OPERATING AUTHORITY

San Antonio City Code ch. 33, art. I, div. 2

in effect

San Antonio City Code § 33-006 Operating permit required.

Sec. 33-006. - Operating permit required. (a) A person shall not knowingly operate, allow to be operated, or cause to be operated, a ground transportation service as defined in section 33-003 of this chapter, or any other service providing or related to ground transportation service, without a current and valid operating permit issued under this chapter, nor shall a person transport a passenger for hire from within the city unless the person driving the vehicle for hire or another who employs or contracts with said driver has a current and valid operating permit under this chapter. (b) No person shall knowingly represent a vehicle as a vehicle for hire nor use or offer the use of such vehicle in a ground transportation service unless the vehicle being so represented, used, or offered for use has a current and valid operating permit under this chapter. (c) A holder of an operating permit issued under this chapter shall not operate a ground transportation service, other than for the type of service for which an operating permit has been granted. (d) Before an operating permit is granted, a written application for such on a form provided for that purpose must be submitted to and approved by the director in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (e) No person for compensation or at any charge to a passenger shall by any means (including but not limited to any data or electronic communication, any telephone and cellular service, any software, any application, any internet service, and any physical presence) operate, arrange, dispatch to or solicit a vehicle for hire unless permitted under this chapter. A person is responsible for violations of this chapter by his own conduct, by the conduct of another person if acting with intent to violate this chapter he solicits, encourages, directs, aids, or attempts to aid another person to violate this chapter, or by both. (f) A person commits an offense if he violates this section. A separate offense is committed each day during which an offense occurs. An offense committed under this section is punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00). Prosecution for an offense under this section does not prevent the use of the enforcement remedies provided in section 33-074 of this chapter. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-007 Application for operating permit.

Sec. 33-007. - Application for operating permit. To obtain an operating permit, a person shall submit an application to the director in the manner prescribed by this section. The applicant must be the person who will own or operate the proposed ground transportation service or the chief officer. An applicant shall file with the director a written, sworn application containing the following: (a) The form of business of the applicant; if the business is a corporation or association, a copy of the documents establishing the business and the name, address and citizenship of each person with a direct interest in the business. Notice of any change in an applicant's form of business shall be provided to the department director, within ten (10) business days of the change; (b) The name, street address, phone number and verified signature of the applicant and of the applicant's proposed business; an applicant shall notify the director, in writing, of any change in the foregoing within ten (10) business days of the change; (c) A representation of whether the applicant is a citizen of the United States of America by birth or naturalization, or, if alien, evidence of the applicant's legal residence in the United States and of the applicant's legal right to engage in employment therein; (d) A description of any past business experience of the applicant, particularly in providing ground transportation services. (e) An identification and description of any revocation or suspension of an operating permit held by the applicant or the applicant's business which occurred prior to the date of filing the application. (f) The number of vehicles to be used by the applicant in the operation of the proposed ground transportation service. Notice of any change in the foregoing shall be provided to the director, in writing and with supporting documentation as required by the director, within five (5) business days of the change; (g) A description of each of the vehicles the applicant proposes to use in providing ground transportation services including, but not limited to, each vehicle's year, make, model, type, and seating capacity; (h) A description of the operations of the proposed ground transportation service and the location of the fixed facilities to be used in the operation; (i) A management plan including: (1) A maintenance plan which the applicant shall utilize for the upkeep and replacement of vehicles to be permitted. Such plan may include a maintenance contract with an outside contractor; (2) A procedure outlining the handling of complaints; and (3) A drivers training program submitted to the director for approval. The drivers training program must contain; a. Customer service; b. Company orientation; c. Chapter 33 overview (including rules and regulations); d. Airport operations, including the provisions of chapter 3, article II, of this Code, and the rules and regulations established thereunder; e. Local sights and location orientation; and f. Dispatching, to include (if required) meter and radio training. (j) A description of the proposed insignia and color scheme for the applicant's vehicles and a description of apparel to be worn by the applicant's drivers; (k) Documentation from an insurance company authorized by this chapter evidencing a willingness to provide, prior to commencement of the proposed service, the insurance required by this chapter; (l) Documentation evidencing timely payment of all city and county taxes, fees and assessments which have been levied on the business and property to be used in connection with the proposed service; (m) Written documentation authorizing the release to the city of any and all information which an organization or entity may have concerning the applicant and a release to said organization or entity from all liability which may result from the furnishing of such to the city; and (n) Such additional information as the applicant desires to include to aid in the determination of whether the requested operating authority should be granted. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14; Ord. No. 2016-03-03-0164, § 1(Att. A), 3-3-16)

San Antonio City Code § 33-008 Prerequisites to issuance.

