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[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Port Chester 2-1-1999 by L.L. No. 3-1999.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Fees — See Ch. 175.
Licensed occupations — See Ch. 206.
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 319.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law also repealed former Chapter 295, Taxicabs, adopted 2-10-1982 by L.L. No. 6-1982, as amended.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BOARD
The Board of Trustees of said Village.
CLERK
The Clerk of said Village, and the Board's designee with respect to administration of the provisions of this chapter, unless otherwise stated to the contrary.
DISPATCH COMPANY
Any person(s), corporation, partnership or other entity that solicits or receives requests for taxi service.
OWNER
Any person having title to one or more vehicles used for hire as taxicabs upon the streets of the Village of Port Chester.
PERSON
One or more persons of either sex, corporations, partnerships, associations, joint-stock companies, societies and all other entities of any kind capable of being sued.
RATE DECAL
A decal on which is printed the tariff rates in said Village as provided in this chapter shall be displayed conspicuously by being affixed to the rear of the front passenger seat or headrest and should not only post the fares for trips within the Village, but also advise passengers that fares for outside the Village are to be determined by agreement in advance of a trip, in a decal of uniform size as prescribed by the Village Clerk. The rate card shall be issued to the owner of the vehicle.
[Amended 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009]
STREET
Any street, alley, avenue, court, bridge, lane, public place or shopping center in the Village of Port Chester.
TAXI AND LIMOUSINE COMMSSION
The Westchester Taxi and Limousine Commission.
[Added 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009]
TAXICAB
Any motor vehicle engaged in the business of carrying persons for hire within the limits of the Village of Port Chester, whether the same is operated from a street stand or subject to calls from a garage, or otherwise operated for hire, except vehicles subject to the provisions of the Transportation Law or used by undertakers in carrying on their business.
TAXICAB LICENSE
Permission granted to any person to own or register a vehicle for hire as a taxicab in said Village.
TAXICAB OPERATOR
Any person who operates a taxicab, whether such person is the owner of such taxicab or registrant of such taxicab or employed to operate such taxicab.
TAXICAB STAND
Any place alongside the curb of a street or elsewhere which is exclusively reserved for the use of taxicabs.
TAXI OPERATOR'S LICENSE
Permission granted to any person to operate a taxicab in said Village.
VILLAGE
The Village of Port Chester.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any taxicab without first having obtained and paid for a license to operate a taxicab, and having the same in force and effect, under the provisions of this chapter.
[Amended 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009; 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
No person shall operate a taxicab and no owner or registrant or dispatcher shall permit anyone to operate a taxicab within the Village without such operator having first obtained and paid for and having in full force and effect a taxi operator's license as provided in this chapter. Evidence of said licensing shall be conspicuously displayed inside the taxicab so that it is visible to passengers.
[Added 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
A. 
An application for a taxi operator's license shall be made upon blank forms furnished by the Village to the Village Clerk. Such application shall contain a statement giving:
(1) 
The name and address of the operator.
(2) 
Phone number.
(3) 
E-mail address.
(4) 
Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission car municipal driver's permit number.
(5) 
Municipal car driver's permit expiration date.
(6) 
Name of taxicab owner driving for (if applicable).
(7) 
Name of dispatching company affiliated with.
B. 
The following items are to be submitted with the completed application:
(1) 
Copy of current Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission municipal car driver's permit.
(2) 
Two passport-size photographs.
(3) 
Application fee in an amount as provided in Chapter 175, Fees.
C. 
All taxi operator's licenses shall expire on December 31 of each year.
D. 
Applications for renewal shall be made by the taxi operator to the Village Clerk on blank forms furnished by the Village to the Village Clerk within 30 days of the expiration, accompanied by evidence of a current license from the Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission and renewal application fee as provided In Chapter 175, Fees.
E. 
A taxi operator must immediately notify the Village Clerk, in writing, when he/she affiliates with a different dispatching company.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 295-4, Application for taxi operator's license was repealed 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009.
A. 
The Board of Trustees shall appoint a board consisting of seven responsible citizens of the Village, and it shall be known as the "Board of Taxi Commissioners." There shall be an alternate member of the Taxi Commission who shall have a term of three years and have the same authority of a regular member in the event that his or her presence is required to constitute a quorum. The Board of Taxi Commissioners shall meet on no less than a quarterly basis and report to the Board of Trustees on the administration of the Taxi Code. The term of office should be for three years on a rotating basis.
