Texas Transportation Code 454.002 – Essential Governmental Functions
(a) Mass transportation service provided by a municipality directly or through another entity by lease, contract, or other manner is an essential governmental function and not a proprietary function for all purposes, including the application of Chapter 101, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, if the service is provided:
(1) on a fixed rail or other designated and dedicated route;
(2) over a distance of less than 20 miles; and
(3) primarily for travel through or to an area of historical, architectural, recreational, or cultural interest.
(b) An independent contractor that on behalf of a municipality provides mass transportation service that is an essential governmental function under Subsection (a) is liable for damages only to the extent that the municipality would be liable if the municipality were performing the function.
Terms Used In Texas Transportation Code 454.002
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
(c) This section does not apply to taxicab transportation service.