§ 38-27. Service charges and fare rates.

(a)

Each company or driver that exclusively accepts trips that are paid from a membership or account with the company, exclusively accepts trips that are prearranged via telephone or digital communication, or exclusively accepts trips that are pre-paid in full:

(1)

May charge any type of fare, including a flat fare, a fare based on distance travelled, a fare based on time elapsed, or a fare based on a combination of distance travelled and time elapsed; provided that, the company shall disclose to the passenger its standard fare calculation method on its website or within the digital network or software application that it uses to accept trips from passengers. If the fare calculation will vary from the standard method, the passenger must affirmatively acknowledge and agree to the alternative fare in writing or via the digital network or software application, before the trip commences or any fares are charged to the prospective passenger. If a written form is used, a copy of the form shall be given (or sent electronically) to the passenger and a copy shall be retained by the VFH company. Upon request, a fare estimate shall be provided to the passenger before the trip commences;

(2)

Is prohibited from soliciting potential passengers by words or gestures for immediate patronage of a VFH that is parked, stopped, standing, or moving upon any street; and

(3)

Is prohibited from accepting or responding to passengers' or potential passengers' requests-for-service via traditional street hails, including hand gestures and verbal statements.

(b)

Each company or driver that does not meet the requirements of subsection (a) above:

(1)

Shall have rate cards/stickers that set forth the rate of fare and minimum fare, which may be set by PMZ. Rate cards/stickers shall measure at least four (4) inches by seven (7) inches and shall be displayed in full view both on the inside of the front windshield at the roof line of the passenger side and in a conspicuous place on the inside rear windows of the VFH, so that passengers in the VFH can readily determine the exact rate of fare and charges due. All rate cards/stickers shall state in legible type: the base rate(s) of fare, including any minimum fare(s), and any additional charges, such as for bags and luggage. Additionally, the same information shall be displayed on a sign outside the VFH consisting of lettering not less than one (1) inch in size for all information. Upon request, a fare estimate shall be provided to the passenger before the trip commences.

(2)

Shall equip their vehicle(s)-for-hire with taximeters fastened in a manner so that the face of the taximeter shall be visible and readable to passengers at all times. The face of the taximeter shall be set so that it will register and compute on a mileage basis while the VFH is moving and on a time basis while the VFH is standing, and while the service is being rendered the base fare to be charged. The taximeter shall be used for all trips; and the fare charged shall be that shown on the taximeter, plus any posted extra passenger or other charges. The taximeter must not be adjusted or programmed in any way as would tend to mislead or deceive the public. A certificate of calibration of said taximeter shall be provided to the parish upon initial application and with each company renewal application. All taximeters shall be subject to inspection on demand by PMZ.

(3)

May establish a minimum fare per call for service or per trip. If such a minimum fare is established and utilized, it shall be posted on the company rate cards/stickers. When a minimum fare is established and utilized, the taximeter shall still be used for the trip, but the minimum fare may be charged when the minimum fare exceeds the amount of the taximeter.

(4)

May utilize an alternative fare calculation other than that set forth in this subsection (b) above, provided the passenger affirmatively acknowledges and agrees to the alternative fare structure in writing or via the company's digital network or software application before the trip commences or any fare is charged to the prospective passenger. If a written form is used, a copy of the form shall be given (or sent electronically) to the passenger and a copy shall be retained by the VFH company.

(5)

Shall be subject to additional limitations, as administered by PMZ, regarding the number of vehicles operating in the parish, which shall not exceed a total of three hundred four (304) such vehicles.

(c)

Upon payment for any VFH ride, a company or driver shall immediately provide to the rider a receipt in writing or electronically. The receipt shall include the following:

(1)

The company's name and the driver's first name;

(2)

Date and time of the ride, including (if applicable) trip identification number;

(3)

Distance of trip, including the point of origin and ultimate destination;

(4)

Total fare paid, including the base fare and any additional or alternative charges;

(5)

Vehicle number and description;

(6)

The company's customer service telephone number or e-mail address; and

(7)

Words "Department of Property Maintenance Zoning/Quality of Life (www.jeffparish.net/pmz). For compliments or concerns, please email [e-mail] or call [phone]."

(d)

Advertised fares must include the various forms of payment accepted. Any division from the advertised forms of payment must be disclosed and affirmatively acknowledged by the passenger.

(e)

A company shall maintain all receipts for a period of at least three (3) years. Such records may only be accessed when a PMZ complaint number or Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office complaint number has been generated. Upon request by PMZ or the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, such receipts shall be made available within seventy-two (72) hours.

(f)

On an annual basis, a company shall provide aggregated, not personally-identifiable passenger and trip data to PMZ.

(g)

A company or driver may not increase rates during a state of emergency as declared by the governor or parish governing authority, except as permissible according to R.S. 29:732.

(Ord. No. 25219 , § 1, 9-21-16)