Taxicab company owners shall be responsible for registering their taxicabs with the Columbus Police Department and must obtain a registration/inspection permit. The following procedures shall apply:

(a) The taxicab company owner shall be responsible for submitting a completed registration application, in a form supplied by the Columbus Police Department, to the Columbus Police Department each year:

(1) Taxicab company owner's name and address and identifying information for each taxicab owned to include make, model, tag, VIN, taxicab company vehicle number, insurance).

(2) Safety and taximeter inspection certification from a Licensed Garage approved by the Columbus Police Department.

(b) After submission of a completed registration application and a satisfactory taxicab safety and taximeter certification, the Columbus Police Department, or its designee, shall inspect interior and exterior of taxicab(s) for cleanliness, body damage, proper identification numbers, proper display of maximum rates of fare, proper display of a barcoded sticker provided by the Taxicab Commission providing contact information and a link to its website on the rear interior passenger window of each taxicab, and inspection of the taximeter for accuracy and proper operation. For each taxicab of the taxicab company owner's that pass inspection and the registration application and safety certification are complete, the Columbus Police Department shall issue a registration/inspection permit, valid for one year.

(c) The taxicab company owner shall be responsible for properly installing and displaying the annual Columbus Police Department registration/inspection permit on the left rear bumper area of each taxicab. Permits are not transferable from one taxicab to another.

The chief of police shall have the power to revoke or deny the registration/inspection of a taxicab where the color scheme or company name is deemed similar to the color scheme or name of another taxicab company so as to confuse the public as to the identity of the different taxicab companies. The taxicab company name shall be affixed on the taxicab's right and left front doors and rear trunk area in letters no less than three inches in height, and in a contrasting color to the background color. The maximum fares set forth in paragraphs (a) and (d) of section 21-9 shall be displayed on the left and right rear sides of the taxicab, in letters no less than one inch in height, and in contrasting colors different than the background. Although, a lower flat or discounted rate for any particular trip may be offered to the customer, only the maximum fare set by ordinance shall be displayed on the exterior of the cab in compliance with this provision. Additionally, identifying numbers assigned by a taxicab company shall be affixed on the left and right front fenders and rear trunk area, in numbers no less than three inches in height, in a contrasting color to the background color. When a taxicab is removed from service with a taxicab company, the owner of the taxicab shall remove or permanently cover all taxicab signs, rate signs, and company pickup tags from such taxicab before the owner can operate such vehicle on the streets of Columbus. The chief of police shall have the power to revoke or to deny the registration/inspection of a taxicab for failing to meet any of the above requirements.

Sec. 21-9. - Maximum rates of fare

The maximum allowable rates of fare are as follows:

(a) Each taximeter shall run throughout each trip and shall provide for a maximum rate for one passenger of $2.00 for the first one-sixth mile or fraction thereof, and $0.33 for each additional one-sixth mile or fraction thereof.

(b) Any flat rate or discounted fare offered a passenger must be equal to or less than the shown metered fare upon arrival at the passenger's destination.

(c) Waiting time shall not be more than $0.35 per minute and shall not exceed $21.00 per hour.

(d) Every taxicab shall be private except that, with the consent of passengers occupying the taxicab, additional passengers may be conveyed for a portion, or the entire trip desired by the passenger first occupying such taxicab. When additional passengers are picked up, no more than $2.00 shall be added for each additional passenger. Seniors over 55, children under 12, care givers, guides and service animals are exempt from the additional passenger fee.

(e) For the delivery of food or merchandise unaccompanied by passengers, $3.00 plus the cab fare from the point of picking up the food or merchandise to the point of delivery may be charged.

(f) The pullout fee from the Columbus Metropolitan Airport shall not exceed the amount set forth by the Columbus Airport Commission.

(g) The maximum fares set forth in paragraphs (a) and (d) of this section shall be displayed on the left and right rear sides of the taxicab, in letters no less than one inch in height, and in contrasting colors different than the background. Although, a lower flat rate or discounted fare may be offered to a passenger, only the maximum fare set by ordinance shall be displayed on the exterior of the cab in compliance with this provision. In addition, the exterior of the cab may, if applicable, display a statement indicating that lower or discounted fares may be available.

(h) A driver's permit shall be automatically revoked for three years upon the conviction of a driver for overcharging a passenger or customer.

(i) No maximum fares set forth herein shall be interpreted to prohibit a driver from collecting and remitting sales tax on the fares charged as required by the laws and regulations of the State of Georgia.