§ 41-50. Rates of fare prescribed.  


Latest version.
  • (a)

    Generally. Unless otherwise provided in this article, the rates prescribed by this section shall be charged and collected for the transportation of passengers by a taxicab, and no different rate shall at any time be charged or collected for such service.

    (b)

    Meter rates. Except as otherwise provided in this division, the rates used to calculate the charge for service by taxicabs shall be determined exclusively by taximeters, regardless of the destination, whether within or beyond the corporate limits of the city, and shall be as follows:

    For the first one-seventh (1/7) of a mile the rate shall be two dollars and seventy-five cents ($2.75), and for each additional one-seventh (1/7) of a mile the rate shall be thirty cents ($0.30).

    (c)

    Additional charges. Additional charges based upon the meter mileage may also be levied for such destinations outside the city so long as the taxicab driver provides the passenger(s) with a written rate sheet prior to engagement of the taximeter which clearly identifies the additional charges and the passenger(s) sign(s) the rate sheet agreeing to pay the additional charges. In lieu of using the taximeter and charging an additional fare, taxicab drivers may charge a flat rate for discharges outside the city so long as the driver provides the passenger(s) with a written rate sheet prior to hire which clearly identifies the flat rate charge and the passenger(s) sign(s) the rate sheet agreeing to pay the flat rate.

    (d)

    Waiting time charges. Taxicabs may charge thirty cents ($0.30) for each one (1) minute of waiting time. Waiting time shall include: (i) the time when the taxicab is stopped or moving at a speed less than twelve (12) miles per hour, (ii) the time when the taxicab is not in motion beginning five (5) minutes after its time of arrival at the place to which it has been initially called, and (iii) the time consumed while it is standing or waiting at the direction of the passenger. No charge shall be made for time lost on account of inefficiency of the taxicab or its operation or time consumed by premature response to a call.

    (e)

    Baggage, parcels, etc. Taxicabs may charge an additional total sum of fifty cents ($0.50) for transportation of up to five (5) parcels or baggage, other than ordinary handbags. A charge of an additional total sum of seventy-five cents ($0.75) may be made for the transportation of more than five (5) parcels or baggage, other than ordinary handbags. A charge of five dollars ($5.00) may be made for the transportation of non-pedestrian carried items, or the driver may refuse to transport such items.

    (f)

    Elderly and handicapped discounts; military discounts. The certificate holder of a taxicab may authorize his taxicab drivers to offer transportation and services to passengers at a reduced fare upon receipt of satisfactory proof that such passenger is sixty (60) years of age or older, or is qualified for the Handi-Ride program operated by the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads or successor. Proof of entitlement to such a discount may be by presentment of a Medicare card or a Handi-Ride card, and satisfactory proof of the identity of the holder of such card, or by any other proof that may be deemed satisfactory in lieu thereof. Additionally, the certificate holder of a taxicab may authorize his taxicab drivers to offer transportation and services to passengers at a reduced fare upon receipt of satisfactory proof that such passenger is an active duty member or veteran of the United States Armed Forces. The size of such discounts shall be predetermined and filed by the certificate holder with the chief of police prior to offering such discounts to qualified passengers. Such discounts shall be applied to all qualifying passengers equally.

    (g)

    Receipt. A taxicab driver shall provide a receipt indicating the driver's name, the time, date, place of origin and destination of the trip, taxicab company name and vehicle number, and the amount of the final fare and charges when requested to do so by a passenger.

    (h)

    Intercity rates. Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, taxicabs operating under a certificate, or the equivalent, from another locality which are transporting passengers from outside the city to a destination within the city may charge the rates of fare prescribed by such other locality in lieu of the rates prescribed herein.

    (i)

    Airport flat rate. A minimum fare of ten dollars ($10.00) will apply to all taxicab rides originating at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport.

    (j)

    Toll charges. Taxicabs may charge an additional fee to cover toll charges, as permitted by section 41-137 of this Code.

    (Ord. No. 6428-07, § 1; Ord. No. 6851-12, § 1; Ord. No. 6861-12, § 1; Ord. No. 7391-17)

    Editor's note— Ord. No. 6861-12 shall be in effect on and after May 1, 2012.

(Ord. No. 6428-07, § 1; Ord. No. 6851-12, § 1; Ord. No. 6861-12, § 1; Ord. No. 7391-17)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 6861-12 shall be in effect on and after May 1, 2012.