§ 20-160. Rates.

(a)

Regular Taxicab Rates. The regular rates to be charged by taxicab drivers are as follows:

(1)

Three Dollars ($3.00) up to the first one-seventh (1/7) of a mile or part thereof traveled. In addition, a One Dollar ($1.00) per trip surcharge is imposed on any trip that originates between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.

(2)

Thirty cents ($.30) for each additional one-seventh (1/7) of a mile or part thereof, the first five cents ($.05) of which shall be paid directly and in its entirety to the driver, and shall not be subject to the provisions of any agreement between the driver and any Certificate Holder, Company or Association.

(3)

One Dollar ($1.00) for each additional passenger traveling to any point; provided, however, that one child less than six (6) years old traveling with an adult, and senior citizens aged sixty (60) and over and attendants providing physical assistance to handicapped individuals shall not be charged. The driver shall have the right to require proof of age from senior citizens.

(4)

In addition to the mileage charge, there shall be a time charge for any time that the vehicle is stopped or operating at a speed of under twelve (12) miles per hour at a rate of Twenty-five Cents ($.25) for each sixty (60) seconds.

(5)

Pets may be transported at the discretion of the driver; provided, however, that the driver shall transport any assistance dog or any licensed guide dog for the handicapped free of charge.

(6)

At the discretion of the driver, an appropriate fare can be demanded before departure.

(7)

A service charge of One Dollar ($1.00) shall be levied by the taxicab driver for any personal service rendered by the driver. However, there shall be no personal service charge levied on any person who is confined to a wheelchair, or is aged sixty (60) and over, or physically handicapped. There shall be no personal service charge for the removal and carrying of luggage or the use of the trunk of the taxicab, provided the passenger is physically handicapped.

(8)

The charge for the hiring of a taxicab and driver shall be Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) per hour plus mileage.

(9)

No fee shall be charged for transporting hand-carried luggage or packages. The charge for using the trunk of the taxicab shall be One Dollar ($1.00) in addition to all other fares.

(10)

During snow emergency conditions a Three Dollar ($3.00) per trip surcharge is imposed. Snow emergency conditions shall be determined by the County Executive.

(11)

A One Dollar ($1.00) per trip surcharge may be imposed for trips originating from a Destination Attraction.

(b)

The County Council may establish a fixed charge for trips by taxicabs that originate within the County to destination points within and outside of the County, notwithstanding federal or state laws or regulations.

(c)

Limousine Rates. A limousine duly registered under the provisions of this Subtitle shall carry passengers at rates set forth in an agreement with users.

(d)

On or before July 1 of each year, the Director shall perform a rate survey and submit recommendations to the County Executive for taxicab rate adjustments. The Director's review shall take into account any information relative to proposed rate adjustments submitted by representatives of the taxicab industry on or before May 1 of each year. Information submitted by representatives of the taxicab industry should compare current cost of taxicab operations prior to the adoption of the last rate adjustment and shall contain information as to the current profitability of the taxicab industry.

(e)

Prior to September 1 of each odd-numbered year, the County Executive shall transmit to the County Council his recommendations for any such taxicab rate adjustments.

(CB-127-1975; CB-95-1979; CB-67-1980; CB-132-1980; CB-131-1981; CB-49-1984; CB-24-1987; CB-129-1988; CB-97-1991; CB-49-2000; CB-3-2009; CB-9-2016)

Editor's note

CR-3-2009 amended Section 20-160(a)(1) and Section 20-160(a)(4). These amendments shall be abrogated and of no further force and effect on 4/16/2009.