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AN ORDINANCE relating to taxicabs and for-hire vehicles and fees related to the for-hire transportation industry; amending Ordinance 2165, Section 6, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.98.060, Ordinance 2165, Section 8, as amended, and K.C.C. 2.98.080, Ordinance 18398, Section 8, as amended, and K.C.C. 4A.601.025, Ordinance 10498, Section 6, as amended, and K.C.C. 4A.750.100, Ordinance 18230, Section 79, as amended, and K.C.C. 6.01.150, and Ordinance 18230, Section 16, as amended, and K.C.C. 20.22.070 and adding a new chapter to K.C.C. Title 6 and prescribing penalties.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The county desires to continue comprehensively regulating for-hire transportation industries, including taxicabs and for-hire vehicles.
2. The county 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.
3. Industry participants have requested legislation to modernize licensing and operating requirements and align them with the county's vision to make King County a welcoming community where all people can thrive.
4. The county 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.
5. 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.
6. The county is committed to ensuring that drivers benefit from new regulations and experience equitable opportunities for compensation with...
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