Sec. 33-008. - Prerequisites to issuance. (a) The authority to grant or deny an application for an operating or vehicle permit is vested with the director, and the director's designee, acting in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. (b) An applicant for an operating permit has the burden of providing to the satisfaction of the director: (1) That the applicant is of good character and is qualified to provide the service proposed in the application; (2) That the proposed ground transportation service complies with the quality and safety standards of this chapter, and of the rules and regulations established by the director; (3) That the applicant is fit, willing and able to operate the ground transportation service in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, rules and regulations established by the director, provisions of the operating permit, and all other applicable rules, regulations and laws. (4) Where an applicant has been involved in past criminal activity, that the applicant has otherwise maintained a record of steady employment and good conduct; has supported any dependents; and has paid all outstanding court costs, supervision fees, fines and restitution that may have been ordered in all criminal cases in which the applicant has been convicted; and (5) Where an applicant is or has been a permit holder in any industry that is regulated by chapter 33, that the applicant has met the requirements of section 33-010 of this chapter. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14; Ord. No. 2016-03-03-0164, § 1(Att. A), 3-3-16)

San Antonio City Code § 33-009 Grant of operating permit; service requirements.

Sec. 33-009. - Grant of operating permit; service requirements. (a) Upon approval of an application for an operating permit by the director, and the execution of a permit agreement pursuant thereto, the director shall promptly issue the operating permit. Within ninety (90) days after receipt of such permit, the holder shall operate a city-wide ground transportation service in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the operating permit, the permit agreement, and the rules and regulations established by the director, for a period of twenty-four (24) months beginning on the date stated in the permit agreement. (b) Each holder and dispatch service shall maintain a business office within the county limits of Bexar County, Texas. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14; Ord. No. 2016-03-03-0164, § 1(Att. A), 3-3-16; Ord. No. 2016-12-08-0968, § 1(Att. B), 12-8-16)

San Antonio City Code § 33-010 Denial of operating permit.

Sec. 33-010. - Denial of operating permit. (a) If the director, based on an investigation of the application under sections 33-007 and 33-008 of this chapter, determines that good cause exists for denial of the application, the director shall notify the applicant in accordance with section 33-072 of this chapter, of the decision and of the basis therefore. Upon the applicant receiving notice of the director's decision, the applicant may appeal such decision in accordance with section 33-033 of this chapter. (b) In the case where an applicant has a background of past criminal activity, application denial based solely thereon is warranted if and only if the past criminal activity is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of a holder as more fully described in this chapter. Accordingly, the following shall be considered in making a determination of job-relatedness: (1) The nature and seriousness of the crime; (2) The relationship of the crime to the reasons for requiring the city's approval prior to engagement in a ground transportation service; (3) The extent to which the applicant's engagement in a ground transportation service might offer an opportunity for further criminal activity of the same type as that which the applicant had previously been involved; and (4) The relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required of the applicant to perform the duties and discharge the responsibilities of the ground transportation service, including: a. The extent and nature of the applicant's past criminal history; b. The age of the applicant at the time of the commission of the crime; c. The amount of time that has elapsed since the applicant's last criminal activity; d. The conduct and work activity of the applicant prior to and following the criminal activity; e. Evidence of the applicant's rehabilitation or rehabilitative effort while incarcerated or following release; and f. Other evidence of the applicant's present fitness, including letters of recommendation from: prosecutorial, law enforcement and correctional officers who prosecuted, arrested or had custodial responsibility for the applicant; the sheriff and chief of police in the community where the applicant resides; and any other persons in contact with the applicant. (c) An application for an operating permit shall be denied where the applicant: (1) Is under indictment for or has been convicted of criminal homicide including murder, capital murder and manslaughter, but excluding criminally negligent homicide; (2) Is under indictment, is currently on community supervision including but not limited to probation and deferred adjudication, or has been convicted of any of the following: a. Multiple offenses involving violence to any person except conduct classified as no greater than a Class C misdemeanor offense under state law; b. Any offense involving prostitution or the promotion of prostitution; c. Any offense involving sexual assault, sexual abuse or indecency; d. Any offense involving the sale or manufacturing of drugs; or e. Any offense involving driving while intoxicated within five (5) years of the application date or more than one (1) offense involving driving while intoxicated, or a combination of driving while intoxicated and other drug or alcohol related offenses. (3) Has falsified or materially altered or omitted pertinent information in any governmental record, including an application for an operating permit; or (4) Has not met the requirements for obtaining an operating permit as set forth in this chapter, rules or regulations established by the director. (d) An application for an operating permit may also be denied where the applicant is under indictment, is currently on community supervision, including but not limited to probation and deferred adjudication, or has been convicted of any of the following: (1) Any offense involving fraud or theft; (2) Any offense involving the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; (3) Any violation of state or federal laws regulating firearms; (4) Any offense involving violence to any person except conduct classified as no greater than a Class C misdemeanor offense under state law; (5) Any offense involving the use or possession of drugs; or (6) Any other job-related offense. (e) An application for an operating permit may be denied where the applicant has a current vehicle fleet that is regulated by any section of chapter 33 and in which they have had any of the following fleet issues with in the previous twelve (12) months; (1) Has failed to have one hundred (100) percent of their fleet pass the annual inspection; (2) Has failed to comply with all corrective notices; (3) Has failed to maintain insurance or bond that complies with chapter 33; (4) Has had one (1) or more permits revoked; or (5) Has demonstrated a history of non-compliance with any of the provisions of chapter 33, the rules or regulations established by the director, the permit agreement, or the operating permit. (f) Upon denial of an application for an operating permit, an applicant shall not be eligible for re-application for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of denial. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-011 Amendments to permit agreement/operating permit.

