§ 98-53. Driver Code of Conduct.

The following rules and regulations shall govern drivers of all vehicles for hire:

(1)

A driver shall not commit or engage in any unlawful act while on duty.

(2)

A driver shall not drink an alcoholic beverage or have in his or her possession an open container of any alcoholic beverage while on duty.

(3)

A driver shall not buy or sell alcoholic beverages while on duty.

(4)

A driver shall not enter any bar, as defined in section 6-1 of this Code, while on duty except for the purpose of announcing arrival to a prospective passenger.

(5)

A driver shall not be under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, as defined in section 6-1 of this Code, or any drug which may impair driving ability, while on duty.

(6)

A driver shall not knowingly use, sell, handle or transport illegal narcotics at any time.

(7)

A driver shall not give any information as to where narcotics may be obtained for illegal purposes.

(8)

A driver shall not solicit, procure or give information regarding, or take any passenger to, any person or establishment for the purpose of prostitution or any other illegal activity.

(9)

A driver shall not use a scanner or other type of receiver that is capable of monitoring another permit holder's assigned radio frequency or dispatch system.

(10)

A driver shall not offer or pay any bribe or gratuity to any employee or agent of a hotel, motel, business establishment, or public or private agency or organization for the privilege of providing taxicab services to the customers, clients, employees or agents thereof.

(11)

A driver shall not litter in violation of section 34-200 of this Code.

(12)

A driver shall have in his or her immediate possession a valid chauffer's license and Police Department issued license while in charge of or driving a vehicle for hire and shall present the licenses upon request by a police officer.

(13)

A driver shall not be in charge of or drive a vehicle for hire that does not carry proof of required vehicle insurance or financial responsibility.

(14)

A driver shall at all times drive or park the vehicle for hire:

a.

In a safe, careful, and prudent manner.

b.

In compliance with this Code and Louisiana law.

(15)

A driver shall not permit anyone who is not a passenger to sit in the vehicle for hire while the driver is on duty. Exception: A driver trainer or trainee may be seated in the front seat during normal training sessions.

(16)

A driver shall provide exceptional customer service and provide service with the goal of maintaining a favorable public image for the public transportation service industry and the City-Parish, including but not limited to the following.

a.

A driver shall assist a passenger by placing luggage, packages, and wheelchairs in and out of the vehicle when requested.

b.

A driver shall assist a passenger in and out of a vehicle when requested, provided that the driver is not required to lift the passenger.

c.

A driver shall not request payment of fare in advance of delivery of passenger to the passenger's desired location except that a deposit up to the estimated amount of the fare may be collected in advance to show the passenger's ability to pay.

d.

A driver shall not ask for the passenger's destination until the passenger is seated in the vehicle.

e.

No operator of any vehicle for hire shall refuse service to a potential passenger solely on the basis of trip length and/or amount of fare.

f.

A driver shall not dismiss or discharge any passenger at a point other than the requested destination without adequate cause and, in such case, shall discharge the passenger only at a safe, well-lighted place convenient to public transportation. A driver shall immediately notify the supervisor on duty of any incident of passenger discharge at a point other than the requested destination and note on the waybill the time, date, supervisor's name, and other details of the incident.

g.

The driver or operator of any vehicle for hire shall, upon the request of the passenger, give a written receipt to the passenger showing the vehicle's permit number, the time and the date, the points of origin and discharge, and the cost of the fare.

h.

A driver shall maintain the interior and exterior of the vehicle in a clean condition and in good repair.

i.

A driver shall not accept any additional passengers while the vehicle is engaged unless requested by the fare-paying passenger of the vehicle.

j.

A driver shall not charge an additional fare for any additional passengers accepted to the same destination unless such a per person fee is posted on the card referenced in subsection 98-47(e).

k.

A driver shall not request, demand, arrange for, or collect any compensation in an amount greater than (i.e., overcharge) the posted rate applicable to the service provided; provided however, that a driver may accept, but not request or demand, a tip.

l.

A driver shall use the shortest, most economical and most direct available route on all trips unless otherwise specifically requested or approved by the passenger and except for approved flat rate fares.

m.

A driver shall not attempt to influence or unnecessarily change the destination of a passenger.

n.

A driver shall not accept payment of a fare, fee or gratuity from anyone other than the passenger or the passenger's agent.

o.

A driver shall inform the permit holder immediately, and turn over to the proper person as soon as reasonably practicable, all found articles of property left by passengers in the driver's vehicle. A driver may not charge a customer to return his or her property.

(17)

A driver shall wear clothes that are neat and clean, and be well groomed at all times while on duty.

(18)

A driver shall provide prompt, efficient service, conduct him or herself in a professional manner, and be courteous at all times to the general public, other drivers, and to LCG officials and employees.

(19)

Verbal abuse, physical abuse (threatened or otherwise), throwing objects, unwanted or inappropriate touching or conversation, and profanity are prohibited.

(20)

A driver shall not refuse to transport any person except for the following reasons:

a.

The driver has already been dispatched on another call.

b.

The passenger is acting in a disorderly or threatening manner, or otherwise causes the driver to reasonably believe that his or her health or safety, or that of others, may be endangered.

c.

There is a reasonable expectation that the passenger may cause the vehicle to become stained or foul smelling.

d.

The passenger requires the use of a stretcher.

e.

The passenger cannot, upon request, show an ability to pay the fare.

f.

The passenger requests a destination outside of the Parish of Lafayette.

A driver shall immediately notify the supervisor on duty of any incident of service refusal specified in this subsection and note on the waybill the time, date, supervisor's name, and other details of the incident.

(21)

A driver shall not prohibit a passenger from exiting the vehicle, except to comply with paragraph (16)f. of this section.

(22)

A driver shall not smoke in the vehicle while transporting passengers.

(23)

No driver shall refuse service to a potential passenger or otherwise discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, ethnicity, national origin, or disability.

(Ord. No. O-179-2015, § 3, 8-18-15)