Record No: CB 120653    Version: Council Bill No: CB 120653
Type: Ordinance (Ord) Status: Passed
Current Controlling Legislative Body City Clerk
On agenda: 12/12/2023
Ordinance No: Ord 126977
Title: AN ORDINANCE relating to taxicabs and for-hire vehicles; separating and amending taxicab and for-hire vehicle industry regulations; adding a new Chapter 6.311 to the Seattle Municipal Code; and amending Sections 11.14.235 and 15.17.005 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
Sponsors: Teresa Mosqueda
Attachments: 1. Summary and Fiscal Note
Supporting documents: 1. Presentation, 2. Amendment 1- Substitute, 3. Amendment 2, 4. Central Staff Memo, 5. Central Staff Memo Attachment A, 6. Central Staff Memo Attachment B, 7. FAS Presentation (added 12/6/23), 8. Central Staff Memo (CBs 120652, 120653, 120656; 12/12/23), 9. Amendment A, 10. Signed Ordinance 126977, 11. Affidavit of Publication
Related files: CB 120656, CB 120652
CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
title
AN ORDINANCE relating to taxicabs and for-hire vehicles; separating and amending taxicab and for-hire vehicle industry regulations; adding a new Chapter 6.311 to the Seattle Municipal Code; and amending Sections 11.14.235 and 15.17.005 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
body
WHEREAS, Seattle desires to comprehensively regulate for-hire transportation industries, including taxicabs and for-hire vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the City has implemented new policies over the last few years to help the operators of taxicabs and for-hire vehicles navigate the loss of business during the COVID pandemic and subsequent economic recession; and
WHEREAS, industry participants have requested legislation to modernize licensing and operating requirements and align them with the City's values of equity, fairness, shared prosperity, and transparency; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to allow for regional operation of all licensed taxicabs and for-hire vehicles, implement new taximeter technology, offer the option to apply for an enhanced for-hire driver's license, and convert all for-hire vehicles into taxicabs; and
WHEREAS, requiring transitional regional dispatch agencies or regional dispatch agencies to implement new taximeter technology could result in increased deductions for dispatch services that negatively impact a driver's ability to earn a living wage and capping such deductions at ten percent of the fare paid by the passenger could protect driver payments from unrestricted deductions for dispatch services and support a living wage; and
WHEREAS, the City is committed to ensuring that drivers benefit from new regulations and experience equitable opportunities for compensation within the for-hire transportation industry; and
WHEREAS, the City is a leader on establishing practices that support economic security, and contribute to a fair, healthy, and vibrant economy; and
WHEREAS, the City partners wit...

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