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Home My WebLink AboutIR 8335 FI INFORUAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 83 19 NFORM To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 26, 2001 Subject: Ground Transportation Activity Report Ion On March 7, 2000, the City Council approved M&C 612845 establishing ordinance #14125 pertaining to taxicab operations. On June 6, 2000, the City Council took subsequent action changing the effective date of the ordinance to make it effective immediately. At a previous Pre-Council meeting, Councilman Picht requested an update as to taxicab-related activities. An update is herein provided. Additionally, based on 'these activities, staff is recommending certain changes to the taxicab ordinance. Information regarding these changes is also herein provided. The appropriate M&C and revised ordinance will be submitted for Council approval in June. The Ground Transportation function was placed in Municipal Court in July 2000. The Ground Transportation Coordinator position was filled in August 2000. Responsibility for all ground transportation functions was transferred from Police Department to Municipal Court effective October 2000. The information being provided in this informal report applies to the current fiscal year, from October 1, 2000 to March 31, 2001. Three companies have received authorization from the City Council to operate in the city of Fort Worth. The companies, the number of taxicabs authorized, the actual number of taxicabs operated by each company (i.e., operating decals issued by the City of Fort Worth), and number of driver permits issued are as follows: Company Taxicabs Decals Driver Permits Authorized Issued Issued Yellow Cab 150 150 438 Cowboy Cab 100 28 43 Executive Taxi 100 20 41 Total 350 198 522 According to the ordinance, permit applications can be denied or revoked if ordinance requirements are not met or are violated. A total of nine applicants for driver permits have been denied or revoked for outstanding warrants. Three driver permits have been revoked or denied due to other violations (lack of sponsorship, driver misconduct, and false statement on application). Of these denials and revocations, three drivers appealed the action. The hearing Officer upheld one of the actions (lack of sponsorship) and reversed two (outstanding warrant and false information on application). The ordinance includes requirements for taxicab appearance. Field inspections by the Ground Transportation Coordinator found several violations, such as cluttered interior or dirty exterior, which were addressed with the drivers and companies. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL-MEMBERS No. 8335 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 26, 2001 b )Z9 Page 2 of 4 's Ground Transportation Activity Report X Subject: The City Council has previously expressed concerns with the receipt and handling of citizen complaints. Eight complaints have been received during this time period. All of the complaints have been addressed by the driver and/or company. Resolutions included fare refunds, disciplinary actions, and permit revocations. Information regarding whom to contact to file a complaint or voice a concern has been included in the rate cards required in all taxicabs. Additionally, this information is being disseminated to the public through various means such as the City Page and cable television. Revenues received during this time period are as follows: Street Rental Fees $42,000.00 Driver Permits $10,925.00 Total $52,925.00 The City Council may recall a presentation by company representatives regarding payment of the street rental fees for all taxicabs authorized by the City Council. The company representative indicated the company was being required to operate and pay the grant of privilege fee for the number of cabs authorized by the City Council. A memo was sent to the City Council explaining this requirement which has been explained to the cab companies. The companies are not required to actually operate the authorized number of taxicabs; however, they are required to pay the street rental fees. Ordinance Changes Staff is recommending various changes to the taxicab ordinance based on observations and the recognition of areas that need to be addressed. An M&C and revised ordinance will be submitted in June for Council action. The following are highlights of the proposed ordinance changes: Applicant Requirements: Applicants must show proof to the Ground Transportation Coordinator of a certified Texas Defense Driving Course within the last six months. Taxicab drivers must have City permit attached to upper outer clothing. The driver of the taxi shall remain within 25 feet of his or her taxicab while occupying a taxicab stand. A taxicab driver shall not obstruct entrances or passageways of any sidewalk or building. $10 Fee for new permit due to change of holder $5 Fee for replacement of lost driver permit ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS NO. 2:3 5, TE,9 coo IRO June 26, 2001 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council kir A 7z).. Page 3 of 4 got X Subject: Im Ground Transportation Activity Report Street Rental Fees: The street rental fee will equal two hundred dollars ($200.00) per taxicab if the holder runs exclusively on alternative fuel. The street rental fee will equal three hundred dollars ($300.00) per taxicab if the holder does not run exclusively on alternative fuel. In the event the grant of privilege begins or ends on a date other than January 1 , the fees will be prorated on a quarterly basis. Dress Standards: Minor provisions added regarding attire. Ground Transportation Coordinator Authority: fg Ground Transportation Coordinator upon notice and hearing may suspend the permit of any taxicab driver for up to thirty (30) days. Coordinator may write a citation for ordinance violations. Taxicab Inspections: Create Inspection Fee of$25.00 per vehicle inspection. If taxicab passes such inspection, the City shall issue a decal to be displayed on the right rear window. A City decal can be removed from a taxicab that fails to meet the minimum standards for appearance, condition, age or equipment. Grant Holder's Insurance Responsibilities The holder shall furnish the City with a copy of the insurance binder together with all endorsements at time of application. Holder will provide the City a copy of the insurance policy within forty-five (45) days. The policy shall be written on an occurring basis. All claims will be paid on first dollar basis by the insurance provider. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No, 8335 4,�pgTERO To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 26, 2001 Page 4 of 4 NX Subject: ran Ground Transportation Activity Report Fines: Staff is proposing fines for the various ordinance violations. As indicated previously, the Ground Transportation Coordinator along with any other authorized officer may issue a citation. Suggested fines range from $115 plus court costs for a taximeter or vehicle requirement violation to $150.00 plus court costs for a grant of privilege violation. Fees Proposed: Staff is also proposed the creation of various fees to recoup costs related to a particular activity as follows: Inspection Fee (semi-annual) $25 Re-inspection Fee (new decal) $10 Lost Permit $ 5 Change of Holder (new permit) $10 Potential new revenue from collection of these fees is estimated at $20,750.00. Overall estimated annual revenue from taxicab activities is as follows: Street Rental Fees 350 cabs @ $300 $105,000 Driver Permits 800 drivers @ $25 $ 20,000 New Fees $ 20,750 Total Estimated Annual Revenues $145,750 Please do not hesitate to contact Assistant City Manager Charles Boswell or Elsa Paniagua, Municipal Court Director, if you have any questions. Gary W. Jackson City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS