Code of Maryland Regulations
Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Subtitle 95 - TRANSPORTATION
Chapter 20.95.01 - General
Section 20.95.01.25 - Accessibility and Non-Discrimination
Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 6, March 22, 2024
A. For purposes of this regulation, 'Accessible" means fully and equally accessible to and independently usable by individuals with disabilities so that the individuals are able to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as users without disabilities, with substantially equivalent ease of use.
B. By July 1, 2016, a carrier or TNC that operates five or more vehicles under its permit shall:
C. A company that provides for-hire transportation, including a Transportation Network Company shall not:
D. If an owner, operator, or Transportation Network Operator accepts a ride request from a passenger with a disability who uses a mobility device, upon picking up the passenger, the operator or Transportation Network Operator shall stow the passenger's mobility equipment in the vehicle if the vehicle is capable of stowing the equipment.
E. If a passenger or driver determines that the vehicle is not capable of stowing the equipment, the owner or Transportation Network Company may not charge a trip cancellation fee or, if such fee is charged, shall provide the passenger with a refund in a timely manner.
F. All companies that provide for-hire transportation, and all Transportation Network Operators, shall comply with all applicable laws related to accommodation of service animals.
G. All companies that provide for-hire transportation, including Transportation Network Companies, shall provide their drivers detailed information and appropriate training regarding the requirements of laws governing non-discrimination and accessibility, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, prior to allowing them to provide service to passengers to the extent applicable.
H. By July 1 of each year, a carrier or TNC that operates five or more vehicles under its permit, shall report to the Commission Staff:
I. Transportation Network Companies, Transportation Network Operators, owners, and operators that provide platforms allowing drivers to rate passengers shall ensure that such ratings are not based on unlawful discrimination, and that drivers do not discriminate against passengers or potential passengers on the basis of geographic endpoints of the ride, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, or sexual orientation/identity.
J. The Maryland Office of People's Counsel shall have access to the reports filed under §B and H of this regulation, upon request.