Title
Ordinance to Amend and Reenact the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia by Amending Chapter 38, Vehicles for Hire, Article II, Division 1, Entitled, “Generally,” Sec. 38-19 and Sec. 38-20, and to Article II, Division 5, Entitled Article II “Fares,” Sec. 38-127, to update the requirements for taxicabs and the fares that may be charged to riders of taxicabs
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The rates allowed to be charged by taxicabs authorized to operate in the City of Hampton have not been increased since 2012. Meanwhile, taxicab companies are faced with rising gas and parts prices as well as competition from rideshare companies. City Council will consider amending the taxicab ordinance to increase the fares that may be charged as well as to increase the maximum model age of a taxicab and eliminate the requirement that all taxicabs from one company be painted with the same scheme.
Recommendation:
Rec
Adopt the Ordinance.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that Sections 38-19 and 38-20 of Division 1, Article II, and Section 38-127 of Division 5, Article II, Chapter 38 of the City Code of the City of Hampton, Virginia be adopted to read as follows:
Chapter 38 - VEHICLES FOR HIRE
. . .
ARTICLE II. - TAXICABS
. . .
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
. . .
Sec. 38-19. - General vehicle requirements.
(a) Every taxicab for which a certificate is issued under this article shall be of the enclosed or sedan type, with four (4) doors, at least two (2) seats and of not less than five (5) passenger capacity.
(b) Every taxicab for which a certificate is issued under this article shall be no more than ten (10) model years of age.
(c) No taxicab shall be placed in operation as a public vehicle, unless and until the same is found by the chief of police or designee, as he may deem necessary to make or cause to be made, to be in proper physical condition to render safe, adequate and proper public service and so as not to be a m...
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