§ 20-136. Temporary authority to provide service.

In order to provide service for which there is an immediate and urgent need in a particular area or route that is not adequately covered by licensed providers, the board of county commissioners may in its discretion:

(1)

Grant to a licensed provider the temporary authority to service the particular area or route for such period of time as the board of county commissioners may specify, not to exceed ninety (90) days. This temporary emergency authority may be granted without notice and hearing, although the department and the board of county commissioners will develop and adopt rules governing the procedure for applications for emergency temporary authority.

(2)

Grant temporary authority for such service in conjunction with an application for permanent authority. Such temporary authority, unless suspended or revoked for good cause, shall be valid for such time as the board of county commissioners may specify, not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days. Following the expiration of any temporary approval granted under this subsection, the board of county commissioners may extend the temporary authority for a specified period, or until such time as an application for permanent authority is approved, provided that adequate service is not otherwise available to the area, and further provided that the provider is determined to be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Temporary authority under this subsection may be granted to applicants providing alternative transportation within the county prior to the effective date of Ordinance No. 96-24, provided that the board of county commissioners determines that the public safety and welfare will be served by such temporary approval. Any person granted temporary approval under this section must take all necessary measures to ensure that its operations are in compliance with the requirements of this article, state law and other pertinent rules and regulations.

(3)

If necessary, the department and the board of county commissioners will develop and adopt regulations and procedures for applications for temporary authority, in order to ensure that adequate notice is provided to interested persons. The granting of temporary authority will not create a presumption that permanent authority will be granted at a later date.

(Ord. No. 96-24, § 1, 8-27-96; Ord. No. 2001-09, § 21, 5-1-01)