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Home My WebLink About12/3/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 3.A. O�pALMsp� . iy c v n k r �o< C'941FOR��PF CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: December 3, 2008 Legislative SUBJECT: ESTABLISHMENT OF A PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF USERS OF GROUND TRANSPORTATION COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AT THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: AIRPORT DEPARTMENT SUMMARY The Airport Commission voted unanimously in favor of recommending a Municipal Code Amendment that is intended to enhance the level of customer service for commercial taxi passengers. These recommended ordinance revisions include a taxi passenger "Bill of Rights" and other changes specifically intended to improve service at the Palm Springs International Airport. RECOMMENDATION: 1) Waive the reading of the ordinance text in its entirety and read by title only; and 2) Introduce on first reading Ordinance No. , "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 16.02.095 TO, AMENDING SECTIONS 16.02.015 AND 16.36.020 AND SUBSECTION (a) OF SECTION 16.36.030 AND SUBSECTION (c) OF SECTION 16.36.045 TO, THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF USERS OF GROUND TRANNPORTATION COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AT THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT." STAFF ANALYSIS: Taxi services are not only a valued mode of transportation to both the residents and visitors of Palm Springs, but they also play a key role in the formulation of the overall image of the City. Due to the number of different commercial taxi providers which currently operate in the Coachella Valley, it is not unusual for some taxi passengers to be exposed to inconsistencies in service that can result in a negative experience and ri1 �, ITEM NO. City Council Staff Report December 3, 2008-- Page 2 Municipal Code Amendment, Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights subsequent unfavorable impression of the Palm Springs International Airport. To help mitigate these types of situations, it is recommended that City Council adopt ordinance changes that will bring more homogeneity in the quality of taxi service operating at the airport and within the City limits of Palm Springs. The action being recommended by the Airport Commission includes adoption of a "Passenger Bill of Rights," a tool that has been utilized by other cities for improving commercial taxi services. This recommended action includes a range of items directly related to safety and the quality of customer care, as follows: AS A PASSENGER YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO, 9. Pay electronically with a major credit or debit card with no added fees (taxi operators will have a six month period to comply with this provision); 2. Request any destination in the Coachella Valley via the most direct route, or the route of your choice; 3. A courteous and safe driver who obeys all traffic laws, including the "hands-free" cell phone law; 4. A receipt upon request; 5. A clear and unobstructed view of the taximeter and driver operator's permit; 6. A knowledgeable driver who speaks English and is has knowledge about attractions in the Coachella Valley; 7. Be accompanied by a domestic pet or service animal; 8. Air-conditioning or heat upon request; 9. Working seatbelts for all passengers; 10.A clean, orderly and odor free taxicab; 11.A "noise-free" trip, to the extent possible, upon request; 12.Decline to tip; In addition to the adoption of a Bill of Rights, the current ordinance regarding Taxi operators would be amended with specific language addressing driver identification posting requirements, appropriate attire, including a collared shirt, and vehicle condition. City Council Staff Report December 3, 2008 -- Page 3 Municipal Code Amendment, Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights Importantly, these requested ordinance provisions to the Palm Springs Municipal Code are supplemental to the requirements of the Coachella Valley's taxi regulating agency, Sunline. FISCAL IMPACT- Enforcement of these new ordinance provisions at the Airport will be provided by their current staff who handles taxi issues on a daily basis. Additional costs of printing and marketing these new ordinance provisions is estimated to be under $3000 annually. Thomas Nolan, Executive Director, Airport David H. Ready, City Manager Attachment: Proposed Ordinance t ORDINANCE NO. (Marked Up to Show Changes from Existing Code) . ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 16.02.095 TO, AMENDING SECTIONS 16.02.016 AND 16.36.020 AND SUBSECTION (a) OF SECTION 16.36.030 AND SUBSECTION (c) OF SECTION 16.36.045 TO, THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PASSENGER BILL OF RIGHTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF USERS OF GROUND TRASNPORTATION COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AT THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. City Attorney's Summary This Ordinance establishes a Passenger Bill of Rights for the benefit of the traveling public using commercial vehicle services for ground transportation to and from the Palm Springs International Airport. The Ordinance requires that the Passenger Bill of Rights be displayed in each vehicle and that violation of the provisions of the Passenger Bill of Rights would be deemed a `major violation" under the Airport rules and regulations. The City Council of the City of Palm Springs ordains: SECTION 1. Section 16.02.015 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is amended by adding a definition of"Passenger Bill of Rights." "Passenger Bill of Rights" means a document prepared by the Director of Aviation in consultation with the Airport Commission and representatives of Commercial Vehicle Operators that summarizes general rules of conduct, consideration, and respect including without limitation provisions of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, that are applicable to or expected of Commercial Vehicle Operators in providing transportation services to traveling public and persons who use the Palm Springs International Airport. SECTION 2. Section 16.02.095 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is added to read: 16.02.015, Appeals. Any person or entity aggrieved by a finding, determination, notice action or failure to act taken under the provisions of this Title may appeal such finding, determination, notice, action or failure pursuant to the appeal process specified in Chapter 11.72 of this Code. Page 1 Ir' rt SECTION 3. Section 16.36.020 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is amended to read: 16.36,020 Vehicle Operator conduct and appearance. (a) Commercial Vehicle Operators shall remain in their Vehicles or in the immediate vicinity (immediately adjacent to the Vehicle) at all times while at or on the Airport except in those areas designated by the Director of Aviation. (b) Commercial Vehicle Operators are prohibited from loitering or standing inside the Airport Terminal Building while their Vehicle is in position in the Commercial Lane- (c) Commercial Vehicle Operators shall not solicit, persuade or urge any person (by words, gestures, or other form of communication) to use or hire any Commercial Vehicle Operator. (d) Commercial Vehicle Operators shall maintain a professional look and appearance (i.e., collared and clean shirk and pants, shoes, and socks) and shall display an identification badge which includes a photograph and the name of the operator and the name of the operator's company at all times while conducting Commercial Activities at the Airport. (e) Commercial Vehicle Operators shall conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner and treat members of the traveling public with the utmost respect at all times. (1) Commercial Vehicle Operators shall not intentionally obstruct the movement of any person or Vehicle. (2) Commercial Vehicle Operators shall not use offensive, abusive, or obscene language, gestures, or other forms of communication while at or on the Airport. U _ Commercial Vehicle Operators shall be fully familiar with the.provisions of the Passenger Bill of Rights and shall fully abide by the terms and requirements of the Passenger Bill of Rights. SECTION 4. Subsection (a) of Section 16.36.030 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is amended to read: (a) All Commercial Vehicles shall be kept in good operating condition. The exterior of each vehicle shall_ be clean with a clear and visible taxi company designation The vehicle interior and trunk area shall be neat and clean. A copy of the Passenger Bill of Rights shall be placed in a conspicuous place in the vehicle, visible to all passengers Page 2 ly SECTION 5. Subsection (c) of Section 16.36.045 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code is amended to read: (c) Major violation (including, but not limited to, attempt to induce another to commit an illegal act or violation of these Rules and Regulations, failure to obey a lawful order of the Director of Aviation or Operations Department personnel, offensive language, gestures, failure to properly display the Passenger Bill of Rights or to comply with the provisions of the Passenger Bill of Rights, or other actions, or conduct that is discourteous or unprofessional. (1) First offense--Warning. (2) Second offense—Thirty day suspension of Airport Use Agreement and Permit. (3) Third offense—Permanent revocation of Airport Use Agreement and Permit. SECTION 5. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same, or the summary thereof, to be published and posted pursuant to the provisions of law and this Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS DAY OF , 2008. AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: Stephen P Pougnet, Mayor ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Douglas Holland, City Attorney Page 3