City has new rules for limousines, pedicabs

by James Mayer, The Oregonian

Portland will regulate limousines and pedicabs for the first time under rules approved last week by the City Council.

The issue has proven difficult for the council -- in the past, it has abandoned efforts to bring limousines under the regulations governing taxis.

Commissioner Randy Leonard explained that cab companies are required to meet strict regulations, including being available 24 hours a day and providing service to anyone who requests it with rates set by the city, while limousine companies could compete unregulated.

The regulations provide that pedicabs and limousines, as well as shuttles, town cars and executive sedans, must have permits and meet certain safety and insurance requirements.

Limousines must offer prearranged service. They can provide "on demand" service in direct competition with taxis only if they have a contract with TriMet, the Port of Portland, a major hotel or airline company, and pay an annual license fee of $2,500 for the first vehicle and $1,000 for each additional vehicle. They must charge a minimum $50 for a ride from the airport to downtown.

Leonard said that's designed to thwart the practice of limousines "poaching" taxi passengers from hotels. Hotels will pay a $500 fine for allowing a guest to obtain limousine service without the required one-hour reservation.

Rates charged for shuttle service between the airport and downtown must be at least 35 percent lower, per passenger, than the prevailing taxi rates for the same route.

The rules restrict pedicab operation on sidewalks. Pedicab drivers must have a driver's license or a government-issued photo identification. And pedicab company permit holders must have commercial business and liability insurance.