title
An ordinance to amend Sections 6.72.135, 6.72.435, and 6.75.560 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws to remove existing English language requirements.
body
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNTY OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That Section 6.72.135 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting the following subsection A.3 in its entirety and renumbering the subsequent subsection accordingly:
“3. Measure applicant's ability to read and speak the English language at a level necessary to interact with taxicab passengers;”
Section 2. That Section 6.72.435 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting the following subsection A.3 in its entirety and renumbering the subsequent subsections accordingly:
“3. A driver who is courteous while providing passenger assistance and a safe ride;"
Section 3. That Section 6.75.560 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws is hereby amended by deleting the following subsection A.3 in its entirety and renumbering the subsequent subsections accordingly:
“3. A driver who is courteous while providing passenger assistance and a safe ride;"
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its enactment, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
Agenda Analysis
Analysis
This ordinance, as amended, amends Sections 6.72.135, 6.72.435, and 6.75.560 of the Metro Code to remove provisions that require drivers to read and speak English.
Section 6.72.135 requires certain testing at the time of an initial application for a driver’s permit for a taxicab. The test is administered by Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission staff or a designee and measures (1) the applicant’s knowledge of geography, the street system, and location of major attractions in Metro, (2) the applicant’s knowledge of the taxicab ordinance relating to the conduct of drivers and operation of a taxicab, (3) the applicant’s ability to read and speak English, (4) the applicant’s ability to read and interpret local maps. This ordinance would remove the requirement that applicants be tested for their ability to read and speak English.
Section 6.72.435 sets out a taxicab passenger bill of rights. These rights include a driver who is knowledgeable about the major routes, destinations, and attractions in Nashville, a driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws, a taxicab that is clean and mechanically free of problems, among other requirements. This ordinance would amend the list to the requirement for a driver who speaks and understands English, but still provide that that driver be courteous in providing passenger assistance as well as a safe ride.
Section 6.75.560 sets out a pedicab passenger bill of rights, which is similar to the taxicab passenger bill of rights. These rights include a driver who is knowledgeable about the major routes, destinations, and attractions in Nashville, a driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws, a pedicab that is clean and mechanically free of problems, among other requirements. This ordinance would amend the list to the requirement for a driver who speaks and understands English, but still provide that that driver be courteous in providing passenger assistance as well as a safe ride.