For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:

    "Driver" means any person in charge of or operating any passenger-carrying motor vehicle, either as owner or employee or under the direction of owners or employees.

    "Owner" means any person who, in any manner, has the proprietary use, ownership or control of any passenger-carrying motor vehicle.

    "Taxicab" means any motor vehicle used solely or mainly for the transportation of passengers for hire, on call or demand, over the public streets of the city, irrespective of whether the operations extend beyond the city, and between such points and over such route as may be directed by the passenger, of a distinctive color or insignia and of public appearance such as is in common usage for taxicabs. (Prior code § 10-55)