B. 
Appearance; appeals.
[Amended 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009; 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
(1) 
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Taxi Commission may request any Village licensee to appear before it for a hearing based upon any complaint against such licensee relative to the provisions of this chapter or any other applicable local or state law. Upon request, the Taxi Commission shall receive from the Justice Court all reports of any convictions for which a summons was issued and shall, upon request, be provided copies of complaints received by the Police Department and complaints received from the public, and copies of all accidents involving the licensee. The licensee shall be given the opportunity to be heard, including the right to present witnesses, confront his or her accuser and the right to cross-examine witnesses against him or her. After a hearing, the Taxi Commission may suspend or revoke any such license or take such other action as it may deem proper. It shall file its determination, together with supporting findings of fact, with the Clerk, who shall forward a copy of same to the licensee by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested.
(2) 
A licensee may appeal the determination of the Taxi Commission to the Board of Trustees. Such appeal shall be in writing and must be filed with the Clerk within five days of receipt of same. Such appeal shall stay the determination of the Taxi Commission pending the disposition of the appeal. The Board of Trustees shall schedule a hearing at its next regular meeting. The Board's review on the appeal shall be limited to the record made before the Taxi Commission.
C. 
The Taxi Commission may submit to the Board of Trustees for consideration recommended proposed amendments to the Village Code.
[Added 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 295-6, Operator’s photograph, § 295-7, Form and term of taxi operator’s license, § 295-8, Renewal of taxi operator’s license, § 295-9, Fees for badge and operator’s license, and § 295-10, Suspension or revocation of operator’s license, were repealed 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to own a motor vehicle to be operated as a taxicab upon the streets of the Village without first having obtained therefor a taxicab license under the provisions of this chapter from the office of the Village Clerk. Such license shall be issued as of July 1 and shall be valid to and including December 31 next succeeding, unless previously suspended or revoked. No license shall be issued unless said person and vehicle are affiliated with a dispatching company duly licensed under the provisions of this chapter. No license shall be issued to a person convicted of a felony.
[Amended 5-18-2009 by L.L. No. 5-2009]
B. 
Pursuant to the authority granted to the Board of Trustees under § 181 of the General Municipal Law, there shall not be more than 75 taxi licenses in the Village of Port Chester at any time.
A. 
Application for a taxicab license shall be made by the owner upon blank forms furnished by the Clerk. Such application shall contain a statement giving:
(1) 
The name, address and business office address of the owner of such vehicle.
(2) 
If the vehicle is registered to a person other than the owner, the name and address and place of business of the person, firm, partnership, corporation or other entity to whom the vehicle is registered.
(3) 
The make, model and year of the vehicle.
(4) 
Vehicle identification number (V.I.N.) of the vehicle.
(5) 
Vehicle registration number and a copy of the current New York State vehicle registration.
(6) 
Evidence of current inspection and insurance in compliance with state law.
(7) 
Place and date of any felony and misdemeanor convictions of all persons to whom such vehicle is to be registered.
(8) 
Place and date of any previous licenses in the Village or other jurisdictions for the ownership or operation of a taxicab.
(9) 
Whether the applicant's license to own or operate a taxicab has ever been suspended or revoked and, if so, for what cause.
(10) 
The name of the company that will dispatch for the vehicle.
(11) 
Written consent of the dispatching company for said vehicle.
(12) 
Name and address and a certified copy of the taxi operator's license and a copy of the New York State motor vehicle operator's license for persons who will operate the vehicle.
(13) 
Such other information as may be prescribed by the Clerk.
B. 
False statements.
(1) 
Each application shall contain the following statement: "It is a crime punishable as a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly make a false statement herein."
(2) 
Any false statements by the owner of a taxicab shall be promptly reported to the Village Attorney. The Clerk is authorized to require such additional information as may be deemed necessary.
A. 
All applications for renewal shall be returned for approval at least 30 days before the expiration date. Proof of liability insurance and that the applicant is the owner or registrant in compliance with the Vehicle and Traffic Law must accompany the renewal application.
B. 
