reinstatement.
Sec. 57-29. - Reserved.
DIVISION 2. - CERTIFICATE, FEES, BUSINESS REGULATIONS
Sec. 57-30. - Certificate, license and permit required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate or to cause to be driven or
operated any taxicab upon or over any street or thoroughfare in the city unless the owner
or operator thereof has first secured a certificate from the city to operate a taxicab and
the required license and permit to operate such vehicle under this article has been
issued.
Sec. 57-31. - Certificate application—Requisites, filing.
Every person proposing to operate a taxicab service in the city shall make application
in writing on forms provided by the city requesting a certificate pursuant to the terms of
this article for such proposed taxicab service.
Such application for certificate to operate a taxicab service shall be verified under
oath and shall be filed in triplicate _ -e _ e•• e_ -.-e e _ -e • - _ •e_ _ - _ -- _ _
-e -9.99 e e e --'-' -- e e c .c . .
of notices as required in this article.
Sec. 57-32. - Same—Information to be given.
Every application for a certificate under this article shall include the following
information:
(1) The name and address of the applicant.
(2) A sworn statement by the applicant (which term shall include every person with a
ten (10) per cent or greater ownership interest in the applicant) that there does
not exist any unsatisfied final judgment against the applicant or any entity in
which the applicant has or, at the time of judgment, had a ten (10) per cent or
greater ownership interest, which judgment arose out of the operation of a
taxicab business.
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(3) Experience of the applicant in the transportation of passengers.
(4) Whether the applicant has been convicted of criminal offenses listed by the city
manager or his designee as reflecting unfitness to operate a public transportation
service.
(5) The minimum and maximum number of taxicabs proposed to be operated by the
applicant. •- .. . . _ • - e - .-- - - - - _ - - _ ..- -
icssuance of a certificate shall be at least one (1).
(6) Location of proposed base of operations within the Corpus Christi city limits and
in a location other than a dwelling.
(7) The color scheme and insignia to be used to designate the vehicles of the
applicant, which shall be distinct and unique from any other taxi company
currently operating.
(8) The model year, make current license number, and vehicle identification number
of each taxicab the applicant expects to use in its operation.
(9) Proof that he has in effect required insurance covering operations under the
certificate.
(10)The public telephone number to be used by the public to request service.
(11)A description of the dispatch system to communicate requests from prospective
passengers to the taxicab driver.
(12)Payment in advance for taxicab use fee for the initial three month period under
Sec. 57-33. - Same—Consideration of application or reapplication.
When application for a certificate has been made, the city manager or his designee
shall determine if the applicant has complied with the provisions of this article.
The matter of determining whether the applicant has complied with the provisions of
this article may be referred to the taxicab inspector for his advisory finding on such
matter, and the taxicab inspector is authorized to hold such hearings as will give all
interested parties an opportunity to present evidence on the question.
Sec. 57-34. - Reserved.
Sec. 57-3-534. - Same—Issuance.
If it is determined from the investigation and hearing that the applicant has complied
with the provisions of this article, a recommendation shall be made to the city manager or
his designee that a certificate to operate taxicab service in the city be granted for a term
not to exceed five (5) of 1 years from the date of issuance specifying the maximum
number of taxicab vehicles which may be operated by the certificate holder during the
five-1 year term. The applicant shall be notified of such recommendation.
Certificates granted prior to July 1, 2016 shall remain in effect until the expiration of the
certificate or renewal.
Sec. 57-36. - Taxicab street use fee.
authorized by a current and valid certificate. For the purpose of calculating the
taxicab street use fee, the ma*imum number-of vehicles shall be no lower than five
(5).
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 57 35 a certificate holder may, upon written
request to the city manager or his designee, apply to incr ace or deer ace
following consecutive twelve month period of the remaining term of the current
certificate.
(c) The number of vehicles in service by a certificate holder shall not exceed the
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deadlines.
willfully file any false statements, the same shall be cause for a suspension or
revocation of the certificate authorizing the holder to operate a taxicab service within
the city.
Sec 57-35 - Certificate of operation fee
(a) Applicant shall elect the fee imposed for a Certificate issued pursuant to this article
at the time of application or renewal. The fee imposed for a Certificate issued shall
be in an amount equal to 2% of the annual gross receipts for the operation of each
taxi operated in the City for the Certificate holder or based on the number of
authorized taxis operating in the City for each quarter as shown below:
(i) $400 quarterly for four or fewer taxis
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(ii) $800 quarterly for five to eight taxis.
(iii) $1 ,200 quarterly for nine to twelve taxis
(iv) $1,600 quarterly for thirteen to sixteen taxis.
(v) $2,000 quarterly for seventeen to twenty taxis
(vi) $2,400 quarterly for twenty-one to twenty-four taxis
(vii) $2,800 quarterly for twenty-five to twenty-eight taxis
(viii) $3,200 quarterly for twenty-nine to thirty-two taxis
(ix) $3,600 quarterly for thirty-three or more taxis
(b) The Certificate of operation fee shall be paid quarterly as follows: on or after
January 1 and before January 10; on or after April 1 and before April 10; on or
after July 1 and before July 10; on or after October 1 and before October 10.
(c) (1) 2% of Annual Gross Receipts -The initial payment for a fee based on 2% of
Annual Gross Receipts shall cover the period beginning from the date the
certificate was issued to the Certificate holder. Upon the submission of each
quarterly payment, the Certificate holder shall file with the taxicab inspector a
financial report itemizing the components of the Certificate holder's gross receipts
for the payment period. All Certificate holders shall utilize any forms promulgated
by the taxicab inspector for the submission of the required financial reports and
shall submit the financial reports in accordance with any instructions, rules, or
regulations promulgated by the taxicab inspector.
(2) Number of Authorized Taxis - The initial payment for a fee based on the
number of authorized taxis shall be prorated to cover the period beginning from
the date the certificate was issued to the certificate holder.
(d) Upon 10 days' notice to the certificate holder, the taxicab inspector shall have the
right to inspect the certificate holder 's records the taxicab inspector deems
necessary and appropriate to determine that the certificate holder is in compliance
with the requirements of this section.
(e) A certificate holder may, upon written request to the Taxi Inspector, apply to
increase or decrease the maximum number of vehicles authorized to be operated
during the remaining term of the current certificate.
(f) If the holder of the certificate shall fail to comply with any requirement herein or
shall willfully file any false statements, the same shall be cause for a suspension
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or revocation of the certificate authorizing the holder to operate a taxicab service
within the city.
(q) The fees established in this section shall be payable in addition to any other
applicable fees imposed by this Code or other ordinances of the city.
(h) Certificates holders with a current certificate issued prior to July 1, 2016 may elect
to pay the city each three-month period as a certificate of operation fee an amount
equal to one hundred dollars ($100.00) times the maximum number of vehicles
authorized by a current and valid certificate. For the purpose of calculating the
certificate of operation fee, the maximum number of vehicles shall be no lower
than five (5).
Sec. 57-3-736. - Payment of taxes, fees, etc.
