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An ordinance amending Chapter 6.72 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to update requirements for taxicabs.
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WHEREAS, Section 6.72.265 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws (“Metro Code”) requires taxicabs to be equipped with taximeters; and,
WHEREAS, technology for taximeters has changed over time; and,
WHEREAS, Section 6.72.265 does not allow taxicab operators to install the latest technology for taximeters, known as “smart taximeters”; and,
WHEREAS, while taximeters, as defined in Metro Code Section 6.72.010, are stand-alone devices that perform a single function, smart taximeters are digital, app-based meters that operate using GPS and can integrate with other systems such as dispatching software, GPS, fleet management systems, onboard diagnostics, or payment processing platforms, and may feature interactive monitors; and,
WHEREAS, the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (“NDOT”) and the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission (“MTLC”) have received numerous consumer complaints regarding taxicab operators and their alleged overcharging, charging flat rates instead of hourly rates in certain zones, and not turning on taximeters; and,
WHEREAS, smart taximeters ensure transparency and fair pricing for passengers because they use GPS and mobile technology to measure the distance covered and time spent on a trip and then convert those measurements into a fare based on preset rates; and,
WHEREAS, smart taximeters also can enhance business efficiency, customer service, and transparency for taxicab operators; and
WHEREAS, the International Association of Transportation Regulators recommends that taxicab regulators allow for the use of smart taximeters; and,
WHEREAS, other sections of Ch. 6.72 are also outdated; and,
WHEREAS, during its meeting held on March 20, 2025, the MTLC voted to recommend this ordinance to Council for approval; and,
WHEREAS, allowing taxicabs to install smart taximeters and otherwise updating Ch. 6.72 is in the best interest of the Metropolitan Government and the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 6.72.010 is hereby amended by adding the following:
“Smart meter” means a system of hardware or software that integrates a taximeter and other components together to perform functions required by this Chapter.
Section 2. That Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 6.72.135 is hereby amended by deleting the section in its entirety.
Section 3. That Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 6.72.265 is hereby amended by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
6.72.265 - Taximeters.
A. All taxicabs operated under the authority of this chapter shall be equipped with taximeters or smart taximeters fastened in front of the passengers, visible to them at all times day and night. After sundown, the face of the taximeter or smart taximeter shall be illuminated. Taximeters or smart taximeters shall be operated mechanically by a device of standard design and construction, operated either from the transmission or from one of the front wheels by a flexible and permanently attached driving mechanism. Smart taximeters shall be operated by a system of hardware and software that integrates a taximeter and other components together to perform functions required by this Chapter. Each taximeter or smart taximeter shall denote when the vehicle is employed and when it is not employed. It shall be the duty of the driver to activate such taximeter or smart taximeter into a recording position at the beginning of each trip and to deactivate such taximeter or smart taximeter into a non-recording position at the termination of each trip.
B. Taximeters or smart taximeters shall be subject to inspection by the taxicab inspectors. Any inspector is authorized, either on complaint of any person or without such complaint, to inspect any meter, and upon discovery of any inaccuracy, to notify the person operating such taxicab to cease operation. Such taxicab shall be kept off the highways until the taximeter or smart taximeter is repaired and in required working condition to the satisfaction of the inspector.
C. Taximeters shall be inspected, tested and sealed at least once every year by a taximeter company approved by the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission. The Commission shall establish rules setting forth the criteria by which taximeter companies may apply for approval. Smart taximeters shall be inspected at least once every year by the Executive Director of the Commission or his/her designee.
Section 4. That Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 6.72.350 is hereby amended by deleting the Section in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
6.72.350 - Passengers-Refusal to pay legal fare.
It is unlawful for any person to refuse to pay the legal fare for any of the services mentioned in this chapter after having hired the same, and it is unlawful for any person to hire any such vehicle with intent to defraud the person hired of the value of such service.
Section 5. That Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 6.72.405 is hereby amended by deleting the Section in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
6.72.405 - Map requirement.
All taxicabs operated under the authority of this chapter shall carry or keep electronically a current map of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County in a place immediately accessible to the driver.
Section 6. That Metropolitan Code of Laws Section 6.72.425 is hereby amended by deleting the Section in its entirety and replacing it with the following:
6.72.425 - Vehicle safety devices.
All taxicabs must have a global positioning system (GPS) installed or immediately accessible to the driver electronically. Subject to the rules and regulations of the Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission, it shall be lawful for any person owning or operating a taxicab or motor vehicle for hire to permit safety devices, including shields, alarms, cameras, and cash boxes to be affixed to or installed in or on such taxicabs or motor vehicles for hire.
Section 7. That this Ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.