Tag: Taxi Reform

  • Behind Tony Young’s Surprise Appearance at the Taxi Industry Hearing

    Former City Councilman Tony Young | Photo Credit: Sam Hodgson By Megan Burks Taxicab owners and drivers flooded Council Chambers and three overflow rooms last week to leave public comment – nearly four hours of it – on a proposal to open the city’s taxi market. One person who offered comments during the marathon session…

  • Cabbies Who Make Airport Pickups Must Pass the Smell Test – Literally

    Cabdrivers are facing increasing competition from rideshare services like Uber. One reason consumers say they’re converting: they want to avoid that infamous archetype of the taxi industry – the smelly cabbie. The stereotype for predominantly immigrant drivers falls somewhere between playful and racist. But some in the industry say it’s flat-out wrong when it creeps…

  • San Diego Committee Wants Worn-Out Cabs Off the Road

    Taxis lined up in downtown San Diego. | Photo Credit: Sam Hodgson for Voice of San Diego By Megan Burks Of all the days to call a hearing on taxis, the city of San Diego’s public safety committee chose one during Comic-Con, a big moneymaker for cab drivers. But drivers who say they drive unsafe…

  • With Filner Out, City Spins Its Wheels On Taxi Reform

    By Megan Burks Former Mayor Bob Filner put the wheels in motion for the city to take over the taxicab industry and improve oversight. But a proposal by interim mayor Todd Gloria to enter into a long-term contract with current taxi regulator MTS could bring that work to a halt. Taxi drivers rallied at the Metropolitan…