It has come to the City’s attention that two online ride sharing companies have recently begun operating in Grants Pass without obtaining the proper licensing from the City. The public should be aware that the City has not yet licensed these online ride sharing companies or any drivers that have agreed to offer taxi services through these online companies.
The City of Grants Pass has various regulations in its Municipal Code regarding the licensing of taxi companies and taxi drivers for public safety purposes. These regulations include insurance requirements, background checks, vehicle equipment and other requirements to enhance the public’s protection and confidence when using a taxi service in Grants Pass.
The public should also be aware that online ride sharing companies such as Uber or Lyft qualify as taxi companies under the Grants Pass Municipal Code. Any drivers that contract to use these services to drive members of the public in Grants Pass qualify as taxi drivers under the City’s Code. The companies or the drivers that offer taxi services in Grants Pass without the proper City taxi permit could be cited for a City Municipal Code violation.
The City will begin the process of reviewing current taxi permit regulations in the City Council’s workshop scheduled for Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at 11:45am in the City Council Chambers. While public comment isn’t allowed at this workshop, any comments on potential changes to these requirements may be sent to Jay Meredith, Finance Director. There will be an opportunity for public comment on the draft changes should the Council decide to make any taxi permit regulation changes in the future.
The City’s current regulations can be found under Title 4 at the following link: http://www.grantspassoregon.gov/316/Municipal-Code
Please contact the City’s Finance Customer Service office at 541-450-6035 for any questions about how to obtain a local taxi driver’s permit or for comments on the City’s current taxi permit regulations.