There is no uniform license for taxi services in the State of Texas. Rather, individual municipalities have their own standards and practices for issuing taxi licenses. In most cases, an existing driver's license will be required, and additional driving tests for chauffeurs or service drivers may be necessary. Any points against one's license may be grounds to deny a taxi license.
One element that is the same in almost any municipality is registering the driver and the vehicle with the city government. Taxi companies are required to keep thorough records in most places of how many cars they have on the road, where they picked up and dropped off passengers, and what driver was in what car. Failure to comply with civic regulations regarding record keeping could result in a fine or even the revoking of a taxi operator's license in the State of Texas.
Rates are also regulated by the municipality in which the taxi service is operating. Fare and rates within taxis are generally kept below a certain point to prevent unfair practices, such as a driver trying to force more money out of a passenger after the destination is reached. Also, rates usually have to remain constant, as in if the rate begins at $1 per mile, the driver cannot up it to $3 a mile after five miles. There is typically a base value for the cab ride, and an additional constant rate for every unit of distance traveled.
Many taxi cab companies make special arrangements with municipalities or medical facilities to move patients or disabled individuals in non-emergency situations, and Texas is no exception. Special training is required before a driver can be certified to perform these tasks. The training generally includes basic first aid and the use of light equipment, such as wheelchairs.
