§ 98-54. Taxicab Driver Code of Conduct.

The following rules and regulations shall govern drivers of taxicabs:

(1)

A taxicab driver shall, while on standby and at the passenger's request, remain at an agreed upon safe and legal location, and with the taximeter activated when required, until the passenger returns or otherwise dismisses the taxicab.

(2)

A taxicab driver shall not refuse to activate or turn off the heating or air conditioning system upon customer request.

(3)

A driver shall not refuse to transport in a taxicab:

a.

Any passenger's wheelchair, which can be folded and placed in the passenger, driver or trunk compartment of a taxicab; groceries or packages when accompanied by a passenger; personal luggage, possessions, or small pets in carriers. The driver shall not be required to transport any article that would cause the taxicab to become damaged, stained or foul smelling.

b.

Any passenger's service animal, including any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, without justification, or intentionally interfere with the use of a service animal by harassing or obstructing the passenger or his or her service animal.

(4)

A driver shall not operate a taxicab that contains a taximeter which is not properly sealed, accurate, and in good working condition. The taximeter shall not: be removable; be installed in a way that makes it possible to tamper with the rate setting mechanisms; or be equipped with unapproved devices attached to any part of the taximeter or its wiring harness. The taximeter's installation and operation shall be in compliance with all Louisiana laws.

(5)

When the fare charged is calculated on a per mile traveled, or portion thereof, basis, a driver must activate the taximeter at the beginning of each trip and deactivate the taximeter upon completion of the trip. If the driver arrives early on a "time-order," the driver shall not activate the taximeter before the prearranged time, or before the passenger is seated, whichever is earlier.

(6)

A driver shall ensure that the approved taximeter rate is set at all times. The taximeter shall not contain any unauthorized rate or extra charges which can facilitate the perpetration of a fraud.

(7)

A driver shall ensure that the taximeter reading is visible to passengers at all times.

(Ord. No. O-179-2015, § 3, 8-18-15)