COUNCILMAN SOUGHT RELIEF FOR DRIVERS SERVING CITY
06/19/2008
Rising gas prices aren't just taking their toll on commuters - they're also putting the squeeze on taxicab drivers. So San Jose Councilman Pete Constant hit on a solution: temporarily adding a $2 surcharge on all taxi fares in the city.
Unfortunately for the drivers, Constant's colleagues on the city council's Rules and Open Government Committee shot down the idea Wednesday.
Instead, committee members said it was better to let city staffers work on a more formal proposal to raise taxicab rates. City staff have already begun the research to bring a plan before the council in the fall and feared Constant's proposal would just muddle the process.
Taxicab companies have leaned on the pro-business Constant in recent months requesting immediate relief. They contend that since the city sets taxicab fares - $2.50 a mile - drivers can't raise rates, even if gas prices go up.
"The industry needs this help on an emergency basis," said Lawrence Silva, general manager of Yellow Checker Cab Co. "There could be a lot of damage to the industry."
Still, committee members said that even though cabbies will have to spend more in the next few months, the higher rates the council is expected to adopt in the fall will make up for it.
Constant was disappointed with the defeat.
"You can't feed your family retroactively," he said.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Fuel costs soar but meters don't
Gas squeezes cab operator
06/24/2008
A taxicab business that survives just by the people who call it now faces a new dilemma: rising gasoline prices.
Sarwar Yourish, owner and operator of Empire Taxi in Redlands CA, said there are many reasons people might call his taxi service.
"Some people are wise enough to not drink and drive, so they call us," said Yourish, who was born in Afghanistan and drove cabs in New York City. "And the other factor might be the gas price. But actually, there are few people calling us - those who break down, and those who don't have their cars available. Otherwise, most of the people here have their own transportation."
Yourish's struggle began with getting licensed in Redlands in April.
"Most of them are not aware that we have been licensed here in the city of Redlands," Yourish said. "Before, we used to work in adjacent cities, but now we're based in Redlands and licensed in Redlands."
He said he wished he could expand his business.
"I was planning to add another driver, but now I see that at this price it is hard for me to make enough money to pay my bills," he said.
The steep rise in gas prices in the last six months hurts his business, he said.
"I pay ... $25 more than I used to pay six months ago," Yourish said.
Even though gas prices have risen, cab drivers can't afford to raise their fares because of competition, he said.
"Our prices are the same as before," Yourish said. "We
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don't have anything in mind on changing the prices.
"We only charge a little bit additional charge to what the meter reading is. Locally, we charge 50 cents in addition, but long distance it depends."
06/24/2008
A taxicab business that survives just by the people who call it now faces a new dilemma: rising gasoline prices.
Sarwar Yourish, owner and operator of Empire Taxi in Redlands CA, said there are many reasons people might call his taxi service.
"Some people are wise enough to not drink and drive, so they call us," said Yourish, who was born in Afghanistan and drove cabs in New York City. "And the other factor might be the gas price. But actually, there are few people calling us - those who break down, and those who don't have their cars available. Otherwise, most of the people here have their own transportation."
Yourish's struggle began with getting licensed in Redlands in April.
"Most of them are not aware that we have been licensed here in the city of Redlands," Yourish said. "Before, we used to work in adjacent cities, but now we're based in Redlands and licensed in Redlands."
He said he wished he could expand his business.
"I was planning to add another driver, but now I see that at this price it is hard for me to make enough money to pay my bills," he said.
The steep rise in gas prices in the last six months hurts his business, he said.
"I pay ... $25 more than I used to pay six months ago," Yourish said.
Even though gas prices have risen, cab drivers can't afford to raise their fares because of competition, he said.
"Our prices are the same as before," Yourish said. "We
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don't have anything in mind on changing the prices.
"We only charge a little bit additional charge to what the meter reading is. Locally, we charge 50 cents in addition, but long distance it depends."
Disabled Austinites Take Capital Metro To Court
CBS 42
June 25,2008
Disabled Capital Metro Lawsuit
A federal judge in Austin heard arguments Wednesday on whether Capital Metro may reduce its services to people with disabilities.
Advocates for the disabled sued the Austin's public transportation agency. They are unhappy the bus company wants to scale back its taxi voucher program.
The judge is deciding whether to prohibit Capital Metro from reducing its services to people with disabilities.
Capital Metro would like to see more disabled riders use regular buses and cut down on the use of cabs and implement a $10 penalty for cancellations and no-shows.
The transit provider says it needs to make changes to rein in spending. The bus line says it's spending about $27 million a year on special transit services. That represents nearly 20 percent of the annual budget which is being spent on about two percent of its ridership.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Capital Metro to provide disabled riders with similar services to what the rest of its riders are getting.
June 25,2008
Disabled Capital Metro Lawsuit
A federal judge in Austin heard arguments Wednesday on whether Capital Metro may reduce its services to people with disabilities.
Advocates for the disabled sued the Austin's public transportation agency. They are unhappy the bus company wants to scale back its taxi voucher program.
