Yesterday City Council decided to hold off on approving an amendment to an ordinance that would effect taxicab operations.
The amendment to Ch. 7-10 of the Vehicles for Hire law brought forth during the Council’s Finance committee meeting included such changes as: increased permit and inspection fees; clarification of revocation laws between a cab company and driver; stricter requirements for criminal history; an increase in insurance rates; and clarification of rates for individuals when going to multiple locations.
One of the main reasons Council revisited the cab issue was due to allegations of some cabbies taking advantage of military service men and women by charging them more than the meter rate—particularly those traveling to and from NAS and the airport.
Council members held off on approving the amendment due to complaints from cab drivers and companies over the additional fees that they’d incur during the current economic downturn.
“Many said it was not time to raise taxes and to hold off a year,†says Mayor Mike Wiggins, who chairs the finance committee. “Council thought the fee of $250 (for permits) was too excessive.â€
But to help deal with the issue of  outrageous cab wages, Councilwoman Diane Mack brought forth an idea to include approved taxis companies with a good reputation on the city’s Web site.
Wiggins tells IN he has no problem with that suggestion if it can help solve the problem.
“Young enlisted men and women have been taken advantage of,†he says. “We need some rules to take care of that.â€
Because the agenda item was voted down, it will not be brought forth at Thursday’s regular meeting. City staff will review recommendations from Council before putting it back on the agenda at a later date.