It shall be the duty of every owner of any taxicab operated within the city to render for
and pay all ad valorem taxes to the city for all vehicles and other equipment used in such
business, and a failure to render for and to pay such ad valorem taxes to the city, twenty
(20) per cent late fee when paid after the tenth day of each quarter or failure to pay any
other fees, licenses or charges to the city before they become delinquent shall, if not paid
after written notice of default, operate as a revocation of any certificate, license or permit
authorizing the operation of taxicabs over the public streets, alleys and ways of the city.
Sec. 57-3837. - Report as to drivers in charge of particular taxicabs.
The owner of any taxicab used in the business of carrying passengers for hire upon
the streets of the city and which is licensed to carry on such business shall, upon request
of the taxicab inspector, report the drivers who are in charge of the particular cars at a
specified time.
Sec. 57-3938. - Records in connection with calls.
Every holder of a certificate and owner or operator of a taxicab shall keep accurate
records relating to calls received and services performed, the time of such calls or
services, the name of the driver performing the service or making the service call, the
place of such call and the time of return from such call; and access to such records shall
be given to the taxicab inspector or the chief of police; and every refusal to give such
records or furnish information kept regarding such matters shall be and is hereby made a
misdemeanor and may additionally result in a suspension or revocation of certificate.
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Sec. 57-4039. - Responsibility of each person in engaging a taxicab or vehicle for
hire.
By taking any action in connection with this article II, article III and article IIIA on
taxicabs or any vehicle for hire (including, but not limited to, inspections, investigations,
administration, enforcement, recordkeeping, and the granting, suspension and revocation
of certificates, licenses, and permits), the city and its agents and employees do not in any
way represent or undertake to represent the fitness of any taxicab, driver, or aspect of the
taxicab business, and it shall be the sole responsibility of each person to decide whether
to engage or use a taxicab or vehicle for hire without relying on any action of the city.
Secs. 57-41-40-57-55. - Reserved.
DIVISION 3. - FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Sec. 57-56. - Liability insurance—Generally.
Before any license or permit shall be issued to any owner or operator of a taxicab or
before any renewal of a license or permit shall be granted, the owner or operator shall be
required to file a certificate of insurance with the taxicab inspector and thereafter keep in
full force and effect a policy of auto liability insurance with a company duly authorized to
do business in the State of Texas and performable in the county, insuring the public
against any loss or damage that may result to any person or property from the operation
of such vehicle; provided, that the maximum amount of recovery in such policy of
insurance specified shall not, for each vehicle, be less than fifty thousand dollars
($50,000.00) for injury or death of one (1) person and one hundred thousand dollars
($100,000.00) for injuries or deaths in any one (1) occurrence; and not less than twenty-
five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for injury to or destruction of property in any one
occurrence; Each insurance policy shall require notice from the insurer to the city at least
ten (10) days before any such policy is to be terminated for any reason by the insurer or
by the insured. So as to adequately protect the City of Corpus Christi and its residents,
the risk manager shall have the authority to adjust auto liability insurance coverage limits
in accordance with section 17-19 of this Code of Ordinances.
Sec. 57-57. - Same—Continuing liability of insurance.
All policies of public liability insurance shall contain a provision for continuing liability
thereon up to the full amount thereof, notwithstanding any recovery thereon.
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Sec. 57-58. - Nonliability of city for pecuniary responsibility.
Neither the city nor any officer thereof shall be held liable for the pecuniary
responsibility or solvency of any certificate holder or insurer or in any manner become
liable on account of any act or omission relating to the operation of a taxicab or vehicle
for hire.
Secs. 57-59-57-74. - Reserved.
DIVISION 4. - VEHICLES
Sec. 57-75. - License required.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or to operate or to cause to be driven or
operated any taxicab upon or over any street in the city unless there has been obtained
for such taxicab and existing in full force and effect a license duly issued by the taxicab
inspector as provided in this division.
However, for inspection purposes, an employee of the company may bring the
employee of the company may drive a taxi on city streets with the off duty sign on the
dashboard.
Sec. 57-76. - Prerequisites to issuance of license.
Upon obtaining a certificate to operate a taxicab service in the city as provided in this
article, the holder shall make application to the taxicab inspector for a license to be
issued for each vehicle to be operated as a taxicab. The application shall be
e •-e- -.-e . • -- _ • _ ee _ :. 9! - - _ • -e.
Prior to the issuance of a license for a taxicab, - - . . - e- e - - e -
inspection of the vehicle to determine certificate holder must provide documentation
demonstrating that it the vehicle complies with the requirements of this article and the
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. In the event a vehicle fails to pass this
inspection fee. After the ten (10) business day reinspection period has lapsed, an
.e e _ _ •• --- __ :. e! - e- tion fee per vehicle to be licensed will be applied.
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Sec. 57-77. - Nontransferability of license.
No license issued under the terms of this division shall be transferred to any other
vehicle. No license shall be used for the operation of any vehicle under the provisions of
this division except for the vehicle for which the license was issued. Each license shall be
valid for so long as the vehicle remains in service as a taxicab and complies with the
continuing requirements of this division and the regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto.
Sec. 57-78. - Posting license.
The license issued for the operation of a taxicab under the terms of this division shall
be posted within the taxicab in a conspicuous place.
Sec. 57-79. - Contents of license.
The license shall state the year in which the license is issued and the name of the
owner of the vehicle. It shall designate that the vehicle is a "taxicab," shall state the make
of the vehicle, the vehicle identification number of the vehicle and current license number
of the vehicle and shall further state that the owner or operator of the vehicle has
deposited with the city a certificate of insurance providing for the protection of the
passengers thereof and of the general public as provided for in this article, and the
license shall be signed by the taxicab inspector of the city. Persons desiring to file
complaints or comments concerning the operation or condition of a taxicab may refer to
the contents of the license to note pertinent information and forward such complaints or
comments to the taxicab inspector at the address indicated on the license.
Sec. 57-80. - Inspections—Generally.
It shall be the duty of the taxicab inspector to inspect every licensed taxicab or
vehicle for hire on an annual basis for the purpose of determining whether such vehicle is
described in section 57 87. The certificate holder shall submit such vehicle to the taxicab
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that the vehicle was approved by the inspector. No taxicab shall be operated in the city
without the seal of the taxicab inspector indicating current inspection. If the taxicab
to be used as a taxicab, he shall remove the inspection seal and order such vehicle not to
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be used as a taxicab until the defect so discovered shall be remedied. After the owner of
initial inspection, the certificate holder shall have ten (10) business days to remedy any
additional inspection fee. After the ten (10) business day reinspection period has lapsed
an additional fifteen dollar ($15.00) inspection fee per vehicle to be licensed will be
applied. Nothing contained herein, however, shall prevent the taxicab—inspector from
inspecting any taxicab at any reasonable time that he sees fit, and he is expre.sly given
power so to do, and upon finding such taxicab to be in a defective, unsafe or
windshield,
(a) A taxi must have a valid State of Texas registration sticker.
(b) An offense under this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $250.00,
nor more than the maximum amount established by law, for each violation.
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the decision of the taxicab inspector. If no appeal is taken from the decision of the taxicab
final.
