AN ORDINANCE
NO. _________
An ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Columbus Code revising requirements
pertaining to registered taxicabs in Columbus, Georgia; and for other purposes.
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THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1.
Section 21-3.4 of the Columbus Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and
replaced by a new Section 21-3.4 to read as follows:
Taxicab company owners shall be responsible for registering their taxicabs with
the Columbus Police Department and must obtain a registration/inspection
permit. The following procedures shall apply:
(a) The taxicab company owner shall be responsible for submitting a completed
registration application, in a form supplied by the Columbus Police Department,
to the Columbus Police Department each year:
(1) Taxicab company owner's name and address and identifying information for
each taxicab owned to include make, model, tag, VIN, taxicab company vehicle
number, insurance).
(2) Safety and taximeter inspection certification from a Licensed Garage
approved by the Columbus Police Department.
(b) After submission of a completed registration application and a satisfactory
taxicab safety and taximeter certification, the Columbus Police Department, or
its designee, shall inspect interior and exterior of taxicab(s) for
cleanliness, body damage, proper identification numbers, proper display of
maximum rates of fare, proper display of a barcoded sticker provided by the
Taxicab Commission providing contact information and a link to its website on
the rear interior passenger window of each taxicab, and inspection of the
taximeter for accuracy and proper operation. For each taxicab of the taxicab
company owner's that pass inspection and the registration application and
safety certification are complete, the Columbus Police Department shall issue a
registration/inspection permit, valid for one year.
(c) The taxicab company owner shall be responsible for properly installing and
displaying the annual Columbus Police Department registration/inspection permit
on the left rear bumper area of each taxicab. Permits are not transferable from
one taxicab to another.
SECTION 2.
Section 21-8.1 of the Columbus Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and
replaced by a new Section 21-8.1 to read as follows:
Section 21-8.1 Identification of taxicabs.
The chief of police shall have the power to revoke or deny the
registration/inspection of a taxicab where the color scheme or company name is
deemed similar to the color scheme or name of another taxicab company so as to
confuse the public as to the identity of the different taxicab companies. The
taxicab company name shall be affixed on the taxicab's right and left front
doors and rear trunk area in letters no less than three inches in height, and
in a contrasting color to the background color. The maximum fares set forth in
paragraphs (a) and (d) of section 21-9 shall be displayed on the left and right
rear sides of the taxicab, in letters no less than one inch in height, and in
contrasting colors different than the background. Although, a lower flat or
discounted rate for any particular trip may be offered to the customer, only
the maximum fare set by ordinance shall be displayed on the exterior of the cab
in compliance with this provision. Additionally, identifying numbers assigned
by a taxicab company shall be affixed on the left and right front fenders and
rear trunk area, in numbers no less than three inches in height, in a
contrasting color to the background color. When a taxicab is removed from
service with a taxicab company, the owner of the taxicab shall remove or
permanently cover all taxicab signs, rate signs, and company pickup tags from
such taxicab before the owner can operate such vehicle on the streets of
Columbus. The chief of police shall have the power to revoke or to deny the
registration/inspection of a taxicab for failing to meet any of the above
requirements.
SECTION 3.
Section 21-9 of the Columbus Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and
replaced by a new Section 21-9 to read as follows:
Sec. 21-9. - Maximum rates of fare
The maximum allowable rates of fare are as follows:
(a) Each taximeter shall run throughout each trip and shall provide for a
maximum rate for one passenger of $2.00 for the first one-sixth mile or
fraction thereof, and $0.33 for each additional one-sixth mile or fraction
thereof.
(b) Any flat rate or discounted fare offered a passenger must be equal to or
less than the shown metered fare upon arrival at the passenger's destination.
(c) Waiting time shall not be more than $0.35 per minute and shall not exceed
$21.00 per hour.
(d) Every taxicab shall be private except that, with the consent of passengers
occupying the taxicab, additional passengers may be conveyed for a portion, or
the entire trip desired by the passenger first occupying such taxicab. When
additional passengers are picked up, no more than $2.00 shall be added for each
additional passenger. Seniors over 55, children under 12, care givers, guides
and service animals are exempt from the additional passenger fee.
(e) For the delivery of food or merchandise unaccompanied by passengers, $3.00
plus the cab fare from the point of picking up the food or merchandise to the
point of delivery may be charged.
(f) The pullout fee from the Columbus Metropolitan Airport shall not exceed
the amount set forth by the Columbus Airport Commission.
(g) The maximum fares set forth in paragraphs (a) and (d) of this section
shall be displayed on the left and right rear sides of the taxicab, in letters
no less than one inch in height, and in contrasting colors different than the
background. Although, a lower flat rate or discounted fare may be offered to a
passenger, only the maximum fare set by ordinance shall be displayed on the
exterior of the cab in compliance with this provision. In addition, the
exterior of the cab may, if applicable, display a statement indicating that
lower or discounted fares may be available.
(h) A driver's permit shall be automatically revoked for three years upon the
conviction of a driver for overcharging a passenger or customer.
(i) No maximum fares set forth herein shall be interpreted to prohibit a
driver from collecting and remitting sales tax on the fares charged as
required by the laws and regulations of the State of Georgia.
SECTION 4.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are
hereby repealed.
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Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the
14th day of May, 2013, introduced a second time at a regular meeting of said
Council held on the ______ day of ______________, 2013, and adopted at said
meeting by the affirmative vote of ________ members of said Council.
Councilor Allen voting ____________.
Councilor Baker voting ____________.
Councilor Barnes voting ___________.
Councilor Davis voting ____________.
Councilor Henderson voting _________.
Councilor Huff voting _____________.
Councilor McDaniel voting _________.
Councilor Pugh voting ______________.
Councilor Thomas voting ___________.
Councilor Woodson voting __________.
____________________________ ______________________________
TINY B. WASHINGTON, CLERK TERESA PIKE TOMLINSON, MAYOR
Attachments
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