Chapter 5.08
FOR-HIRE PASSENGER CARRIERS
Sections:
5.08.010 Need to regulate carrying passengers for hire.
5.08.020 License – Required – Fee.
5.08.030 License – Application.
5.08.040 License – Investigation – Issuance or denial.
5.08.050 License – One authorized.
5.08.060 License – Cancellation.
5.08.070 Drivers to be approved.
5.08.100 Out-of-city operators.
5.08.010 Need to regulate carrying passengers for hire.
The city declares it necessary to regulate and to limit the number of operators and vehicles permitted to carry passengers for hire within the city to ensure the safety and welfare of the general public. (Ord. 317 § 1, 1981).
5.08.020 License – Required – Fee.
Every person, firm, or corporation must first obtain a license from the city to carry passengers for hire to or from any point within the city. All licenses shall expire on December 31st of each year. The fee for such license shall be $30.00 per year for each vehicle if granted prior to July 1st of the year, and $15.00 for each vehicle if granted after July 1st of such year. No licensee shall operate more than four vehicles. No license granted hereunder shall be assignable or transferable. (Ord. 317 § 2, 1981).
5.08.030 License – Application.
To obtain a license for carrying passengers for hire, an application must be made in writing to the city council containing the following information:
A. Name and address of applicant;
B. Make and serial number of each vehicle to be licensed;
C. Number of passengers each vehicle may carry;
D. Current state license number;
E. Amount and character of insurance carried on each vehicle;
F. Name and address of all drivers to be used;
G. Compliance with all state requirements required of vehicles carrying passengers for hire. (Ord. 317 § 7, 1981).
5.08.040 License – Investigation – Issuance or denial.
A. The application described in TMC 5.08.030, prior to action thereon by the council, shall be referred to the chief of police who shall investigate the driving record of each driver and compliance of all vehicles with all applicable laws and the requirements of this chapter. The chief of police shall then make a report to the city council concerning such application. No driver shall be authorized or permitted to drive a vehicle carrying passengers for hire without first having a clearance from the chief of police. No such clearance shall be permitted for any person not having a Washington State driver’s license or who has been convicted of a gross misdemeanor or felony within the previous five years.
B. After receiving such application and report of the chief of police, the council then may authorize the issuance of a license upon payment of the required fee, or, if in the judgment of the council it is contrary to the public’s interest and safety, it may deny such application for license. (Ord. 317 § 7, 1981).
5.08.050 License – One authorized.
The city shall not issue licenses to carry passengers for hire to more than one carrier, who may be either an individual, firm and/or corporation. (Ord. 317 § 3, 1981).
5.08.060 License – Cancellation.
The city council, for any reason deemed by it sufficient, may at any time cancel any licenses granted hereunder. (Ord. 317 § 9, 1981).
5.08.070 Drivers to be approved.
No driver shall operate a vehicle carrying passengers for hire who does not have clearance from the chief of police as a qualified driver pursuant to this chapter. The conviction of any driver authorized to drive a vehicle licensed hereunder of the violation of any state law or city ordinance of a criminal nature shall disqualify such driver to operate a licensed vehicle under this chapter and shall be grounds for revoking the license. (Ord. 317 § 8, 1981).
5.08.080 Hours of operation.
A licensee is required to be available for calls 24 hours a day. (Ord. 317 § 4, 1981).
5.08.090 Schedule of fares.
A schedule of fares must be prominently posted in a place where patrons may readily see such schedule in all for-hire vehicles and the office of the licensee, and must be filed with the city clerk-treasurer. No licensee shall charge more than the posted fares for any passenger. (Ord. 317 § 5, 1981).
5.08.100 Out-of-city operators.
No for-hire vehicles licensed by other towns, cities, or counties shall operate within Tonasket without a license from Tonasket and shall not make any pickup of passengers in Tonasket except on request by a patron. (Ord. 317 § 6, 1981).