It shall be the duty of the owner and/or the registrant to immediately report to the Clerk any cancellation or revocation of insurance or any change in the availability of the licensed vehicle to operate as a taxicab or any change in the company dispatching said vehicle.
C. 
A licensed vehicle owner may replace the licensed taxicab with another vehicle if the taxicab shall become disabled, disqualified for service or the like, provided that the license holder makes prior application to the Clerk and makes payment of a fee as set out in Chapter 175 of the Code, and that said replacement vehicle complies with the requirements of this chapter.
D. 
Upon prior application and approval by the Clerk, transfers of the taxicab license shall be permitted and authorized upon the consent of the transferor/licensed vehicle owner provided that the transferee meets the license requirements of § 295-12 with payment of a fee as set out in Chapter 175 of the Code.
E. 
Upon prior application and approval by the Clerk, if a licensed vehicle is to be reregistered by a taxicab license owner to another person or entity then said owner must provide a complete application containing the information required in § 295-12A(2) through (13), inclusive, with payment of a fee set out in Chapter 175 of the Code.
[Amended 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
A. 
Each taxicab shall have a magnetic identification sign affixed to both front doors displaying the name of the dispatch company, the business telephone and the number of the vehicle. Such identification sign shall be rectangular, 18 inches in height and 24 inches in width on a white background.
B. 
There shall be a distinctive color scheme for all dispatch companies which shall be in use by all taxicabs. The colors are: red, black, green, blue and yellow. Each company will be assigned a designated color by the Clerk upon issuance of a license, and all taxis working through that company shall bear that color for the lettering on the identification sign.
C. 
The license number of the taxicab shall be placed on both front fenders and the rear trunk lid. The number shall be three inches in height and width, black on a white background.
D. 
Each taxicab shall be equipped with an outside roof or dome light that has black lettering marked "Taxi" on a white background and illuminated when in service.
[Amended6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019; 11-15-2021 by L.L. No. 10-2021; 5-6-2024 by L.L. No. 5-2024; 1-20-2026 by L.L. No. 3-2026]
A. 
No vehicle shall be licensed until it has been thoroughly inspected and found to be in a safe condition for the transportation of passengers.
B. 
Every taxicab operating on the streets and highways of the Village of Port Chester shall at all times be equipped as prescribed on the taxi inspection form, which can be obtained from the office of the Village Clerk.
(1) 
Appearance.
(a) 
Every vehicle shall be well painted and in good appearance, interior and exterior.
(b) 
Any cab damaged in any way must be reported to the Clerk within 24 hours of the accident, at which time a form will be provided to the owner of said cab which must remain in the vehicle until such time as repairs are made. The cab must be repaired no later than 30 days from the date of the accident. When repairs are made the vehicle must be inspected to the satisfaction of the Clerk or his designee.
(2) 
The baggage compartment of every vehicle shall be clean and capable of holding passengers' baggage.
(3) 
Maximum age of the vehicle shall be no more than 12 years of the present year of manufacture.
(a) 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, for the period between December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2023, only, the maximum age of vehicles shall be extended to 12 years. After such date, the maximum age of vehicles shall revert to be no more than 10 years of the present date of manufacture as originally provided.
(4) 
Taxicabs shall be kept clean. Every taxicab operated in the Village of Port Chester shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be swept and dusted at least once a day. The interior woodwork, glass and floor shall be cleaned thoroughly with suitable antiseptic solution.
(5) 
Cabs shall be kept in repair. Every taxicab shall be kept in such condition of repair as may be reasonably necessary to provide for the safety of the public and for continuous and satisfactory operation.
(6) 
Taxi operators involved in any accident while on duty must be reported, in writing, to the Taxi Commission within 24 hours of same.
C. 
Taxicab inspections intervals:
(1) 
Inspection requirement. All taxicabs must be inspected every six months, with one inspection completed by March 31 and the second by September 30. Inspections must be performed by the licensed inspection station designated by the Village. The Village Clerk's Office shall provide the location and contact information for the designated station to each owner at the time of licensing or renewal. The owner is responsible for the cost of each inspection. A violation of this requirement is subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code.
(2) 
Inspection deadlines. All taxicabs shall undergo two inspections annually: the first inspection shall be completed on or before March 31, and the second inspection shall be completed on or before September 30. The owner shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with these deadlines. A violation of this requirement is subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code.
