Focus Area: Exceptional Services
Staff Contact: Erin Vader and Brenda Swearingian
Subject: Report regarding the proposed repeal of Chapter 5.24 of the Olathe Municipal Code pertaining to taxicabs.
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title:
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Report regarding the proposed repeal of Chapter 5.24 of the Olathe Municipal Code pertaining to taxicabs.
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Summary:
The City of Olathe has regulated taxicab services since 1935, beginning with Ordinance Section 392. Over time, the ordinance has been revised and incorporated into Municipal Code Chapter 5.24, which governs Taxicab Licenses and Taxicab Driver’s Certificates.
Since 2012, only two companies have maintained taxicab licenses with the city. In recent years, one company has continued to renew their license due to their continued participation with the taxi coupon program, previously administered by the Housing Department. This program has transitioned to Johnson County and is no longer under City management.
The City Clerk’s Office has identified several challenges with the implementation and enforcement of this code:
• The provision allowing licensed taxicabs from other municipalities to operate within Olathe under certain conditions is difficult to enforce. It is unclear how the City would be able to verify if a trip begins, ends, or remains entirely within Olathe.
• These sections provide grounds for suspension or revocation of licenses and certificates. However, there is no mechanism to monitor or verify violations of these provisions.
• The code does not clearly designate an enforcement authority, and the Olathe Police department has indicated they have not been involved in enforcement and would support repealing this chapter.
The Legal Department has reviewed this matter and evaluated the continued relevance and enforceability of Municipal Code 5.24 and recommends repealing.
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Financial Impact:
N/A
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Action Needed:
Accept the report. Unless directed otherwise, staff will prepare the ordinance for formal consideration on May 20, 2025.
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Attachment(s):
A. Ordinance No. 25-XX