Legislative Public Meetings

File #: 16-0046   
Type: Report to Council Status: Passed
Meeting Body: City Council
On agenda: 4/12/2016
Title: Introduce an Ordinance to Award a Non-Exclusive Taxicab Franchise to Silicon Valley Taxi Drivers, Inc. DBA Green Cab
Attachments: 1. Taxicab Franchise Agreement, 2. Taxicab Franchise Ordinance
REPORT TO COUNCIL

SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance to Award a Non-Exclusive Taxicab Franchise to Silicon Valley Taxi Drivers, Inc. DBA Green Cab

Report
BACKGROUND
A taxicab franchise application and required fees have been received from Silicon Valley Taxi Drivers, Inc. doing business as (dba) Green Cab.

There are currently six valid taxicab companies franchised to operate within the City of Sunnyvale. They are: Checker Cab, California Cab, Yellow Cab Peninsula (suspended voluntarily until 5/01/2016), Green Cab, Silicon Valley Cab, and Orange Cab.

Silicon Valley Taxi Drivers, Inc. DBA Green Cab acknowledges and accepts the requirements of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code as well as the City's taxicab franchise agreement. Silicon Valley Taxi Drivers, Inc. DBA Green Cab is also aware of the right of the City of Sunnyvale to revoke or suspend the taxicab franchise if it is determined that there is a violation or non-compliance of the terms contained in Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 5.36.

EXISTING POLICY
General Plan
Chapter 3: Land Use and Transportation (LT):
Goal LT-5 Effective, Safe Pleasant and Convenient Transportation
Attain a transportation system that is effective, safe, pleasant and convenient
Policy LT-5.5
Support a variety of transportation modes

The term "non-exclusive franchise" as used in the Sunnyvale Municipal Code means that the city does not limit the number of like franchises in operation at one time. If an applicant meets the provisions as outlined in the Sunnyvale Municipal Code, then the franchise to operate a taxicab service may be awarded by City Council.

The City's non-exclusive franchise requirements are derived from Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 5.36. It is unlawful to operate any taxicab in the City unless the owner applies for and obtains a franchise to do so. The City Council may deny a franchise to any applicant if:

1. The applicant has been convicted of certain criminal offenses.
2. The pr...

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