STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Transportation & Infrastructure
AGENDA DATE: June 14, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Department of Aviation
EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 47A, “Transportation for Hire,” of the Dallas City Code by amending Sections 47A-2.3.3, 47A-2.4.8, and 47A-2.4.9; (1) updating transportation-for-hire vehicle quality standards; (2) amending certain transportation-for-hire rates and fares; (3) requiring the current fuel surcharge to be posted on hailable vehicles; (4) providing a penalty not to exceed $500.00; (5) providing a saving clause; (6) providing a severability clause; and (7) providing an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
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BACKGROUND
This action proposed is in response to transportation-for-hire stakeholders’ written and verbal petitions to amend the transportation-for-hire taxi rates and fares due to the pandemic, the current cost of living and its effect on their business. From their request, the Department of Aviation evaluated the transportation-for-hire taxi rates and fares and developed a rate structure based on comparable rates in similarly sized Texas municipalities.
The Department of Aviation elicited input from transportation for hire stakeholders and asked for their comments via in-person meetings as it pertained to the current cost of living and cost to operate as a taxi service. A review of the taxi rates and fares from comparable cities was conducted and it was determined that a taxi rate increase was needed. Therefore, efforts were made to develop an updated taxi rate structure best suited for transportation-for-hire stakeholders.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 28, 2013, the City Council remanded consideration of transportation-for-hire service regulations to the Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee by Resolution No. 13-1509.
The Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee was briefed on the transportation-for-hire service regulations on January 13, 2014.
The Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee held a special meeting to hear vendor presentation, receive public comments, and discuss transportation-for-hire service regulations on January 21, 2014.
The Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee was briefed on the proposed amendments to the transportation-for-hire service regulations on January 24, 2014.
The Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee was briefed on the proposed amendments to the transportation-for-hire service regulations submitted by the Transportation-for-Hire Workgroup and moved to forward the amendments to the full City Council for consideration and comment, and then to establish a public forum and comment period on May 27, 2014.
The City Council was briefed on the proposal amendments to the transportation-for-hire service regulations submitted by the Transportation-for-Hire Workgroup on August 6, 2014.
The Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee was briefed on the revised transportation-for-hire ordinance on September 8, 2014.
The Transportation and Trinity River Project Committee was briefed on the transportation-for-hire ordinance on November 17, 2014.
On December 10, 2014, the City Council approved the creation of Chapter 47A, “Transportation For Hire,” of the Dallas City Code by Ordinance No. 29596. The City Council has subsequently approved the following amendments to Chapter 47A:
On April 8, 2015, the City Council authorized amending an ordinance to Chapter 47A, Sections 47A- 1.6, 47A-2.24, 47A-2.28, and 47A-2.3.2, by Resolution No. 15-0712; Ordinance No. 29706.
On September 14, 2016, the City Council authorized amending an ordinance to Chapter 47A. 1-4, 47a-1.6, Sections 47A-1.6, 47A-2.2.4, 47A-2.28, and 47A-2.3.2, by Resolution No. 16-1439; Ordinance No. 29706.
On November 11, 2020, the City Council authorized amending an ordinance to Chapter 47A, “Transportation for Hire,” of the Dallas City Code by Resolution No. 20-1767, Ordinance No. 31689.
On April 27, 2022, the City Council authorized amending an ordinance to Chapter 47A “Transportation for Hire,” of the Dallas City Code by amending Sections 47A-1.6, by Resolution No. 22-0627; Ordinance No 32180.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was briefed on transportation-for-hire ordinance on May 15,2023.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City, however the impact will be to the transportation-for-hire vendors and customers.