For-Hire Vehicle (Taxicab) Administration

Taxicabs are vehicles that transport no more than eight (8) passengers excluding the driver over all public streets, roads and highways. Taxicabs are available for hire on demand by any person through street hails, at designated taxi stands, through telephone, website or mobile applications. Taxicabs are required to subscribe to an FHVA authorized Dispatch Service.

Taxicabs may charge no more than the maximum rates of fare for street hails; trips originated at taxicab stands or telephone requests. Maximum rates of fare do not apply to trips booked through websites or mobile applications. Passengers may use cash, credit or debit cards and other forms of contactless payments.

The below maximum rates of fare are the most a taxicab may charge for a trip. Prior to the beginning of the trip, taxicab drivers and prospective passengers may agree to a rate of fare which is equal to or less than the below maximum rates of fare.

Maximum Rates of Fare

Non-airport and airport trips may not exceed:

Maximum Rates of Fare (Additional 6% for Taxicabs equipped with electronic point of sale device)

Non-airport and airport trips may not exceed:

You can call any dispatch service for taxi reservations. All taxicabs must be equipped with a two-way radio or electronic communication and all permit holders must subscribe to a dispatch service company. You may also hail taxis on the street or at any taxi stand. We recommend you get a receipt at the end of your ride so you can trace any items you may have lost in the taxi.

PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN YOU HAVE ALL OF YOUR BELONGINGS BEFORE LEAVING THE VEHICLE.

For lost and found items, please provide a description of your item and the date/time and well as pickup and drop-off location and call: 

• 619-400-2140 (if your trip originated at the Airport) 
• 619-595-3086 (For-Hire Vehicle Administration)

If you know the dispatch service associated with the taxicab, please call them directly (see Dispatch Services accordion above).

To assist you in retrieving your items, please provide the taxicab’s name and number located on both sides of the vehicle, as well as the inside passenger area (near the rear-view mirror).

You may arrange to retrieve your items at the dispatch service office or any commercial or public location. You may also request that the items be returned at the location of your choosing (an extra charge may be required).

As a passenger in a taxicab, at the San Diego International Airport or within the MTS areas of jurisdiction, you can expect your trip to be a pleasant experience based on: 

• A driver who is courteous, English-speaking, who uses the most direct route to your destination and obeys all traffic laws; 
• The use of the heater or air conditioner upon request, when available; 
• A clean passenger seating area and luggage compartment; 
• A smoke-free vehicle; 
• A radio-free (silent) trip; 
• A driver who will not use a cellular phone while driving; 
• View the driver’s identification card, company name, and vehicle number displayed in the driver compartment of the vehicle; 
• Pay only the rate of fare posted in the vehicle for your destination; 
• Pay with cash, credit card or other contactless payment; 
• Receive a receipt for your trip; 
• Receive assistance with luggage. 

Please note: A driver is not obligated to transport any person who is verbally or otherwise abusive to the driver.

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is a specialized service that transports patients to routine healthcare appointments when they do not require an ambulance or other specialized transportation. NEMT services are usually pre-scheduled and paid by a health plan or health service provider rather than the passenger. Some NEMT companies may offer on demand service and accept payments directly from the passenger, in which case, the NEMT company must disclose the total cost of the trip prior to the service. NEMT trips typically include: 

• Dialysis treatments 
• Physical or occupational therapy 
• Scheduled outpatient surgeries or hospital discharges 
• Routine doctor checkups and mental health visits 
• Other trips involving convalescent homes, retirement homes, homes receiving funding for the board and care of residents living in those homes, rehabilitation clinics, senior citizen centers, and any other like social service category, over the public streets of the City.

Depending on the specific passenger mobility or medical needs, NEMT providers may operate the following vehicle types: 

• Wheelchair Accessible: Equipped with ramps or lifts for secured wheelchair transport. 
• Gurney (stretcher) Accessible: For patients who must remain lying down during transit but do not need emergency support

Charter Vehicles are vans or four-door sedans that are not equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts and transport ambulatory patients to similar locations as those served by NEMT.

For non-medical related trips, Charter vehicles may also transport passengers through a pre-arranged destination and cost agreement in written or electronic form between the driver and passenger(s) must be finalized before the start of the trip. Trips costs are based on a per-mile or per-hour basis.

LSV are electric powered vehicles that operate in certain city areas on demand or on a pre-arranged basis. LSVs do not operate on freeways as they have a maximum speed limit of 25 mph and are a great way to travel short distances within urban locations. For on demand trips, fares are posted within the vehicle. For- pre-arranged trips, a destination and trip cost agreement in written or electronic form between the driver and passenger(s) must be finalized before the start of the trip. Trips costs are based on a per-mile or per-hour basis.

Jitney vehicles transport passengers by following an MTS approved route of travel between specific points. Routes, hours of operations, pick-up and drop-odd locations are proposed by the Jitney operator for MTS approval. Jitneys are a transportation alternative to locations or businesses with high visitor levels or event-based schedules such as commercial malls, markets, and swap-meets.

Jitney fares are based on a per-mile or per-hour basis and must be posted inside the vehicle.

Sightseeing Vehicles Transport passengers for sightseeing purposes of showing points of interest over the public streets of the City. Fares are based on a per-person or per- event basis.

Permit Holders may, at any time and at no charge, place their vehicles under “temporary surrender” (non-operation) status. MTS will provide proof that the vehicle is placed in temporary surrender. Please call 619-557-4524 or e-mail Regulatory Inspector Joseph Ross at Joseph.Ross@sdmts.com to request an appointment and instructions on how to complete the process. Permit holders may submit this proof to insurance companies or taxicab dispatch services for the purpose of suspending insurance premium or, if applicable, dispatch subscription payments while the vehicle is not operating. 

View For-Hire Vehicle Administration Request to Surrender Medallion Form

If you plan to drive any of FHVAs permitted vehicles, you will need to apply for a Sheriff’s Issued Driver Identification card. Please contact the San Diego Sheriffs Licensing Division (Additional Services) for more information.

Note: First you will need to obtain an FHVA permit to start the Driver Identification Card application with the Sheriffs department.

If you plan to work at the San Diego Airport, you will need to apply for an Airport Ground Transportation permit. Note: First you will need to obtain an FHVA permit to start the application with the Airport. You can also request information via email at: gtpermits@san.org.

Required Driver Training classes are held via webinar and require a one-time $40 fee payable to MTS. No Cash is accepted. 

Payment in the form of check or money order payable to MTS may be mailed to: 100 16th St. San Diego, CA 92101. 

If you prefer to submit your payment in person, please call 619-398-9595 or e-mail Regulatory Inspector Mark Palmer at mark.palmer@sdmts.com to ensure staff is available to receive your payment. 

Training classes for Taxicab, LSV, and Jitney drivers are held every last Friday of each month at 10 a.m. Training Classes for Non-emergency Medical and Charter drivers are held every first Friday of every month at 10 a.m. In order to sign up for a training class, drivers must e-mail: MTSFHVDTraining@sdmts.com or call 619-235-2651 and provide the following information:

• Driver Name, phone number and e-mail (training link will be sent to driver’s e-mail)
• California Drivers License number
• Company Name (DBA)