Sec. 57-8281. - Operation of taxicabs.
No taxicab for which a license shall have been issued shall be operated by anyone
except a driver properly permitted to operate a taxicab under this article, except for
inspection and maintenance purposes as prescribed in section 57 75.
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Sec. 57-8382. - Identification on taxicabs.
(a) Every taxicab shall display, as provided by rule, consistent and distinctive signage
at all times while being operated as a taxi. The distinctive signage shall be sufficiently
large and color contrasted (i) as to be readable at a distance of at least 50 feet, and (ii) to
identify a particular vehicle associated with a particular Certificate holder. Acceptable
forms of distinctive signage include, but are not limited to, symbols or signs on vehicle
doors, roofs, or grilles. Magnetic or other removable distinctive signage is acceptable.
Certificate holders shall file an illustration of their distinctive signage with the taxicab
inspector for approval.
(b) A taxi shall display a consistent and distinctive emblem at all times while being
used to provide vehicle for hire transportation services. The taxicab inspector is
authorized to specify, by rule, the manner of display, method of issuance, design and
contents of such emblem.
have placed on the front door or panel on each side of the cab the name of the owner or
number of the owner shall also be placed upon the r ar of any such vehicle. All of the
There shall be affixed on the outside top and front portion of each taxicab an electric
people on the street or sidewalks in the vicinity of such taxicab, and when a passenger
engages and enters such taxicab the light shall be turned on or the flag, signal or other
device shall be placed in-such position as to denote that such taxicab is employed.
Sec. 57-8583. - Dispatch communication system.
(a) After June 31, 2013, ach vehicle used as a taxicab shall be equipped with a two
driver of the taxicab to receive requests for service from the public using the business,
telephone number of the taxicab service and to respond or communicate such
circumstances which render the taxicab unable to respond to such requests for
the public. Taking or making cell phone calls or texting is prohibited with a passenger
in the vehicle
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(a)-(-b-) A certificate holder or driver shall not monitor the radio frequency of another holder
for the purpose of responding to a call for taxicab service dispatched by the other
holder's taxicab service.
Sec. 57-8684. - Taxicab stands—Use relations.
Taxicab stands shall be occupied only by taxicabs having licenses in good standing.
Vehicles shall be in numbers in accordance with the number of spaces designated at the
respective locations. It shall be the duty of the city to place signs bearing the number of
spaces of each taxicab stand. No vehicle other than a licensed taxicab shall be permitted
to stop, stand or park for any purpose in any designated and established taxicab stand.
All taxicab or vehicle for hire vehicles shall be determined to be in a safe, acceptable
condition by the taxicab inspector. The taxicab inspector shall pass a vehicle for
inspection when the following minimum standards are met:
(a) Operational condition:
to horse drawn carriages and pedicabs);
(2) Shall be free of excessive visible exhaust, excessive engine noise and
readily identified mechanical defects including but not limited to the brake
systems (not applicable to horse drawn carriages and pedicab-s).
(b) Exterior condition:
(1) The body and trim shall be intact, not have excec'sive dents or bent out of
shape. In the event a vehicle is dented and waiting on an insurance claim the
vehicle may be driven as long as the claim is pending and the damage does
not impeded the safe operation of the vehicle.
(2) The exterior paint shall be free of rust, flaked or scraped areas.
(3) The windshield shall be free of cracked glass.
(c) Interior condition:
(1) The interior shall be free of dust, dirt, rubbish, and be otherwise clean and
sanitary.
(3) The coverings of floors, overhead liner, s ats, h d and arm rests shall be
16
el) The interior trunk shall be clean, sanitary, and free of debris.
Sec. 57-8885. - Age of vehicle.
The certificate holder shall not allow a vehicle in his or her taxicab service to be more
than six (6) 7 years old at the time it is placed into service, nor more than ten-(-10) years
old while it is maintained for service. The age of the vehicle shall be calculated from
January 1 of the model year of the vehicle.
No vehicles which are more than ten (10) years old, as calculated above, may be
used as taxicab vehicle.
Exceptions: (1) No vehicles modified with specialized access equipment to service
persons with disabilities which are more than fifteen (15) years old, as calculated above,
may be used as taxicab vehicle. Vehicles modified with specialized access equipment to
service persons with disabilities which are more than ten-(10) years old must pass an
annual physical and mechanical inspection at a location to be designated by the taxi
inspector. Vehicles modified with specialized access equipment to service persons with
disabilities which are more than tem-(10) years old must be approved by the taxi
inspector.
(2) Vehicles registered as "Classic" which have valid State of Texas registration
sticker may be used as taxicab vehicle. Classic vehicles must be approved by the taxi
inspector.
Secs. 57-8986-57-95. - Reserved.
DIVISION 5. - DRIVERS
Sec. 57-96. - Taxicab-or Vehicle for hire driver's permit required; permit fee.
(a) Every person desiring to drive a taxicab or vehicle for hire in the city shall apply for
and obtain a taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's permit from the taxicab inspector. It
shall be unlawful for any person holding a certificate for the operation of a taxicab
service in the city to permit any person to drive a taxicab or vehicle for hire unless
such person shall have a driver's permit in good standing duly issued by the taxicab
inspector, with the exception of inspection purposes under section 57 75.
(b) The fee for an original, renewal or transfer taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's permit is
a nonrefundable fifty dollars ($50.00) and shall be paid at the time the permit
17
application is filed with the taxicab inspector. The fee for a replacement permit is
twenty dollars ($20.00).
Sec. 57-97. - Application for taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's permit.
(a) To obtain a city taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's permit, each person shall make a
sworn written application to the taxicab inspector, which application shall be made
upon the form provided and shall contain the following information:
(1) The name, age and address of applicant.
(2) The name of the business or person by whom the applicant expects to be or is
contracted with.
(3) The applicant's place of residence for the past five (5) years. Applicant must be a
resident of Corpus Christi, Nueces County or the contiguous counties bordering
Nueces County for three (3) months.
(4) A full description of the applicant, including his height, weight, color of eyes and
hair, distinguishing body features or marks, a full set of applicant's fingerprints
and four (4) current passport photos of applicant. Taxi inspector shall have the
authority to determine acceptable photographs.
(5) Whether applicant has had experience driving a taxicab or vehicle for hire or in a
related type of work.
(6) Whether applicant has ever been convicted of or charged with a felony or
misdemeanor and, if so, full information concerning the same. Whether applicant
has been convicted of or charged within the past three (3) years of a traffic law
violation and, if so, full information concerning the same. The applicant shall
execute a release authorizing law enforcement agencies, to the extent lawful, to
furnish all his criminal history information record to the taxicab inspector, and
authorizing release by the taxicab inspector to the prospective taxicab or vehicle
for hire company. The taxicab inspector may establish the reasonable time
periods for which different kinds of criminal history information is required to be
furnished.
(7) A medical report dated not more than thirty (30) days prior to date of application,
in a safe manner upon the streets of the city; such medical report shall
(8}(1j The number and date of issuance of applicant's Texas Class A, B or C
license.
