A regional contracted broker or a managed transportation organization
must ensure the following minimum standards regarding the physical
condition and maintenance of motor vehicles used to provide transportation
services.
(1) All motor vehicles used to provide transportation
services must:
(A) meet or exceed warranty and component standards
for both state and federal safety mechanical operating and maintenance
standards;
(B) be identified with the transportation provider
name and vehicle number using letters that are at a minimum six inches
in height; and
(C) be equipped with:
(i) functioning, clean, and accessible seat belts for
each passenger seat position that must be stored off the floor when
not in use;
(ii) an operating speedometer and odometer;
(iii) working interior lights within the passenger
compartment;
(iv) adequate interior sidewall padding and ceiling
covering;
(v) two exterior rear view mirrors, one on each side
of the vehicle;
(vi) an interior mirror, which should be used for monitoring
the passenger compartment;
(vii) a clean interior and exterior (which must be
free of broken mirrors or windows, excessive grime, rust, chipped
paint, and major dents);
(viii) a functional fire extinguisher (which must be
secured within reach of the motor vehicle operator and visible to
passengers);
(ix) a first aid kit (which must include at a minimum
latex gloves, hazardous waste disposal bags, scrub brush, disinfectant,
and deodorizer);
(x) working heating and cooling systems adequate for
the heating, cooling, and ventilation needs of both the motor vehicle
operator and the passengers; and
(xi) signage posted within the vehicle that reads:
"No Smoking, Eating or Drinking." "All passengers must wear seat belts."
"Concealed Weapons Prohibited."
(2) All motor vehicles used to provide transportation
services must comply with all applicable state and federal laws, including
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines
for Transportation Vehicles (36 C.F.R. 1192), Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (49 C.F.R. 571), and Chapter 547 of the Texas Transportation
Code.
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