How the county decides on taxicab certificates and transfers

(a) After a hearing held in accordance with section 18-32, the commission will either grant or refuse to grant a certificate based on consideration of the following factors: (1) The current status of the public transportation system in the County, including but not limited to that system’s current and future ability to provide for the timely and effective movement of people; (2) The demonstrated need, as shown by the applicant for a certificate, for additional taxicab service in the County that is not, or cannot be, accomplished by existing companies; (3) The financial responsibility of the applicant; (4) In consideration of the current status of the County’s public transportation system, the ratio of population in the area to be served to the number of taxicabs currently in operation; (5) Any prior experience by the applicant in the taxicab industry, and the moral character of the applicant; (6) The interests of the applicant in establishing a local business to legitimately serve the citizens of this County as well as visitors to the island; and (7) Any other factors which the commission may deem advisable or necessary. (b) Upon approval by the commission of an application, an applicant will be issued a certificate. Each certificate will authorize the applicant to operate one taxicab. The certificate may contain such other terms or conditions as the commission deems appropriate. It will be a condition of the certificate that the applicant has thirty days to comply with the requirements of this chapter regarding taxicabs and obtain a taxicab license for the current year. (c) Certificates to operate taxicabs are transferable with the prior approval of the commission. An application must be submitted for approval to the commission by the proposed new owners in accordance with the requirements of section 18-32 in the same manner as an application for a new taxicab. The commission shall hold a hearing on the proposed change of owner in the same manner as for a new application, except that if the service is to be provided under the same terms and conditions as provided in the original certificate, the service will be assumed to be justified by public convenience and necessity. Upon the approval of a transfer of ownership, the new certificate holder will have thirty days to comply with the requirements of this chapter regarding taxicabs and obtain a taxicab license in the certificate holder’s name for the current year. (d) A successful applicant for a certificate who fails to obtain a taxicab license for the current year within thirty days after the certificate is granted shall be subject to revocation proceedings by the commission under section 18-8 of this chapter. (e) An applicant whose application for a certificate is denied by the commission shall receive in writing a statement detailing the reasons for denial of the application. An appeal of the decision of the commission may be made to the circuit court of the third circuit in accordance with section 18-13 of this chapter. (1990, ord 90-119, sec 6.)18-33