(9) The most recent date of completion of a certified dcfen-. : ' _ _ . -, -e _
exceed two (2) y ars between completion date and application date.
will expire thirty (30) calendar days after the date it is granted while pending
18
satisfaction of subsections (a)(7) and (a)(9) above. A temporary permit will only be
granted to those applicants whose criminal background checks comport with the
requirements found at section 57 98 of this Code.
Sec. 57-98. - Decision of taxicab inspector.
(a) The taxicab inspector shall investigate or cause to be investigated the character,
experience, and qualifications of the applicant for a taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's
permit in order to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a taxicab or vehicle for
hire consistent with the public safety and welfare.
(b) The taxicab inspector shall determine that all provisions of this division have been
complied with, and shall consider whether issuance of a permit would constitute an
unreasonable risk to the public safety and welfare.
(c) The taxicab inspector shall consider whether the applicant has been guilty of a
criminal act directly related to the occupation of taxicab or vehicle for hire driver. In
determining whether the criminal act directly relates to said occupation, the taxicab
inspector shall consider:
(1) The nature and seriousness of the crime;
(2) The relationship of the crime to the purpose of requiring a taxicab or vehicle for
hire driver permit, for example, the following are deemed to have such a
relationship because of danger to passengers and the property and potential for
criminal activities enhanced by the large number of citizen contacts:
a. Theft and other crimes of dishonesty,
b. Assaultive crimes,
c. Solicitation of prostitution,
d. Sexual abuse crimes,
e. Crimes of alcohol or drug abuse,
f. Traffic offenses;
(3) The extent to which the permit might offer an opportunity to engage in further
criminal activity of the same type;
(4) The extent and nature of the past criminal activity;
(5) The age of the applicant when the crime was committed;
(6) The amount of time elapsed since the applicant's last criminal activity;
(7) The conduct and work activity of the person prior to and following the criminal
activity;
(8) Evidence of rehabilitation efforts;
19
(9) Other evidence of personal fitness submitted by the applicant such as
recommendations from prosecution, law enforcement, correctional officers.
(10)Taxicab inspector may take into consideration previously documented complaints
against a current driver seeking renewal or transfer of driver's permit and any
arrests, charges or convictions of violations of the taxicab code under chapter 57
of the Municipal Code or the supplemental regulations for taxicabs at the Corpus
Christi International Airport for any applicant seeking new, renewal or transfer of
permit.
(d) Upon receipt of a release executed by the applicant, the police department shall
furnish to the taxicab inspector all the applicant's criminal history information records
lawfully available to the department for licensing purposes. Said information shall be
kept completely confidential by the taxicab inspector, except to the extent lawful, it
may be provided to the applicant upon his request, it may be introduced in evidence
in a proceeding in which the applicant contests denial of a permit, and it may be
shown to the prospective taxicab or vehicle for hire company in accordance with the
applicant's release. Such information shall be used by the taxicab inspector for the
sole purpose of determining the applicant's fitness.
(e) It is the duty of every certificate holder to screen its drivers. While it is the intent of the
city in its permitting process to provide protection to the public generally by exercise
of police power, such exercise shall not relieve a certificate holder from its duty to
determine the fitness of its drivers, and no certificate holder shall rely on the city
taxicab driver's permit to excuse it from said duty. The continued contracted driver
relationship by a certificate holder of, or contractual agreement with, any person as a
driver whose record as a criminal or as a driver of motor vehicles as reflected by
official court and police department records shows a lack of mental, emotional or
temperamental capacity to be a safe and reliable driver will be taken into
consideration by the city when requested to grant or renew a certificate.
. . -
The taxicab inspector shall require a written geography test of each applicant for a
his knowledge of city geography, the taxicab inspector shall not grant a city taxicab
driver's permit to such applicant.
Sec. 57-14099. - Identification cards.
After the applicant has complied with all requirements of the provisions of this article
and a permit has been issued, he shall receive two (2) 1 identification cards, one (1) of
20
which shall contain the full view photograph of the applicant; and police identification
number, and further, such card shall read:
"TO THE PASSENGER OF THIS CAB: If the description of the driver of this cab
does not conform to the photograph hereon, you will please leave the cab and notify
name of the company."
The identification card will be posted in full view in the passenger compartment of the
taxicab which the applicant may be operating, - -_ - • - ' - _ •- e_- . - - - -
city under the provisions of this article will be required to purchase a container to receive
and police identification number of the applicant. Such card shall be carried or worn with
a clip on the person of the applicant and presented for identification purposes on demand
of any passenger, the taxicab inspector or any police officer of the city.
Sec. 57-U4100. - Appeal from issuance or denial of taxicab or vehicle for hire
driver's permit.
After the taxicab inspector has made his decision, either the applicant for the driver's
permit or any citizen of the city shall have the right to appeal to the city manager or his
designee within ten (10) business days, which appeal shall be perfected by delivering, in
writing, a statement that an appeal from the decision of the taxicab inspector is desired.
The city manager or his designate will then, within a period of not more than fifteen (15)
business days after receiving such notice of appeal, grant a hearing thereon and after the
hearing of the appeal the city manager or his designee shall, within a period of five (5)
business days, sustain or reverse the decision of the taxicab inspector. If no appeal is
taken from the findings made by the taxicab inspector within the time provided above, the
decision of the taxicab inspector shall be final.
Sec. 57-402101. - Driver registration files.
A registration file shall be kept and maintained on each person to whom a driver's
permit has been issued. The file shall contain all information furnished by the applicant
under this division and all other facts and data supplied by investigation, including without
limitation fingerprints, personal history, police or criminal record, character, experience,
qualifications and such other matters considered consistent with and pertinent to a
showing whether the driver is fit to operate a taxicab or vehicle for hire within the city in a
manner consistent with the welfare of the citizens.
21
The file of any taxicab or vehicle for hire driver may be inspected at the office of the
taxicab inspector by such driver at all reasonable times and may be examined by any
holder of a taxicab certificate upon showing that the driver has applied to the certificate
holder as a contract driver. Every application for a driver's permit as a taxicab or vehicle
for hire driver under provisions of this division shall execute an agreement and waiver in
writing, at the time of filing the application, by which the applicant authorizes the taxicab
inspector to permit a certificate holder to make such examination in good faith to
determine whether, in the judgment of the prospective certificate holder, the driver should
be contracted to drive taxicabs or a vehicle for hire in the city.
Sec. 57-103102. - Duration and renewal of driver's permit.
The taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's permit, when issued, shall not be transferable
and same shall be valid for a period of twenty-four (24) months and shall expire
automatically unless renewed. No renewal shall be issued thirty (30) days after a permit
has expired. No renewal of any taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's permit shall be issued
unless and until the applicant for renewal has completed a renewal application and met
the requirements of section 57-97(a)(1)—(67), (8) and (9); shall have shown proof of
within the past forty eight (/18) months that meets the medical requirements of section 57
97(a)(7); and provided further, that the applicant must have maintained a satisfactory
driving record according to standards established by the taxicab inspector. All of the
above requirements of this section 57 103 and any violations of this article, article III or
IIIA or IV shall be taken into consideration before an approval of a renewal application is
granted.
