Sec. 53-106. Rates.

The County Executive must set taxicab rates by regulation to promote the public interest after holding a public hearing and considering the recommendations of the Commission.

To encourage ride sharing and other innovative taxicab services, the regulation may require a licensee to accept certain payment methods and charge rates that are not taximeter based.

The Director may approve rates other than those set in the regulations as provided in a contract filed with the Department if the Director finds that the alternative rates will not result in a significant reduction of service to the general public. Any alternative rates that are higher than the rates set by regulation under subsection (a) must also be set by regulation.

A person must not charge for taxicab service except as allowed under applicable regulations or subsection (c).