(3) 
Inspection documentation. The Village-designated licensed inspection station or the Village garage shall provide the completed inspection documentation to the Village Clerk's Office. The owner is responsible for ensuring that the inspection is completed and that the documentation is received by the Village Clerk's Office on or before March 31 and September 30 of each year. A violation of this requirement is subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village Code.
D. 
Reinspection, repairs, and operational compliance requirements:
(1) 
Reinspection requirement. If a taxicab fails inspection, it shall be reinspected within 10 business days of the failure. Failure to complete repairs or pass reinspection within this time shall result in forfeiture of the taxicab license, which shall revert to the Village. A violation of this requirement is subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code.
(2) 
Repair timelines. If repairs are required following an inspection, the owner shall complete the repairs within five business days and submit proof of repair to the Village Clerk's Office. Failure to do so shall result in forfeiture of the taxicab license, which shall revert to the Village. A violation of this requirement is subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code.
(3) 
Operation without passing reinspection. If a taxicab operates within the Village before passing reinspection, the taxicab license shall be forfeited and revert to the Village. A violation of this requirement is subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code.
(4) 
Expired inspection sticker. If a taxicab operates within the Village with an expired New York State DMV inspection sticker, the taxicab license shall be forfeited and revert to the Village. A violation of this requirement is subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code.
E. 
Forfeiture of taxicab license:
(1) 
Notice of forfeiture. If a taxicab license is forfeited, the Village Clerk or their designee shall send written notice to the owner by regular and certified mail, return receipt requested.
(2) 
Hearings and appeals. Any forfeiture of a taxicab license shall be subject to the hearing and appeal procedures set forth in § 295-5, Taxi Commission. An owner aggrieved by a determination of the Taxi Commission may appeal to the Board of Trustees in accordance with that section. The decision of the Board of Trustees shall be final.
(3) 
Penalties. Any violation resulting in forfeiture shall also subject the owner to the penalties provided in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code, which may include fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.
A. 
If, upon inspection, a taxicab is found to be of lawful construction and in proper condition, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, upon the payment of the license fee hereinafter set forth, the same shall be licensed by delivering to the license holder a card of such size and form as may be prescribed by the Clerk.
B. 
The card shall contain the official license number of the taxicab, together with the date of inspection of the same, and a statement to the effect that, in case of any complaints, the Clerk shall be immediately notified by the licensee, who shall give the license number of the taxicab and a detailed statement of the complaint. The complainant may lodge complaint with the Clerk.
[Amended 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
C. 
Each taxi shall also display a rate card posted on the back passenger windows facing the inside the vehicle.
[Added 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
A. 
Each taxicab licensed under this chapter shall pay an annual fee as set out in § 175-4 of Chapter 175, Fees, of the Village Code.
B. 
Replacement of a taxicab, transfer of taxicab license and reregistration of a taxicab shall be subject to the fees set out in § 175-4 of Chapter 175, Fees, of the Village Code.
[Amended 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009]
Any person wishing to register a complaint regarding taxicab service may do so by obtaining a complaint form by calling the office of the Village Clerk, who shall be empowered to investigate same and take such action as may be deemed appropriate, either on his or her own or by referral to the Taxi Commission or the Taxi and Limousine Commission, as the case may be.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any company dispatching to solicit or receive requests for taxi service without having first obtained a taxi dispatching license from the Clerk.
B. 
Applications for such license shall be made to the Village Clerk on forms provided by the Village Clerk.
(1) 
Such application shall include:
(a) 
The name, address and age, if applicable, of the applicant.
(b) 
If the applicant is other than an individual person, the name and place of business of the firm, partnership, corporation or other entity together with the name, address and social security number of all owners, partners, managers, members of the boards of directors and holders of 10% or more of the outstanding stock or indebtedness of such entity.
(c) 
The actual or estimated number of licensed operators for which the applicant proposes to solicit or receive requests for taxi service and the names and addresses of such operators, if available.
(d) 
The address of the location from which the applicant proposes to solicit or receive such requests.
(e) 
A statement of whether the applicant has ever been licensed under any provision of this chapter or any similar law of any jurisdiction and whether such license has ever been rescinded or revoked and, if so, for what cause.
