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Local limo owner asks commission to reopen taxi/limo ordinance to attract businesses; requests changes to vehicle, pricing and permit rules
Summary
A representative for limousine operator Elegant Limousines asked the commission to schedule a future presentation on proposed changes to Harlingen’s taxi/limo ordinance, listing requested amendments on vehicle age/inspection, minimum pricing, pre‑notice requirements, temporary vehicle additions and minimum fleet size.
A Harlingen limo operator asked the City Commission on July 16 for an opportunity to present proposed changes to the city’s taxi and limousine ordinance to encourage new businesses to operate in the city.
Lede: Javier Segura said he has spent five years recruiting businesses to the Polygen area and wants the commission to consider changes that would allow upscale limousine services to operate without regulatory barriers he says are currently preventing investment.
Nut graf: Segura requested a formal future presentation and listed several specific changes he and colleagues propose to the city ordinance governing vehicles for hire, including vehicle age and inspection reciprocity, raising a maximum pricing cap to a minimum hourly rate of $67.50, a one‑hour pre‑notice requirement to prevent staging, a temporary maximum addition of vehicles for up to 10 days when permitted from another city, and a minimum applicant fleet size of two vehicles (including at least one 8‑passenger rated limo).
Details presented by Segura: - Vehicle age/inspection reciprocity: Allow vehicles permitted in other Texas cities to operate in Harlingen so long as they present the other city’s permit and submit to an annual Harlingen inspection. - Pricing: Replace a current ordinance cap (described in the presentation as $40) with a minimum rate of $67.50 per hour to protect existing taxis and justify vehicle quality. - One‑hour pre‑notice: Require customers to give at least one hour notice to prevent vehicles from “hovering” near events and to give companies time to prepare drivers and vehicles. - Temporary fleet expansion: Permit up to 10 additional vehicles for short‑term events if the vehicles hold permits from other Texas cities (San Antonio example cited) and supply documentation. - Fleet minimum: Require a minimum of two vehicles to obtain a permit and one vehicle to be an 8‑passenger limo rated vehicle.
The mayor and commission agreed to coordinate with staff; the city manager noted the item could be placed on an agenda in August to start ordinance review.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to follow up with Segura and schedule an agenda item so he can formally present requested ordinance revisions and supporting materials.
