9.52.095 Accessible taxi service.
A. Prior to assigning a driver to an accessible taxi the Taxi Company and taxi driver shall demonstrate to Finance Department that the taxi driver is competent to operate an accessible taxi by demonstrating the following:
1. Driver knowledge and operation of the lift system;
2. Driver knowledge and operation of the restrain system; and
3. Driver knowledge of the User manuals and equipment operating manuals.
B. Priority for Passengers with Assistive Devices. Operators and Drivers of accessible taxis shall grant priority to requests for service from passengers who use ambulatory aids, and may not accept any other service request while en route to a dispatched call from a person who uses an ambulatory aid. In the absence of a request for service by a passenger who uses an ambulatory aid, a Accessible Taxi may transport any person.
C. Drivers of accessible taxis must provide the following services:
1. Assist the passenger from the curbside to the vehicle;
2. Assist the passenger from the vehicle to the curbside;
3. Secure the passenger within the vehicle;
4. Wait for the passenger at the curbside for at least ten (10) minutes after the agreed upon pickup time; and
5. The taxi company owner, dispatcher or driver shall confirm the agreed upon pickup time at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to arriving at the location.
D. Accessible Taxi Pickups per Month. Every Taxi Business Owner that operates a Accessible Taxi must ensure that the operation of the Accessible Taxi makes at least eight pick-ups per month of persons with disabilities. If the Taxi Business Owner fails to meet this requirement three times within a six-month period, the Accessible Taxi Permit shall be revoked and reassigned to individuals on the Waiting List. A record of accessible taxi service shall be maintained pursuant to Section 9.52.130.
E. Safe Operating Condition. All Accessible Taxis must be maintained in a safe operating condition. All business owners and drivers operating an Accessible Taxi are jointly and severally responsible for ensuring that all accessible taxis for which they hold permits meet all equipment requirements listed in this Section. Any accessible taxi may be removed from service for any violation of this Section until the violation is corrected and the vehicle is re-inspected and approved for service.
F. Adaptive Equipment. Vehicle conversions and the installation or placement of any adaptive equipment shall be done by a facility with individuals certified or licensed to perform vehicle conversions and equipment installations. Adaptive equipment installations shall not interfere with the driver’s visibility or the operation of any original manufacturer’s equipment. The adaptive equipment operator’s manual shall be in the vehicle at all times.
G. All lifts shall be powered by electric or hydraulic systems. Lift ramps shall be no less than thirty (30) inches wide. Lift capacity shall be no less than 500 pounds. (Ord. 7336-NS § 4, 2014)