Sec. 57404103._ Suspension or revocation of taxicabs or vehicle for hire driver's
permit.
Any taxicab or vehicle for hire driver's permit may be either suspended for any period
of time not to exceed thirty (30) days or revoked by the taxicab inspector if the holder of
such permit violates any of the provisions of this division, article III or article IIIA or article
IV. Material misrepresentations on the driver's application are grounds for revocation.
Such permit may also be revoked or suspended if the holder of the permit is guilty of a
crime or traffic offense directly related to the holder's fitness to continue as a taxicab
driver. Every suspension or revocation of the permit shall be dated and in writing and
state the reason for such suspension or revocation. Such notice shall immediately be
sent to the holder of such permit to the address shown on the identification card. Such
order of suspension or revocation shall be effective as of the date of sending such notice;
provided, however, that the person whose permit has been suspended or revoked may,
within five (5) business days after the date of sending such notice, appeal to the city
manager or his designee for reinstatement by a request in writing for such relief. The city
22
manager or his designee shall set a date not later than fifteen (15) business days
following receipt of the notice of appeal for a hearing and after such hearing shall either
sustain, reverse, or modify the order of the taxicab inspector. If no appeal is taken within
the time and by the method hereby provided, then the order of suspension or revocation
by the taxicab inspector shall be final.
•. :- - - ::- ':" _ . --. _,. _ -: : - a - -. - - - '• - - -
holder to comply with the following:
(1) All male drivers shall wear full length parts or shorts commonly referred to as
Bermuda shorts or cargo shorts, with a--finished hem, shirts with sleeves and
collars, socks and closed toed shoes.
(2) All female drivers shall wear full length slacks or shorts commonly referred to as
Bermuda shorts or cargo shorts, with a finished hem, regular length skirts,
blouses, socks or stockings and closed toed shoes.
(3) All drivers shall wear clean, unsoiled and untorn clothing.
(1) All drivers shall maintain proper personal hygiene, i.e., be shaven or have facial
hair neatly trimmed, be free of offensive body odor, and have clean, combed hair.
(2) Hoodies, sweat shirts and sweat pants.
(3) Halters or tube tops.
(1) Shirts with tails worn outside pants.
below requirements:
(1) Meet the color scheme of the taxicab company.
professional appearance standards.
Sec. 57-1-G6104. - Length of time driver may operate taxicab.
23
It shall be unlawful for a driver of any taxicab to drive the same continuously for more
than twelve (12) hours, and no owner of any taxicab shall permit any driver of any taxicab
to be continuously on duty, as a driver, for a greater period than twelve (12) hours within
any twenty-four-hour period.
Sec. 57-107105. - Use of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances.
It shall be unlawful for any taxicab driver to consume any alcoholic beverages or use
any form of controlled substances while on duty as a taxicab driver. This is to include
prescription drugs prescribed to the driver that may affect his ability to drive and those
illegal smoking products and related paraphernalia outlined in section 33-124 of the City
Code.
If a cab company requests random drug/alcohol test of a contract driver or requests
drug/alcohol test due to a traffic accident or contract driver injury and driver refuses the
test, the cab company will report refusal immediately to the taxi inspector and refusal will
result in automatic suspension of driver's permit.
If a cab company requests random drug/alcohol test of a contract driver or requests
drug/alcohol test due to a traffic accident or contract driver injury and driver refuses the
test, the cab company will report refusal immediately to the taxi inspector and refusal will
result in automatic suspension of driver's permit.
Sec. 57-1106. - Notification of change of address of drivers.
Every person operating any taxicab shall keep the taxicab inspector informed by
written notice of any change of address of such driver.
Sec. 57-149107. - Most direct route to be used.
Any driver of a taxicab contracted to carry passengers to a definite point shall take
the most direct route possible that will carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to
their destination.
All drivers of taxicabs shall promptly deliver to the taxi inspector's office or to
24
a. CC . - _ _ e • e -- -:e • . _ e - e _ _ " ' :e-• • .
Sec. 57-1-14108. - Parking restrictions.
No taxicab shall be parked in a residential section of the city awaiting calls between
10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Sec. 57-142109. - Consent by passenger to carrying other passengers.
It shall be unlawful for any taxicab driver to carry any person other than the
passenger by whom he is engaged without the consent of such passenger.
Sec. 57-143110. - Soliciting for passengers.
No person shall solicit patronage or call attention to a taxicab in a loud or annoying
tone of voice or by sign or in any manner annoy any person or obstruct the movement of
any person or follow any person for the purpose of soliciting patronage.
Sec. 57-144111. - Aiding prostitution.
It shall be unlawful for any driver of a taxicab to knowingly transport any passenger to
the abode of a prostitute or knowingly to transport any criminal, narcotic peddler,
prostitution bootlegger in the commission of a crime or infraction of the law in any
manner, or act in any manner as a panderer or pimp for prostitutes, or a contact for
unlawful establishments of any character. Violations of this section shall be brought to the
attention of the respective certificate holder that the taxicab is contracted with or
employed by. Repeated occurrences, by the same or other drivers of the certificate
holder may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the certificate holder's certificate
or the permitted driver's permit or both.
Sec. 57 145 -Off duty status of taxicabs.
• - _ : - - - e : :- ea e . -e • : -- a-•- - - _:
comply with the following requirements:
25
taxicab indicating the words "OFF DUTY" printed in letters not less than three (3)
inches in height with a stroke width of not lemic than three cighth�
front window on the right side of the taxicab so as to be easily seen and read
from outside of the taxicab.
Secs. 57-146112-57-126. - Reserved.
DIVISION 6. - TAXIMETERS; FARES
Sec. 57-127. - Taximeters defined.
For the purpose of this article the word "taximeter" shall be construed to mean a
mechanical instrument or device by which the charge for hire of a taxicab is mechanically
calculated for distance, travel and waiting time, if any, under which such charges shall be
indicated by clear, legible figures, which mechanism is placed in operation by throwing or
switching from nonearning to earning position.
Sec. 57-128. - Taximeters required.
taxicab unless such taxicab is equipped with a taximeter.
„ •.-_ " ee - • . - _ . .: ee • - e - - - - •. - _ e: - • - - - *-
color of which lights shall differ from those used by any other company.
26
Sec. 57-130. - Same False display.
No driver of a taxicab equipped with a taximeter shall display the signal affixed to
taxi is not employed.
No person shall drive or operate a taxicab to which is attached a taximeter which has
unlawful to change the size of the wheels or tires, of any taxicab or the gears operating
approved under the supervision of the taxicab inspector before using.
57 24.
Sec. 57-132128. - Location and illumination of taximeters.
All taximeters shall be placed in such a position in the taxicab so that the face thereof
and the fare numerals may be easily seen and read by a passenger sitting in any part of
the taxicab. Every taximeter used between sunset and sunrise shall have the face thereof
illuminated by a light so arranged as to throw a continuous light thereon.
Sec. 57-133129. - Defective taximeters prohibited.