Sec. 33-011. - Amendments to permit agreement/operating permit. Minor amendments to the permit agreement and operating permit may be made by the director. Amendments that materially change the scope of the permit agreement or operating permit must be applied for in the same manner as the original. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-012 Reserved.

San Antonio City Code § 33-013 License/permit bond.

Sec. 33-013. - License/permit bond. Prior to commencement of operations pursuant to this chapter, the holder shall file with the director, as security for compliance under the operating permit, a good and sufficient license/permit bond for each ground transportation service. The form and substance of such license/permit bond shall be subject to approval by the city attorney's office and shall be in the amount hereafter specified in section 33-015 of this chapter (amount of bond). The right to operate under an operating permit shall be conditional upon the existence and maintenance in full force and effect of the license/permit bond herein described. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-014 Conditions of bond.

Sec. 33-014. - Conditions of bond. The license/permit bond required by this division shall be conditioned as follows: (a) That the holder of the operating permit shall pay to the city all amounts due under the terms of this chapter and all fees, costs, damages, and expenses which the city may incur or suffer as a result of the holder's acts or inactions in violation of the requirements of this chapter, any rules or regulations established by the director, any provisions of the operating permit, any provisions of the permit agreement, and all other applicable rules, regulations and laws; (b) That the holder of the operating permit shall pay all fines, assessments and judgments levied against the holder by any court, by the city treasurer or by direction of city council, and by such other officials authorized to levy such fines, taxes, charges, assessments or judgments; and (c) That the holder of the operating permit shall perform every duty of a person owning/operating a ground transportation service as required by this chapter, rules or regulations established by the director, and provisions of the permit agreement and operating permit. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-015 Amount of bond.

Sec. 33-015. - Amount of bond. Except as otherwise provided by the holder's operating permit, every license/permit bond required by this division shall be in an amount fixed by the following schedule: (a) If the holder is authorized to operate five (5) vehicles for hire or less, then the bond shall be in the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00); (b) If the holder is authorized to operate at least six (6) but not more than ten (10) vehicles for hire, then the bond shall be in the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00); (c) If the holder is authorized to operate at least eleven (11) but not more than fifteen (15) vehicles for hire, then the bond shall be in the sum of four thousand five hundred dollars ($4,500.00); (d) If the holder is authorized to operate at least sixteen (16) but not more than twenty-five (25) vehicles for hire, than the bond shall be in the sum of six thousand dollars ($6,000.00); (e) If the holder is authorized to operate at least twenty-six (26) but not more than fifty (50) vehicles for hire, then the bond shall be in the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500.00); (f) If the holder is authorized to operate at least fifty-one (51) but not more than one hundred (100) vehicles for hire, then the bond shall be in the sum of eleven thousand two hundred dollars ($11,200.00); and (g) If the holder is authorized to operate more than one hundred (100) vehicles for hire, then the bond shall be in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00). (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14; Ord. No. 2015-03-05-0152, § 1(Att. A), 3-5-15; Ord. No. 2022-11-03-0845, § 1(Att. C), 11-3-22)

San Antonio City Code § 33-016 Additional bonds and insurance may be required.