(f) 
A statement of whether the applicant will employ any radio signal device in connection with relaying requests for service to the taxicab operator; if so, he or she shall state the type of device or signal and frequencies.
(g) 
A current certificate of insurance shall be provided in no less than the minimum amounts set out in the New York State Insurance Law.
(h) 
Place and date of any felony and misdemeanor convictions of all persons above named in § 295-20B(1)(a) and (b).
(i) 
Such other information as the Clerk may require.
(2) 
Such application shall be sworn to before a notary public and filed with the Clerk as a permanent record.
(3) 
False statement.
(a) 
Each application shall contain the following statement: "It is a crime punishable as a Class A misdemeanor to knowingly make a false statement herein."
(b) 
Any false statements by the applicant for a company dispatch license shall be promptly reported to the Village Attorney. The Clerk is hereby authorized to require such additional information as may be deemed necessary.
C. 
License approval.
(1) 
Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Village Clerk shall issue a license to the applicant. Such approval shall be given or denied within 30 days of submission of the application to the Village Clerk. Upon disapproval of any applicant, the Village Clerk shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for such disapproval.
(2) 
No license shall be issued if the applicant or any of the persons set out in § 295-20B(1)(a) and (b) have been convicted of a felony.
D. 
All licenses shall expire on March 31 of each year. For the annual fee, see Chapter 175, Fees, § 175-4, for the company's license fee.
E. 
It appearing that there are insufficient places to put taxi stands to provide parking in the core areas of the Village, including the train station area, and that, as a result, there are arguments and disturbances and the streets are congested by the dispatching of taxicabs and the pickup and dropoff of passengers and that the number of taxi companies bears a direct relationship to the amount of congestion and to the disturbances that arise; it appearing, in addition, that the pressure for more and more drivers as more companies are created results in danger to the public health, welfare and the good relationships necessary to living in a densely populated community, for these reasons the following limitations are set:
(1) 
The number of companies which may be licensed under this section at any one time is five.
[Amended 5-18-2009 by L.L. No. 5-2009]
(2) 
Any change in ownership must be completed in accordance with this chapter.
(3) 
Failure to renew such license within 30 days of expiration shall be deemed an abandonment.
(4) 
Any person who may be aggrieved by any action taken under the provisions of § 295-20E shall have the right to a hearing before the Board not later than 60 days after the effective date of the action or matter complained of.
F. 
Each company licensed under this chapter shall keep a complete, accurate and legible record, on forms provided by the Clerk's office, of each call on a daily log sheet which shall be exhibited upon request to any police officer of the Village of Port Chester and the Village Clerk or his designee. These records must be kept on file and available for inspection for a period of not less than three years.
G. 
It is the responsibility of a taxi dispatching company to ensure that all affiliated taxi operators and taxicabs are duly licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Companies must provide to the Village Clerk a copy of each taxi operator's County permit.
[Added 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
H. 
A licensee who is aggrieved by a determination of the Taxi Commission pursuant to § 295-5 may make an appeal to the Board of Trustees, in writing, and taken within 10 days of issuance of same. The Board's determination shall be based on a review of the record established before the Taxi Commission on written findings; such determination shall be final.
[Added 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
The Clerk shall keep a register of and furnish to the Police Department the name of each person owning or operating a taxicab licensed under this chapter, together with the license number and the description and make of such vehicle, with the date and complete record of inspections made of it.
A. 
The Board shall locate and designate taxicab stands and designate the number of taxicabs allowed to stand thereat and shall provide a metal sign which shall be attached to a post or stanchion adjacent to such stand, on which sign shall be placed the number of vehicles allowed at the particular stand. Property owners may apply to the Board for the establishment of taxicab stands adjacent to their premises, stating in such application the number of taxicabs. Such application shall be granted solely in the discretion of the Board and may be revoked by it at any time. There shall be delivered to such property owner a metal sign to be affixed to the stanchion on the curb or other conspicuous place, setting forth the number of taxicabs permitted at such stand. An operator shall not leave his or her taxicab unattended at an official taxicab stand.
B. 
Owners of taxicabs requesting taxicab stands must furnish the Board with the written consent of the property owner adjacent to the proposed stand, and a public hearing may be held to determine the necessity for same.
A. 
