Chapter 6.10 — TAXICABS[1 ]

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them by this section:

Call box stand means a public place where the city manager has authorized a holder of a certificate of public convenience and necessity to install a telephone or call box for the taking of calls and the dispatching of taxicabs.

Carrier means every person, firm or corporation that owns or has contracted use of any taxicab, whether as owner or lessee, but does not include one employed as a driver.

Carrier permit means a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the city council authorizing the holder to operate a taxicab in the City of Pleasant Hill.

Driver means any person in charge of or operating any taxicab either as owner, principal, agent, or employee, under the direction of the carrier.

Driver permit means a license approved by the city manager and issued to a driver, authorizing the holder to drive a taxicab in the City of Pleasant Hill.

Fare or compensation means payment for transportation.

Open stand means a public place which has been designated by the city manager as reserved exclusively for the use of taxicabs by operators holding current carrier permits.

Public convenience and necessity means the existing and reasonably anticipated need of the public for prompt, safe, efficient, dependable, and economic taxicab transportation.

Rate card means a card displayed in each taxicab which contains the rates of compensation then in force.

Taxicab means every motor vehicle, whether or not equipped with a taximeter, used for the transportation of passengers for a fare over the public streets but not over a fixed route, subject to PHMC § 6.10.030.

Taximeter means a meter instrument or device attached to a taxicab which measures the distance driven and the waiting time upon which the fare is based.

Waiting time means the time after a passenger is picked up, during which the taxicab is not in motion, unless due to the passenger's fault, or traffic requirements. (1991 code § 6-17.1; Ord. 635 § 1, 1990)

The operation of any taxicab by a carrier who has a valid permit issued by another public entity in this state shall not be required to obtain a carrier's permit under this chapter if less than 25% of the fare-paying trips of such carrier begin or end in this city.

1. Editor's note: For statutory provisions authorizing a city to license and regulate the operation of vehicles for hire, see Vehicle Code section 21100.

(1991 code § 6-17.2; Ord. 635 § 1, 1990)

The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to the following:

• A. The operation of any taxicab merely proceeding through the city while en route to a destination outside the city;

• B. The operation of any school bus or government-owned vehicles;

• C. The operation of any motor vehicle for which a permit or certificate is required by the California Public Utilities Commission and which is regulated exclusively by such commission;

• D. A vehicle operated under a ride-sharing arrangement, i.e., a commuter transports another who contributes gasoline money;

• E. An ambulance;

• F. A vehicle leased for self operation where the lessee does not use the vehicle for transporting other people for hire.

(1991 code § 6-17.3; Ord. 635 § 1, 1990)