Sec. 33-016. - Additional bonds and insurance may be required. Upon discovery or determination that either the license/permit bond or the public liability and property damage insurance required of the holder under this chapter has become impaired, the director shall require new or additional bonds and insurance as appear to the director as necessary and sufficient to insure faithful performance and payment by such holder, his servants or agents, to persons injured by reason of the neglect of such holder, his servants or agents, or by reason of the violation by such holder, individually or through his servants or agents, of any of the provisions of this chapter, rules and regulations established by the director, provisions of the permit agreement and operating permit, or other applicable rules, regulations and laws. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-017 Provisions to be contained in bonds and insurance policies.

Sec. 33-017. - Provisions to be contained in bonds and insurance policies. Every license/permit bond and insurance policy required under this chapter shall contain an endorsement that termination of the obligations of such bond or expiration, material change in, or cancellation of such insurance policy shall not become effective before thirty (30) days after written notice is received by the city of such termination, expiration, change or cancellation. Every insurance policy required by this chapter shall name the city as an additional insured. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-018 Insurance requirements generally.

Sec. 33-018. - Insurance requirements generally. (a) Prior to commencement of operations pursuant to this chapter the holder shall produce and furnish to the director, and thereafter keep in full force and effect, a policy of public liability and property damage insurance. Such policy of insurance shall be in the amount hereafter specified in this chapter and shall be subject to approval by the city risk manager. Every such policy shall insure all the vehicles permitted by the holder in the vehicle for hire service authorized in the operating permit. Such policy shall inure to the benefit of any person who shall be injured or who shall sustain property damage as a result of the negligence of the holder or his servants or agents. The insurer shall be obligated to pay all final judgments which may be rendered on behalf of the public for injury or damage resulting to persons or property from the negligent operation of the holder's ground transportation service. (b) Every policy of insurance shall be issued by an insurance company with a minimum A.M. Best rating of B+ and authorized to do business in Texas. (c) Failure to procure and keep in full force and effect an insurance policy from a company that has an A.M. Best rating of B+ or above and that meets the minimum amount of insurance requirements under this chapter shall result in the suspension of the holder's operating permits. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14; Ord. No. 2015-03-05-0152, § 1(Att. A), 3-5-15; Ord. No. 2022-11-03-0845, § 1(Att. C), 11-3-22)

San Antonio City Code § 33-025 Renewal of operating permit.

Sec. 33-025. - Renewal of operating permit. (a) The operating permit shall be renewed unless the director determines, before the renewal date, that good cause exists to deny the renewal based on documentation: (1) That the holder is in noncompliance or has demonstrated a history of noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations established by the director, the permit agreement, or the operating permit; (2) That the holder is neither fit, willing, nor able to continue to operate the ground transportation service in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, the rules and regulations established by the director, the permit agreement, or the operating permit; (3) That the holder, since the date of the execution of the original permit agreement: a. Has been convicted of any felony: b. Has had his felony probation, parole or mandatory supervision revoked; c. Has falsified or materially altered or omitted pertinent information in any governmental record, including an application for permit renewal; or d. Has not met the requirements for permit renewal as set forth in this chapter; (4) That the holder, since the date of execution of his original permit agreement has been convicted or spent time in jail or prison for a conviction of any of the offenses listed in section 33-010 of this chapter; (5) That public convenience and necessity do not require the continued operation of the ground transportation service; (6) That a material change to the terms and conditions of the current permit agreement is requested or required; (7) That good cause exists to deny renewal; or (b) If the director decides to deny the application for renewal of an operating permit, the director shall notify the holder of such decision, giving specific reasons for the basis of the denial, in accordance with section 33-072 of this chapter. Upon the holder receiving notice of the director's decision, the holder may appeal such decision in accordance with section 33-033 of this chapter. (c) If the operating permit expires at no fault of the holder before a ruling either on the approval or denial of the renewal, then the holder may continue to operate the ground transportation service pending a final decision. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14; Ord. No. 2016-03-03-0164, § 1(Att. A), 3-3-16)

San Antonio City Code § 33-028 Operation contingent upon payment of fees.