The operation of any taxicab with a taximeter which is defective or which does not
properly and accurately compute and register on its face the charge for distance traveled
or waiting time of a taxicab shall constitute a violation of this article.
Sec. 57-434130. - Type and design of taximeter.
No taximeter shall be used on any taxicab the type and design of which have not
been approved by the taxicab inspector. Prior to the installation of a taximeter, the owner
or operator of the taxicab shall submit the type and design of taximeter to the taxicab
inspector. If the taximeter is capable of properly and accurately computing and registering
on its face the charge for the distance traveled by and the waiting time of the taxicab, the
taxicab inspector shall approve the taximeter.
27
Sec. 57-135131. - Fares—Amounts.
(a) There is hereby established as the maximum rates of fare for taxicabs within the
city limits of the City of Corpus Christi for one (1) or more persons, not exceeding seven
(7) persons, of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) for the first one-fifth (1/5) mile or less,
and an additional charge for each succeeding one-fifth (1/5) mile or fraction thereof,
based upon the average retail price of one (1) gallon of regular gasoline sold within the
City of Corpus Christi and in accordance with the following chart:
Per gallon gasoline price Charge per succeeding 1/5 mile or a fraction thereof
Under 3.50 $0.50
3.50-3.75 0.55
3.76-4.00 0.60
4.01-4.25 0.65
4.26-4.50 0.70
Note: Sliding scale formula shall be applied, ad infinitum.
The price of one (1) gallon of regular gasoline sold within the City of Corpus Christi
shall be determined by the Oil Price Information Service, as reported by AAA at
www.fuelgaugereport.com. Such price will be determined by the current Corpus Christi
price given by AAA at 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on the tenth day of each
month and will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. CST on the eleventh day of the current month.
The taxicab inspector shall disseminate the gasoline price.
For each one (1) hour of waiting time or traffic delay time, the maximum charge shall
be twenty-four dollars ($24.00).
The above established rates of fare are the maximum that may be charged, provided
however, for fares collected from passengers picked up at the airport, such airport
passenger fares may include a one dollar ($1.00) surcharge per fare collected from one
(1) or more persons not to exceed seven (7) persons.
For customers wishing to use a credit card a one dollar ($1 .00) convenience fee may
be added to the fare.
Lower rates may be charged at the option of the taxicab certificate holder. While in
the city limits a driver shall keep the taximeter in operation while the taxicab is employed
regardless of whether a metered rate, a discounted rate or an out-of-town flat rate is
charged,
28
For taxi fares originating in the area east of the Intercostal John F. Kennedy Memorial
Causeway Bridge on Interstate State Highway 358 or west of the Clarkwood Road and
Interstate 37 intersection, there will be a ten dollar($10.00) minimum fare allowed.
(b) Flat Rate –Where a metered rate is not charged, an alternative flat rate for taxicab
fares may be imposed for trips originating and ending within geographic zones I through
VII of the Corpus Christi Flat Rate Zone Map. The maximum rate per zone is $12.50. An
additional stop fee in an amount not to exceed $5.00 will be allowed for stops within a
zone. The alterative flat rate can be increased per zone crossed for trips originating and
ending in a different zone. A copy of the Corpus Christi Flat Rate Zone Map may be
provided by the taxi inspector and shall remain on file for public inspection in the office of
the city secretary.
Zone Corpus Christi Flat Rate Zones
Island
II Flour Bluff
III Southside
IV Central
V Downtown
VI Airport
VII _ Calallen
(c) A cancelation fee may be charged where a passenger cancels after booking, if
such fee has been filed by the certificate holder with the taxi inspector and posted on the
website used by the certificate holder and communicated to the passenger at booking.
Sec. 57-436132. - Same—Charging or collecting excess fares.
It shall be unlawful for any driver or operator to charge or demand payment of any
fares in excess of the fares prescribed by the council.
29
Sec. 57-137133. - Same—Refusal to convey; refusal to transport passenger at
specified rate.
It shall be unlawful for any driver of any taxicab to refuse to board and convey a
passenger on a basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability,
including a driver's refusal to board and convey any service animal or medical equipment
utilized in conjunction with a passenger's disability. It shall be unlawful for any driver of
any taxicab to refuse to board and convey a passenger at the rates authorized by this
article. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this subsection that the driver
advised the passenger of the fare or estimated fare to the passenger's destination, and
the passenger advised that he did not have the means to pay the fare.
Sec. 57-1-38134. - Same—Refusal to pay legal fare.
It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the legal fare of any of the
vehicles mentioned in this article after having hired the same, and any person who shall
hire any such vehicle with the intent to defraud the person from whom it is hired shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor.
Sec. 57-139135. - Same—Display of rate schedule in taxicab.
There shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the inside of each licensed taxicab,
in addition to the license issued to the licensee required by this article, a card showing
the rates charged.
Sec. 57-140136. - Same—Receipts.
It shall be unlawful for the driver of any taxicab upon receiving full payment of a fare
to refuse to give a receipt upon the request of any passenger making such payment.
SECTION 2. Chapter 57, Article IIIA "LIMOUSINE AND SIGHTSEEING SERVICE" is revised to
read as follows:
ARTICLE IIIA. - LIMOUSINE AND SIGHTSEEING SERVICE
Sec. 57-164. - Definitions.
For the purposes of this article:
30
(a) Limousine service means the luxurious, prearranged transportation by chauffeur-
driven vehicle limousine of one (1) or more persons from or to a location within
the city limits not upon a schedule or over a fixed route. It shall not include
taxicab service, airport limousine service or transportation provided in relation to
funeral services.
(b) Limousine means:
(1) A sedan-type luxury motor vehicle with a passenger capacity of five or six
persons (including the driver), which vehicle is either less than or equal to seven
years of age;
(2) An extended-body type motor vehicle with a passenger capacity of no more
than 15 persons (including the driver), which is modified to extend its original
factory wheelbase by 40 inches or more in conformity with Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard requirements
(3) A vehicle that is classified in the United States Environmental Protection
Agency's annual Fuel Economy Guide as a sport utility vehicle that: (i) has a
passenger capacity of not less than five persons nor more than nine persons,
including the driver; (ii) has a manufacturer's suggested base retail selling price of
not less than $37,600.00, adjusted annually based upon Consumer Price Index
(CPI-U), All Urban Consumers, U.S. City Average, New Trucks, as published by
the U.S. Department of Labor, excluding the cost of any manufacturer installed
options or of any modifications or conversions that were made by other persons
following the original assembly of the vehicle by the manufacturer. The adjustment
shall be based upon the not seasonally adjusted data for the month of August and
shall be effective November 1st; and (iii) is either less than or equal to seven years
of age;
(4) A passenger van with a passenger capacity of nine to 15 persons (including
the driver), which vehicle is less than or equal to ten years of age.
- - . e _e_ - _ e_ _ .ve (5) or more, excluding the capacity of the
driver compartment and that is used for the hired transportation of persons.
