Transition of taxicab associations and for-hire vehicle companies to regional dispatch agencies
Seattle Mun. Code § 6.311.330
in effect6.311.330 - Transition of taxicab associations and for-hire vehicle companies to regional dispatch agencies
A. Taxicab associations and for-hire vehicle companies must transition to become regional dispatch agencies by March 31, 2026.
B. As of January 29, 2024, a valid City of Seattle taxicab association license or for-hire vehicle company recognition shall automatically become a transitional regional dispatch agency license and shall expire on March 31, 2024. As of January 29, 2024, every taxicab association with a valid license issued by King County and every for-hire vehicle company registered by King County shall be issued a transitional regional dispatch agency license by The City of Seattle and shall expire on March 31, 2024. A transitional regional dispatch agency license or a regional dispatch agency license permits the licensee to operate in Seattle and King County. New taxicab association licenses shall not be issued and new for-hire vehicle companies shall not be recognized after January 29, 2024.
C. Upon initial license renewal, a transitional regional dispatch agency shall submit for Director approval a transition plan on a form provided by the Director for adopting a smart taximeter system. The transition plan must include a clear process for adopting a smart taximeter system by no later than March 31, 2026. The Director may grant an extension of the deadline for implementing a smart taximeter system for up to 12 months based upon consideration of the following nonexclusive factors:
1. Previous efforts of a transitional regional dispatch agency to implement a smart taximeter system in its fleet of affiliated vehicles;
2. Costs and availability of a smart taximeter system; and
3. Economic viability of operating a taxicab.
D. Transitional regional dispatch agencies seeking to continue operating beyond March 31, 2026, shall apply for a regional dispatch agency license. Unless the Director approves an extension for adopting a smart taximeter system, a valid regional dispatch agency license is required to operate after March 31, 2026.
(Ord. 126977, § 1, 2023.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT6BURE_SUBTITLE_IVNELICO_CH6.311FRETRAXFREVEDR_6.311.330TRTAASFREVECOREDIAGFetched: 11/1/2026