Sec. 33-028. - Operation contingent upon payment of fees. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter or any operating authority granted hereunder, the number of vehicles for hire which a holder shall be authorized to operate shall not exceed the number of vehicles for hire for which such holder shall have paid all charges as required by this chapter. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

San Antonio City Code § 33-029 Drug free workplace.

Sec. 33-029. - Drug free workplace. (a) Upon application for or request for renewal of an operating permit, each holder or applicant shall deliver to the director a statement certifying that the holder or applicant has established for its employees and drivers a drug free workplace policy. If this statement is not delivered to the director, the director or his designated agent may deny the application or renewal and may deny approval of the driver for whom the holder failed to deliver the statement. (b) Each holder shall enforce the drug free workplace policy it has established and provide proof that drivers are being tested to the director within ten (10) days of: (1) Receipt of a written request for such proof from the director whenever the director has good cause to believe that production of such proof is in the best interest of the public; or (2) The first date on which any new driver operates a vehicle under the holder's operating permit. (c) The purpose of this provision is to protect public safety by deterring the unsafe use of drugs and alcohol by drivers of vehicles for hire, by requiring each permit holder to establish certain standards for drug testing of employees and drivers, known as a drug free workplace. Uniform standards and requirements regarding testing of employees, licenses and job applicants must be put into place to protect the rights of individuals. The minimum standards set forth in this provision helps ensure public safety is promoted without unduly infringing on the privacy and dignity of employees and drivers. At a minimum, the holder must adopt in writing a detailed policy setting forth the specifics of such a program which includes the utilization of the test for alcohol and other substances listed under subsection (e) of this section, and that includes at least the following information: (1) A statement of the holder's policy regarding drug and alcohol use by employees and drivers. The policy shall include a zero-tolerance statement for which termination or cancelation of a drivers contract will result if a positive test result is obtained following an accident involving a permitted vehicle. Declining a test shall be considered the same as a positive test result. (2) The job classifications for which employees, drivers and job applicants are subject to testing; (3) The circumstances under which testing may be required; (4) The substances as to which testing may be required; (5) The testing methods and collection procedures to be used; (6) The consequences of a refusal to participate in the testing; (7) The adverse action that may be taken based on the testing procedure or results; (8) The right of an individual to explain in confidence positive test results; (9) The right of the individual to obtain all information related to the testing of that individual; (10) Confidentiality requirements for the testing; (11) The available appeal procedures, remedies and sanctions; and (12) The substance abuse programs for education and treatment available to the individual. (d) The holder shall post notice of the policy in prominent employee and driver access areas and give a written copy of the policy to each driver, applicant and affected employee. Notice shall be posted and the policy distributed any time the policy is changed. (e) At a minimum, a holder shall insure that the testing complies with either the Texas Department of Transportation 5-panel urine drug test standards or tests for the following substances: Amphetamines; Cannabinoids; Cocaine; Phencyclidine; Methaqualone; Opiates; Barbiturates; Benzodiazepines; Synthetic Narcotics; and Methadone. All laboratory security, chain of custody, transporting and receiving of specimens, specimen processing, retesting, storage of specimens, instrument calibration and reporting of results shall be in accordance with the National Institute on Drug Abuse standards. (f) At a minimum, every holder shall insure that the following types of testing are included: (1) Post-accident testing: all drivers shall be tested immediately after any automobile accident resulting in outside medical attention being required for any party involved, a fatality, or property or vehicle damage, or if the driver received a citation. The driver shall be tested for alcohol during this test. (2) Testing for cause: if reasonable suspicion exists to believe the employee or driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol and could adversely affect performance of duties and responsibilities. (3) Applicant testing: any person applying to drive under the holder's operating permit to shall submit to testing no more than seven (7) days prior to the day on which said driver first operates a vehicle in connection with the holder's operating permit. Pedicab and group cycle drivers shall be exempt from applicant drug testing. (4) Random testing. Because there is a likelihood that a driver may harm the public if impaired by alcohol or drug use, all drivers shall be subject to random testing. Other employees or drivers may be subject to random testing if injury to the public may occur if the employee or driver is impaired by drug or alcohol use. (5) Testing after prior use. Employees or drivers who have received a confirmed positive test result within the past year may be required to submit to testing at reasonable intervals for a period of one (1) year after the test. (6) Drivers that do not comply with or refuse a test shall constitute a positive test results. (7) The director may request for a test for any of the above reasons at the permit holders expense. All results for all testing shall be sent the director within twenty-four (24) hours of testing. If a driver has a positive test, the results should also include documentation of actions taken by the company. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14; Ord. No. 2016-03-03-0164, § 1(Att. A), 3-3-16)

