Drafter
Clerk 08/19/2008
Title
AN ORDINANCE relating to taxicab and for-hire vehicle rates; and amending Ordinance 10498, Section 95, as amended, and K.C.C. 6.64.760.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Ordinance 10498, Section 95, as amended, and K.C.C. 6.64.760 are each hereby amended to read as follows:
A. The rates for taxicabs licensed to operate in King County shall be established by the King County council.
B. In reviewing rates, the council may take into account, among other things, and with the objective of prescribing a just and reasonable rate, the following factors:
1. The recommendations of the director pursuant to K.C.C. 6.68.740, if any;
2. The public need for adequate taxi service at the lowest level of charges consistent with the provision, maintenance and continuation of such service;
3. The rates of other licensees operating in similar areas;
4. The effect of such rates upon transportation of passengers by other modes of transportation;
5. The licensee's need for revenue of a level which under honest, efficient and economical management is sufficient to cover the cost, including all operating expenses, depreciation accruals, rents, license fees and taxes of every kind, of providing adequate taxi service, plus an amount equal to a percentage of the cost that is reasonably necessary for the replacement of deteriorated taxicabs and a reasonable profit to the licensee; and
6. Consistency of rates with those prescribed by the city of Seattle.
C. No taxicab shall have more than one rate on its meter.
D. Except for special or contract rates as provided for in this chapter or any per trip fee established by the Port of Seattle and set forth in any operating agreement or tariff, it shall be unlawful for anyone operating a taxicab licensed by King County to charge, demand or receive any greater or lesser rate than the following:
Meter rate
1. Drop charge: For passengers...

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