Survey of Laws and Regulations of Airport Commercial Ground Transportation (2008)

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59 GEORGIA Statewide Regulations The State of Georgia generally regulates motor vehicles operating and based in the state. Ga. Code Ann. § 40 (2007). For more information, contact the Georgia DOT at (404) 656-5267 or visit its Web site at http://www.dot.state.ga.us. Georgia—Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport (ATL) Overview ATL is operated by the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation. ATL’s primary regulations are enumerated in the City Code. Atlanta, Ga., Municipal Code ch. 22 (2007). Airport rules are also written into all contracts between ATL and commercial operators. The airport administration is developing an operator’s guide to commercial ground transportation rules. Operators should check for City Code updates. ATL is a semi-closed system. Local City of Atlanta Regulations Cited as: Municipal code ch. 22 § xxx (2007). Fee Schedule Airport permits are issued with annual and per- trip fees. Fees are calculated according to Municipal Code ch. 22 § 202 (2007). Taxicabs Taxicab owners and drivers must obtain permits before picking up passengers at ATL. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 236 (2007). Locally licensed airport taxicabs, however, may transport passengers within the city corporate limits or within 5 mi of the airport complex. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 253 (2007). The code contains explicit operating rules regarding taxes and fees, licensing, documentation, operating procedures, griev- ances, fines, and appeals. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 236 (2007). Certain information, such as the boundaries of authorized pickup zones, is available directly from the airport administration. Id. Charter Services Charter services must purchase an airport permit. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 266 (2007).

60 Charters are only available to groups, and charter companies are prohibited from accepting fares from individual passengers. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 267 (2007). Buses and Shuttles Before offering regularly scheduled bus or shuttle service, an operator must obtain an airport operating permit by meeting extensive documentation and insurance requirements. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 281 (2007). Additionally, operators wishing to serve the metro area must enter into a contract with the City of Atlanta before beginning service. Id. Some operating procedures are included in the City Code. The airport administration may develop additional parking and operating rules as needed. Id. Limousines Limousine operators must have an operating permit. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 301 (2007). Permits will only be issued to operators that meet city requirements and standards. Id. Courtesy Vehicles Courtesy vehicles may operate in a limited capacity without an airport permit. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 221 (2007). Operators may purchase additional operating privileges, such as a permanent staging area, by obtaining an airport permit. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 222 (2007). Couriers Permits are available for courier services that wish to obtain a dedicated space at the airport. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 316 (2007). Otherwise, courier services may simply park in the public garage. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 317 (2007). Car Rentals All car rental operations, both on-site and off- site, are based in the Consolidated Car Rental Facility (CONRAC). Municipal Code ch. 22 § 205 (2007). Suspensions and Appeals “The aviation general manager may revoke or suspend temporarily any airport ground transportation service permit…whenever it shall be determined that the holder of such permit has violated any section of this article.” Municipal Code ch. 22 § 203 (2007). Prior to suspending or revoking a permit, the manager must give written notice to the permit holder. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 203 (2007).

61 In addition, the manager must provide at least 5 days for the permit holder to present a defense. Id. Airport Regulations The airport generally requires permit agreements with commercial operators. Typically, the airport’s rules are provided along with the permit. When changes are made to permit rules, commercial operators will be notified by the ATL Ground Transportation Office. The administrator has authority to create and enforce any necessary rules for traffic control and public safety, including speed limits, signage, impound and towing procedures, and insurance requirements. Municipal Code ch. 22 § 182 (2007). County Regulations The airport straddles the border between Fulton and Clayton counties. Operators must make certain that they comply with all appropriate county regulations. Chapter 86 of the Fulton County Code regulates taxicabs based in unincorporated Fulton County. The county regulations require permits, inspections, and certain procedures. Clayton County, Ga., Code of Ordinances ch. 86 (2007). Chapter 22, Article VII of the Clayton County Code contains rules for taxicab business and operations. The regulations include permit requirements, background checks, and operational rules. Taxi permits are required for all taxicabs operating in Clayton County. Clayton County, Ga., Code of Ordinances ch. 22 § 461 (2007). Federal Jurisdiction Vehicles generally operating in interstate commerce, but carrying passengers with immediate prior or subsequent movement by air and staying within a 25-mi radius of Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport, are exempt from FMCSA regulations. 49 C.F.R. § 372.117 (2007). Transportation within the municipal limits of Atlanta is exempt. 49 U.S.C.S. § 13506 (2007). Contact Information Ground Transportation Department (404) 530-6674 Landside Operations (404) 209-4142 General Information (800) 897-1910