San Antonio City Code § 33-030 Persons with disabilities.

Sec. 33-030. - Persons with disabilities. (a) Every holder and driver shall comply with all applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (b) A holder or driver. (1) Shall not discriminate against persons with disabilities in providing ground transportation services; (2) Shall not discriminate against persons with disabilities by actions including, but not limited to, refusing to provide ground transportation service to persons with disabilities who are capable of using that service, refusing to assist with the stowing of mobility devices, and charging higher fares or fees for carrying persons with disabilities and their equipment than are charged to other persons; (3) Shall not require persons with disabilities to use designated priority seats, if the person does not choose to use these seats; (4) Shall not impose additional or special charges, fares or fees, not authorized by this chapter, on provisions or services necessary to accommodate persons with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs; (5) Shall not require that persons with disabilities be accompanied by an attendant; (6) Shall not refuse to serve persons with disabilities or require anything contrary to this chapter because an insurance company conditions coverage or rates on the absence of persons with disabilities or requirements contrary to this chapter; (7) Shall permit service animals to accompany persons with disabilities in vehicles; (8) Shall not prohibit persons with disabilities from traveling with a respirator or portable oxygen supply, consistent with department of transportation rules on transportation of hazardous materials; and (9) Shall ensure that adequate time is provided to allow persons with disabilities to complete boarding and disembarking from the vehicle. (c) A holder, driver and dispatch service shall make available to persons with disabilities adequate information concerning ground transportation services. This obligation includes making adequate communications capacity available, through accessible formats and technology, to enable persons with disabilities to obtain information and schedule service. (d) Ground transportation services, and their holders, drivers and dispatch services providing on-demand vehicles for hire, including taxicabs and transportation network companies: (1) Are not required to purchase, lease or make available wheelchair accessible vehicles; (2) Upon request, shall ensure that a person with a disability who requests a wheelchair accessible vehicle receives such a vehicle, if that ground transportation service has such vehicles available: a. The ground transportation service may require up to forty-eight (48) hours advance notice to provide this service; b. If the person with a disability does not provide the advance notice, the ground transportation service shall nevertheless provide the service if it can do so by making a reasonable effort; and c. If the ground transportation service does not have wheelchair accessible vehicles, then the ground transportation service is required to provide contact information to ground transportation services that have such vehicles; (e) It is not discrimination under this chapter for an entity to refuse to provide service to a person with disabilities because that person engages in violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal conduct. However, a ground transportation service shall not refuse to provide service to a person with disabilities solely because the person's disability results in appearance or involuntary behavior that may offend, annoy or inconvenience another person. (f) Training requirements. (1) Holders shall ensure that drivers are trained to proficiency, as appropriate to their duties, so that they operate vehicles and equipment safely, and properly assist and treat persons with disabilities who use the ground transportation service in a respectful and courteous way, with appropriate attention to the difference among persons with disabilities. (2) Dispatch services shall ensure that all personnel are trained on the types of vehicles that are available, on ground transportation services in San Antonio that provide the service being requested, and how to provide service in a respectful and courteous way to a person with disabilities. (g) Enforcement. A holder, driver or dispatch service who violates a provision of this chapter, or who fails to perform an act required by this chapter shall be subject to suspension or revocation of the holder, driver, vehicle and dispatch service permit, under the procedures established in sections 33-034(b), 33-035(c), 33-042(b)(3) and 33-033. (Ord. No. 2014-12-11-1002, § 1(Att. A), 12-11-14)

Source: City of San Antonio, City Code, City Charter and Unified Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH33VEHI_ARTIGEPR_DIV2OPAUFetched: 10/27/2026