(b) Sightseeing service means conveying any person or persons in any vehicle,
including horse-drawn carriages, for predetermined periods of time or between
fixed points for the purpose of displaying the various natural and manmade
points of interest and the economic and cultural institutions of the Corpus Christi
area within the city or from locations within the city to locations outside the city,
and shall not include the basic provisions of taxicab service or airport limousine
service or charter bus service. Sightseeing service defined herein shall refer to
transportation provided in vehicles owned by the permit holder.
31
Sec. 57-165. - Operator permit— Required.
It shall be unlawful for any person, as owner or agent, to be engaged in the business
of providing limousine or sightseeing service within the city or from locations within the
city to locations outside the city, unless the owner of the business holds a current
limousine or sightseeing permit issued pursuant to this article.
Sec. 57-166. - Same—Application; fee.
(a) Every person desiring to engage in the business of operating any limousine or
sightseeing service shall make application, in writing, to the city manager or his
designated representative on a form provided for that purpose for a permit to engage
in the business specified. Such application shall contain the name, address and
telephone number of the true owner of the business and the number, types and
seating capacity of each vehicle to be operated; shall be sworn to by the applicant;
and shall be accompanied by an application and permit fee of two hundred fifty
dollars ($250.00).
(b) The city manager or his designated representative shall issue a permit to all
applicants complying with the provisions of this article and shall issue a permit for the
operation of all vehicles complying with the requirements of this article. No permit
shall be issued unless every vehicle proposed to be used complies with the following
minimum requirements:
(1) Each vehicle shall comply with all the safety requirements imposed by all state,
federal or local laws applicable to the vehicle involved.
(2) The owner shall have rendered each vehicle for which a permit is sought for ad
valorem taxation and shall have paid all delinquent tax charges owing the city
upon every such vehicle.
(c) No limousine or sightseeing operator permit holder shall be issued, nor shall such
permit be valid after issuance, unless the applicant or the holder of the permit is at all
times insured by a comprehensive business auto policy to include collision, uninsured
motorists and personal injury protection coverage for each vehicle with minimum
limits of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) to any claimant for bodily injury
arising out of a single occurrence, three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) for
any number of claims arising out of a single occurrence, and fifty thousand dollars
($50,000.00) to any claimant for any number of claims for damage to or destruction of
property. Each insurance policy shall require that the insurer notify the city at least
ten (10) days before any cancellation, material change, or intent not to renew by
either the insurer or the insured. Cancellation of a certificate holder's or owner's
insurance without an approved replacement policy in place at the time cancellation
automatically suspends the operations of the vehicle for hire company.
32
(d) The taxicab inspector shall inspect every limousine or sightseeing vehicle to be
operated as limousine or sightseeing service at least once a year for the purpose of
determining whether such vehicle is in a safe condition to be operated as a limousine
or sightseeing vehicle. The holder of a limousine or sightseeing service permit shall
submit such limousine or sightseeing vehicle to the taxicab inspector for inspection at
the time and place specified by the inspector in accordance with provisions and fees
for the inspection of taxicabs in section 57-80. The operator of a limousine or
sightseeing service and limousine or sightseeing vehicle is responsible for the safe
condition and operation of said vehicles and the city, by establishing this permit
system, in no way assumes any duty or liability for the safety of said vehicle.
(e) Every person driving a limousine or sightseeing vehicle in the city must have applied
for and obtained a limousine or sightseeing driver's permit from the taxicab inspector.
It shall be unlawful for any permitted limousine or sightseeing service operator in the
city to permit any person to drive a limousine or sightseeing vehicle unless such
person shall have a valid driver's permit duly issued by the taxicab inspector in
accordance with this chapter.
Sec. 57-167. - • - - e - - . - • - • - - - - - - Permit Fee; payments.
(a) Applicant shall elect the fee imposed for a Permit issued pursuant to this article at the
time of application or renewal. The fee imposed for a Permit issued shall be in an
amount equal to 2% of the annual gross receipts for the operation of each limousine
or sightseeing service operated for the Certificate holder or In addition to all other
--••e --.' - - e - ':-e -- - • - -- . e • each six (6) months the
sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) times the number of vehicles to be operated as
identified in the permit application for the expense of regulating the activities of such
service and as a strove permit fee.
(b) The semiannual fee for the first six (6) calendar months of each year shall be paid on
or before January 10 and for the second six (6) calendar months of each year shall
be paid on or before July 10. A late fee of twenty (20) per ccnt will be applied to late
payments made after January 10 and July 10.
(c) Such payments shall be in addition to all ad valorem taxes upon the value of the
property of the person operating such vehicles, and in addition to all lawful
occupation taxes imposed upon the occupation or calling of the entity operating such
vehicle.
(d) If a limousine service experience's peak demand periods requiring more vehicles than
are designated in its permit agreement or certificate of operation, the holder may request
supplemental vehicles by submitting a written application for a supplemental operating
permit, along with proof of insurance, which shall state the reason why supplemental
33
vehicles are needed and identify the vehicles to be used. Supplemental vehicles
authorized by a supplemental operating permit:
(1) Must comply with the vehicle requirements of this chapter;
(2) Must comply with the insurance requirements of this chapter;
(3) Vehicles that are utilizing a supplemental permit are exempt from any vehicle
ownership requirements, but must comply with all other requirements of this
chapter;
(4) The applicant must pay the supplemental operating permit fee of ten dollars
($10.00) per day in advance of the use of said supplemental permit;
(5) A limousine service that utilizes a supplemental vehicle that is not in
compliance with section 57-167 of this chapter shall be in violation of section 57-
165 of this chapter;
(6) A limousine service or the operating permit holder that has been convicted of
or it's permit suspended for a violation of section 57-167(d) shall no longer be
authorized the use of supplemental operating permits.
Sec. 57-168. - Service standards.
The permit holder shall provide and maintain modern efficient service during the life
of the permit and failure to provide and maintain such efficient service shall be grounds
for forfeiture of the permit herein granted. Said permit is granted for a five-year period. No
assignment of a permit shall become effective unless said assignment is approved by the
city manager or his designated representative in writing.
Sec. 57-169. - Special regulations for horse-drawn carriages.
Any sightseeing permit issued pursuant to this article involving the use of horse-
drawn carriages as a means of conveyance shall include regulations promulgated by the
city manager, or his designated representative, relating to the following:
(a) Limitations on the specific streets which may be utilized by horse-drawn
carriages and the hours of operations allowed.
(b) Safety requirements pertaining to reflectors, warning devices and other safety
equipment used on the vehicles, and the types and design of wheels and horse
shoes which may be utilized.
(c) Sanitation procedures to ensure the cleanliness of streets and public ways and
the proper disposal of waste.
34
(d) Health regulations safeguarding the care, feeding and watering of the horses or
other draft animals employed by the operator.
(e) Additional insurance requirements supplementing the minimum limits for
automobile and general liability insurance required for limousine and sightseeing
operations generally.
(f) Any other rules, regulations or procedures which the city manager, or his
designated representative, deems necessary to maintain adequate safeguards for the
operation of horse-drawn carriages on the public streets not inconsistent with this section.
SECTION 3. Chapter 57, Section 57-284 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 57-284. - Transportation network company permit fee.