Only such number of taxicabs as specified and designated in the Vehicle and Traffic Code of the Village may remain at the stand while waiting for employment, and only in single file, pointed in accordance with the traffic regulations.[1] As the taxicabs leave the line with passengers, those behind shall move up, and any taxicab seeking a space on the stand shall approach the same only from the rear of the stand and shall stop as near as possible to the last taxicab at the stand.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 319-84.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any operator of a taxicab, while driving such vehicle, to cruise, loiter or stop on a public street for the purpose of soliciting passengers or seeking a place in a taxi stand which is already occupied. It shall be lawful, however, for such vehicle, while proceeding to a regularly assigned taxi stand, established call station or to the carrier's place of business, to accept employment when hailed from the street or curb, provided that it shall be unlawful for such operator to accept passengers at any of the following places:
(1) 
In any marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(2) 
At any place in the street except alongside a curb.
(3) 
Alongside any curb opposite a regularly established and marked traffic safety zone or any area prohibited by the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the Village or State of New York and this chapter.
[Amended 11-3-2003 by L.L. No. 10-2003;[1] 12-1-2003 by L.L. No. 15-2003; 11-7-2005 by L.L. No. 6-2005; 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019; 12-18-2023 by L.L. No. 11-2023; 1-20-2026 by L.L. No. 1-2026]
The rates of fares to be taken by or paid to the owners or drivers of public conveyances within the Village shall be as follows:
A. 
For conveying one passenger: $6. The rate of $2 shall be charged for each additional passenger.
B. 
Children.
(1) 
Ages five to 12 years.
(a) 
For the conveyance of children between the ages of five and 12 years, the following charges shall apply:
[1] 
When a child is attended by an adult paying full fare, each child shall be charged 1/2 of the full fare.
[2] 
When a child is unattended, full fare will be charged.
(b) 
The above is based on a per-stop basis.
(2) 
Under five years. All children under the age of five must be attended, and there will be no charge for said children.
C. 
Senior citizens. Fees are $3 for all senior citizens who show evidence of age 60 years or older. Senior citizens who travel to the contiguous area of the Town of Rye for the purpose of medical needs, shopping needs or visiting the senior center shall be charged the same rate. For the purposes of determining the fare, the senior citizen shall always be considered the primary passenger in a vehicle.
D. 
Students. Students traveling to and from school shall be charged $5.
E. 
A charge of $3.00 shall be made for a passenger’s suitcase, traveling bag, valise, or other large article that, due to its size or weight, cannot be reasonably held by the passenger and must be placed in the trunk or other enclosed cargo area of the taxi. No charge shall be made for small personal items that may be safely carried on the passenger’s lap or in the footwell without interfering with the operator’s view or with the safe operation of the vehicle. There shall be no charge for a baby stroller, baby carrier, wheelchair, walker, crutch, or other ADA-related mobility or assistive device.
F. 
After a cab has been engaged, additional passengers may not be taken except with the mutual consent of the passenger occupying the cab and the passenger entering the cab.
G. 
The operator of a taxicab transporting a passenger or passengers from a point within the Village limits shall charge the fares as set forth above from the point of origin to the Village limits and may charge such additional fares as the operator and the passenger may agree upon for the ride beyond the Village limits. This agreement shall be made prior to departure and will be final.
H. 
The rates enumerated herein may be adjusted in the future by resolution of the Board of Trustees.
[1]
Editor's Note: This local law stated that it would take effect 12-1-2003.
A. 
Every operator of a taxicab shall have the right to demand payment of the legal fare in advance and may refuse employment unless so prepaid, but no operator of a taxicab shall otherwise refuse or neglect to convey any orderly person or persons upon request anywhere in the Village, unless previously engaged or unable to do so.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the authorized fare of any of the vehicles mentioned in this chapter after having employed same, and it shall be unlawful for any person to hire any vehicle herein defined with the intent to defraud the person from whom it is hired or engaged of the value of such service.
A. 
Whenever a passenger demands a receipt for a payment of his or her fare, it shall be given to him or her by the operator. Such receipt shall show the name of the operator, the name of the owner of the taxicab, the number of the taxicab, the time when the trip began and ended and the amount of fare collected.
B. 
