A. Every driver of a taxicab who is engaged to carry passengers shall take the most direct route possible that will carry the passengers safely and expeditiously to their destinations, unless otherwise directed by such passengers.

B. When a taxicab is engaged, the person or persons engaging such taxicab shall have the exclusive right to the full and complete use of the taxicab and it is unlawful for the carrier or driver of such taxicab to solicit or carry additional passengers therein; it is unlawful for the carrier or driver of the taxicab to permit any person other than the carrier or driver or a paying passenger, to occupy a taxicab whether such taxicab is waiting employment in a regular designated stand or in motion upon the public streets, provided, however, that where the city manager finds that public necessity requires the grouping of passengers in such taxicabs, the city manager may issue a special written permit, which permit shall specifically set forth the rules and regulations under which such passenger grouping is permitted. It is unlawful for any driver or carrier to operate, or permit to be operated, any taxicab in violation of any of the rules and regulations set forth in such special permits.

C. The number of passengers which may be carried in any vehicle covered by this chapter shall be limited to the seating capacity of such vehicle as specified by the manufacturer. No person shall be carried in such vehicle who is required to share in any way the seating space occupied by another, nor shall any person be carried who is required to occupy any space in or on such vehicle which does not provide a seat. (Ord. 473 §1, 2002).