(a) TNC shall elect the fee imposed for a permit issued pursuant to this article at the
time of application or renewal of permit. The fee imposed for a permit issued
pursuant to this article shall be in an amount equal to 2% of the annual gross
receipts for the operation of each transportation network vehicle operated by each
permittee or based on the number of transportation network vehicles operated by
each permittee for each quarter as shown below:
(i) $400 quarterly for four or fewer vehicles
(ii) $800 quarterly for five to eight vehicles.
(iii) $1,200 quarterly for nine to twelve vehicles
(iv) $1 ,600 quarterly for thirteen to sixteen vehicles.
(v) $2,000 quarterly for seventeen to twenty vehicles
(vi) $2,400 quarterly for twenty-one to twenty-four vehicles
(vii) $2,800 quarterly for twenty-five to twenty-eight vehicles
(viii) $3,200 quarterly for twenty-nine to thirty-two vehicles
(ix) $3,600 quarterly for thirty-three or more vehicles
(b) The fee provided in subsection (a) of this section shall be paid quarterly as follows: on
or after January 1 and before January 10; on or after April 1 and before April 10;
on or after July 1 and before July 10; on or after October 1 and before October 10.
to the city on a quarterly basis on or before the 10th day following the close of the
calendar month for which the quarterly payment is calculated.
35
(c) (1) 2% of Annual Gross Receipts The initial payment shall cover the period beginning
from the date the permit was issued to the permittee. Upon the submission of each
quarterly payment, the permittee shall file with the taxicab inspector a financial report
itemizing the components of the permittee's gross receipts for the payment period. All
permittees shall utilize any forms promulgated by the taxicab inspector for the
submission of the required financial reports and shall submit the financial reports in
accordance with any instructions, rules, or regulations promulgated by the taxicab
inspector.
(2) Number of Transportation Network Vehicles - The initial payment for a fee based
on the number of transportation network vehicles operated shall be prorated on a
monthly basis to cover the period beginning from the date the certificate was issued
to the permittee.
(d) Upon 10 days' notice to the permittee, the taxicab inspector shall have the right to
inspect the permittee's records the taxicab inspector deems necessary and
appropriate to determine that the permittee is in compliance with the requirements of
this section.
(e) The fees established in this section shall be payable in addition to any other
applicable fees imposed by this Code or other ordinances of the city.
(f) If the permittee shall fail to comply with any requirement herein or shall willfully file
any false statements, the same shall be cause for a suspension or revocation of
the permit authorizing the permittee to operate a TNC within the city.
SECTION 4. Chapter 57, Section 57-294 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 57-294. - Transportation network vehicles—Inspections.
• = .-e •=. - . . -e . • • .. . -. • - ..• __ =
the taxicab inspector, and maintain complete documentation of such inspections in the
transportation network vehicle is in a reasonably good state of repair, clean, and
(1) Foot brakes;
. • _
(3) Steering mechanism;
(/1) Windshield;
36
(5) Rear window and other glas;
(6) Windshield wipers;
(7) Headlights;
(8) Tail lights;
(9) Turn indicator lights;
(10)Stop lights;
(12)Doors (open, close, lock);
(13)Horn;
(14)Speedometer;
(15)Bumpers;
(16)Muffler and exhaust system;
(18)Interior and exterior rear view mirrors;
_ e .. -e
(20)Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
(b) Upon passing the inspection prescribed in subsection (a) of this section, the taxicab
inspector shall ic•sue one certification decal for the transportation network vehicle. The
network vehicle designated by the taxicab inspector. The permittee and the
section,
(a) A transportation network vehicle must have a valid State of Texas registration sticker.
(b) An offense under this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $250.00, nor
more than the maximum amount established by law, for each violation.
SECTION 5. This ordinance takes effect after official publication.
SECTION 6. If for any reason any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word or
provision of this ordinance shall be held invalid or unconstitutional by final judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect any other section, paragraph, subdivision, clause,
phrase, word or provision of this ordinance, for it is the definite intent of this City Council that
every section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, word or provision hereof be given full
force and effect for its purpose.
SECTION 7. Penalties are as provided in Section 1-6 of the Code of Ordinances.
37
SECTION 8. Publication shall be made one time in the official publication of the City of Corpus
Christi as required by the City Charter of the City of Corpus Christi.
38
That the foregoing ordinance was read for the first time and passed to its second reading on this
the 1 1'd'ay of , A 14y the following vote:
Nelda Martinez I. „_ Brian Rosas y,;
Rudy Garza till Lucy Rubio I t'
Michael Hunter 0 Mark Scott .' . A
Chad Magill I .,. Carolyn Vaughn I A a
d
I
Colleen McIntyre IA'
0
Th t the foregoing rdinance was read for the second time and passed finally on this the
1 C1'1elay of , ) I(y, by the following vote:
Nelda Martinez A �� Brian Rosas / A'
Rudy Garza IA IA Lucy Rubio %
Michael Hunter 010‘1Mark Scott
_Ii_Ljt,
Chad Magill Carolyn Vaughn aly
Colleen McIntyre _(LdL_
1Q
PASSED AND APPROVED, this the I I day of AL _LA , 1(10.
ATTEST: e '
, . , , .,., ,
Rebecca Huerta Nelda Martine
City Secretary Mayor
EFFECTIVE DATE
1 ).2-c) ) / a
030898 39
t- -a
•
PUBLISHER'S AFFIDAVIT
State of Texas } CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
County of Nueces } Ad# 1188901
PO#
Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, this day personally came a Laces J'`7 , who
being first duly sworn, according to law, says that she is LEGAL SALES REPRESENATIVE AND
EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLISHER, namely,the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, a daily newspaper
published at Corpus Christi in said City and State, generally circulated in Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval,
Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak,Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio, Counties, and that the
publication of NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF ORDINANCE(S)NO which the annexed is a true copy,
was inserted in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times on:
CC-Corpus Christi Caller-Times 07/25/16 Mon
CC-Internet - caller.com 07/25/16 Mon
1
GAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE
On this21/ day of 3. 1t-ttk 20 `telcertify that the attached document is a true
and exact copy made by publisher.
Notary Public, State of Texas
4•'"s`•• MICHELLE JOYCE CI,BRERA
My Notary ID#124864183
Expires March 19.2020
flZ =I1 S i !ilk 91f7.
4E» Monday,July 25, 2016»CALLER-TIMES
Legals
NOTICE OF PASSAGE OF
ORDINANCE(S)
NO. 030898, Ordinance
amending Chapter 57, Arti-
cle II"TAXICABS"of the Cor-
pus Christi Code; Amending
Chapter 57,Article IIIA"LIM-
OUSINE AND SIGHTSEEING
SERVICE" of the Corpus
Christi Code;amending Sec.
57-284.-Transportation net-
work company permit fee
and Sec. 57-294. -Transpor-
tation network vehicles-In-
spections of the Corpus
Christi Code; providing an
effective date, severance,
penalty, and publication.
This ordinance was passed
and approved on second
reading by the Corpus Chris-
ti City Council on July 19,
2016.
/s/Rebecca Huerta
City Secretary