Operators shall keep a complete, legible and accurate record of each trip upon a daily trip sheet, the form of which shall be approved by the Clerk, of the Village's taxicab number, name and place of origin and destination of the trip, the number of passengers carried and the amount of fare collected. This record shall be kept in the vehicle and exhibited upon request to any police officer of the Village of Port Chester. When the operator goes off duty, this record shall promptly be filed with the dispatch company with whom he or she is affiliated, and such record shall be kept on file and provided to the Taxi Commission on no less than a quarterly basis and held by the dispatch company for a period of not less than three years.
[Amended 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
No person shall charge or attempt to charge any passenger a greater or lower rate of fare than that prescribed by this chapter. The only exception shall be for senior citizens and children as prescribed in this chapter.
A. 
No taxi operator while awaiting employment by passengers shall stand on any public street or place, including a space designated for the parking or loading of vehicles, other than at or upon a taxicab stand, designated or established in accordance with this chapter. No person except a passenger shall be allowed to ride on the front seat of the taxicab with the operator.
B. 
No taxi operator shall use the horn or other audible device in his or her vehicle to hail or to gain the attention of a fare.
Every operator of a taxicab, immediately after the completion of the fare, shall carefully search such taxicab for any property lost or left therein, and any such property, unless sooner claimed or delivered to the owner, shall be taken to the nearest police station and deposited with the officer in charge within one hour after the finding thereof
[Amended 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009; 6-3-2019 by L.L. No. 6-2019]
A. 
Any owner or operator of a taxicab or a taxi dispatching company in violation of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 or by imprisonment not exceeding 15 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
B. 
Any person not having been duly licensed as a taxicab operator, any person whose licensee as such operator has been revoked or any person whose license has been suspended by the Village and who, during the term of nonlicense, revocation or suspension, operates a taxicab upon the streets of the Village shall be guilty of a violation and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $250 or by imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
C. 
Upon conviction of any person for any violation of a provision of this chapter for which no punishment is specifically provided, the violation shall be punishable by a fine not exceeding $250 or by imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
D. 
In addition to the fine or imprisonment, or both, authorized by this chapter, any Village licensee shall be subject to the suspension or revocation of his or her license upon conviction for any violation of this chapter. The Taxi Commission may, in its discretion, suspend or revoke a license granted under this chapter pending, or in advance of, any criminal prosecution of the licensee.
E. 
The penalties provided herein are nonexclusive to any other remedy at law or in equity, including the authority of the Village Attorney to commence a civil action or proceeding to accomplish enforcement.
[Added 1-20-2026 by L.L. No. 2-2026]
A. 
Conduct of taxicab operators:
(1) 
Professional and respectful behavior. All taxicab operators operating within the Village shall conduct themselves with professionalism, courtesy, and respect at all times. Taxicab operators shall not use offensive, disorderly, threatening, abusive, or insulting language while providing services. They are also prohibited from soliciting passengers in a disruptive or intrusive manner. Taxicab operators must refrain from any conduct that might disturb, annoy, or obstruct passengers, fellow drivers, or pedestrians. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxicab operator's license.
(2) 
Obligation to provide safe and courteous service. All taxicab operators shall take reasonable actions to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of passengers. Taxicab operators are required to treat all individuals with respect, including refraining from making inappropriate or discriminatory comments related to race, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristics. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxicab operator's license.
(3) 
Compliance with regulatory and legal standards. All taxicab operators shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing the operation of taxicabs, including traffic and safety regulations. Taxicab operators shall follow any directives issued by the Taxi Commission or other relevant authorities. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxicab operator's license.
(4) 
Failure to provide service. Taxicab operators shall not refuse to accept a request for pickup within the Village when available taxicabs are present, nor shall they fail to provide overall service to passengers. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxicab operator's license.
(5) 
Radio communications. Taxicab operators must maintain professionalism, courtesy, and respect in all radio communications. Use of offensive, abusive, or insulting language, or engaging in disruptive or unprofessional behavior over the radio system, is prohibited. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxicab operator's license.
(6) 
Honking of horns. Taxicab operators shall not use their taxicab horns except when reasonably necessary to ensure safety, such as to warn other drivers of imminent danger. Horns shall not be used excessively, unnecessarily, or for non-safety purposes, including soliciting passengers, signaling the arrival of a ride, or communicating with other drivers. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxicab operator's license.
B. 
Conduct of dispatch companies and their personnel:
(1) 
Professional and respectful behavior. All dispatch companies and their personnel shall conduct radio communications with professionalism, courtesy, and respect. Fare dispatching and general messages shall be delivered in a polite and non-disruptive manner. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxi dispatching license.
(2) 
Obligation to provide safe and courteous service. All dispatch companies and their personnel shall treat all individuals with courtesy, dignity, and respect. Dispatch personnel shall not make inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory remarks concerning race, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxi dispatching license.
(3) 
Compliance with regulatory and legal standards. All dispatch companies and their personnel shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing the operation of taxicab dispatching and related services. Dispatch companies and their personnel shall also comply with all directives issued by the Taxi Commission or other relevant authorities. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxi dispatching license.
(4) 
Maintenance of dispatch logs. All dispatch companies and their personnel shall maintain legible and accurate dispatch logs documenting all dispatches, fares, and communications with taxicab operators and passengers. Logs shall be current and readily available for inspection by the Taxi Commission or other relevant authorities. Any violation of this requirement may result in fines, suspension, or revocation of the taxi dispatching license.
C. 
Violations and penalties:
(1) 
Investigation of complaints, hearings, and appeals. The Village shall investigate all complaints concerning the conduct of taxicab operators, dispatch companies, and their personnel. The Taxi Commission shall review such complaints and may impose fines, suspend or revoke licenses, or require additional training for operators or dispatchers. Proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with the hearing and appeal procedures set forth in § 295-5, Taxi Commission. Any person aggrieved by a determination of the Taxi Commission pursuant to § 295-5 may appeal in writing to the Board of Trustees within 10 days of the determination. The Board's review shall be based on the record established before the Taxi Commission and on written findings, and the decision of the Board shall be final.
(2) 
Penalties for violations. Any taxicab operator or dispatch company found in violation of § 295-31A or § 295-31B shall be subject to the penalties set forth in § 295-30 of the Village of Port Chester Code, which may include fines, suspension of licenses, or revocation of licenses.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 295-31, Fingerprinting, was repealed 6-15-2009 by L.L. No. 9-2009.
In order to provide for better enforcement of this chapter, the Chief of Police shall be instructed to order the entire police force to assist in the enforcement thereof at all times. A running record of convictions of this chapter in addition to moving violations as evidenced by summonses or arrests should be kept up-to-date by the Justice Court and be made available for use by the Taxi Commission and Clerk during suspension and revocation hearings.
A. 
There will be a dress code for taxi operators as follows:
(1) 
Men: full-length trousers, short- or long-sleeve shirts with collars or button-down shirts, and shoes or sneakers.
(2) 
Women: slacks or skirts with long- or short-sleeve blouses or pullover tops, and shoes or sneakers.
B. 
All taxicabs must carry a Village of Port Chester street map or a GPS-enabled device (e.g., cell phone, tablet or Garmin) at all times.
[Amended 12-18-2023 by L.L. No. 11-2023]
C. 
Under no circumstances should there be more than four passengers in a taxicab.
D. 
All taxicabs must display, where it can be readily seen by the riding public, and in a format approved by the Village Clerk, a copy of the following Taxi User's Bill of Rights, the violation of which may result in the suspension or revocation of a taxi operator's license of penalty or fine as provided in this chapter.
(1) 
Taxi User's Bill of Rights.
(a) 
A passenger has the exclusive use of any taxicab, and no taxicab operator shall require a passenger to accept any other passengers without his or her consent.
(b) 
A passenger can choose any taxicab in line at a taxi stand.
(c) 
If group is starting at one location and going to the same destination, one passenger pays full, the others pay $1 each. (Note: applies only to trips within Village limits.)
(d) 
Taxi operators may not solicit or refuse an orderly fare.
(e) 
Taxi operators must produce identification on request.
(f) 
Taxi operators may not smoke in the taxicab.
(g) 
Taxi operators shall make every attempt to ensure that passengers arrive at their destination in a timely manner. Passengers should be available upon the arrival of a taxi dispatched to them. No operator is obliged to wait for a fare.
(2) 
All violations may be reported to the Port Chester Police Department (914) 939-1000 or the Village Clerk's office (914) 939-5202.