The judge is deciding whether to prohibit Capital Metro from reducing its services to people with disabilities.
Capital Metro would like to see more disabled riders use regular buses and cut down on the use of cabs and implement a $10 penalty for cancellations and no-shows.
The transit provider says it needs to make changes to rein in spending. The bus line says it's spending about $27 million a year on special transit services. That represents nearly 20 percent of the annual budget which is being spent on about two percent of its ridership.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires Capital Metro to provide disabled riders with similar services to what the rest of its riders are getting.
Taxi rates increase due to gas prices
Gravenhurst,ON
Jun 25, 2008
While anyone who drives a vehicle is feeling the impact of rising gas prices, those who depend on taxicab transportation will also feel the impact of fuel costs in their wallet.
Last Tuesday Gravenhurst town council agreed to raise the fares being charged by Gravenhurst Taxi after the company requested rate changes. The cab operator says fuel costs are its second highest expense behind drivers’ wages.
The new fares increase by 10 per cent to a flat fare of $3.30 from $3. The price for every tenth of a kilometre travelled will also increase by 22 per cent to 22 cents from 18 cents. For seniors, the flat fare increases 11 per cent to $3 from $2.70, plus 20 cents for every tenth of a kilometre travelled, up from the previous price of 15 cents.
Gravenhurst Taxi had no problems justifying the increase to staff and councillors, noting the last time a rate change was made was in 2005, when gas was about 79 cents per litre.
Chief bylaw officer Jim Wouters said he received the request from Gravenhurst Taxi when gas prices were $1.22 per litre. He said the price of fuel has increased 13 cents to $1.35 per litre in some areas since the request was received.
Waiting time for regular and senior fares will also increase 25 per cent to $30 from $24 per hour or 50 cents per minute, up from 40 cents per minute.
“If gas prices go the way they say they’re going to and are $1.50 a litre this summer, I would suspect (Gravenhurst Taxi) will probably come before the committee again,” Wouters said in recommending the corporate services committee approve the fare increase.
He said Bracebridge town council has received a similar request for a taxi fare increase from operators in Bracebridge. “It’s expensive to fill up a vehicle these days,” Wouters added.
With little discussion on the issue, town council approved the bylaw to change the rates effective immediately.
Jun 25, 2008
While anyone who drives a vehicle is feeling the impact of rising gas prices, those who depend on taxicab transportation will also feel the impact of fuel costs in their wallet.
Last Tuesday Gravenhurst town council agreed to raise the fares being charged by Gravenhurst Taxi after the company requested rate changes. The cab operator says fuel costs are its second highest expense behind drivers’ wages.
The new fares increase by 10 per cent to a flat fare of $3.30 from $3. The price for every tenth of a kilometre travelled will also increase by 22 per cent to 22 cents from 18 cents. For seniors, the flat fare increases 11 per cent to $3 from $2.70, plus 20 cents for every tenth of a kilometre travelled, up from the previous price of 15 cents.
Gravenhurst Taxi had no problems justifying the increase to staff and councillors, noting the last time a rate change was made was in 2005, when gas was about 79 cents per litre.
Chief bylaw officer Jim Wouters said he received the request from Gravenhurst Taxi when gas prices were $1.22 per litre. He said the price of fuel has increased 13 cents to $1.35 per litre in some areas since the request was received.
Waiting time for regular and senior fares will also increase 25 per cent to $30 from $24 per hour or 50 cents per minute, up from 40 cents per minute.
“If gas prices go the way they say they’re going to and are $1.50 a litre this summer, I would suspect (Gravenhurst Taxi) will probably come before the committee again,” Wouters said in recommending the corporate services committee approve the fare increase.
He said Bracebridge town council has received a similar request for a taxi fare increase from operators in Bracebridge. “It’s expensive to fill up a vehicle these days,” Wouters added.
With little discussion on the issue, town council approved the bylaw to change the rates effective immediately.
Toronto taxi rides to become more expensive
CBC News
June 25, 2008
Toronto taxicab fares are going up in mid-July.
Cab drivers asked the city for the increase, citing increased gas prices and saying the present fares aren't enough to cover their costs.
The vote by council Tuesday night was unanimous.
"It's just a necessity to keep the industry going," said Coun. Howard Moscoe.
"And don't blame the poor cab driver for this, I mean we're all cursing the outcome. You know Esso made $52 billion in profits last year and the cab driver shouldn't bear the brunt of the blame."
The drop fare, or the fare a customer pays before the cab goes anywhere, will now start at $4, up from $3.
The per kilometre rate will go up to 25 cents for every 155 metres instead of 25 cents for every 170 metres.
The industry estimates that when the price change takes effect, a $10 cab ride will increase to $11.75.
The flat rate to the airport will not increase.
June 25, 2008
Toronto taxicab fares are going up in mid-July.
Cab drivers asked the city for the increase, citing increased gas prices and saying the present fares aren't enough to cover their costs.
The vote by council Tuesday night was unanimous.
"It's just a necessity to keep the industry going," said Coun. Howard Moscoe.
"And don't blame the poor cab driver for this, I mean we're all cursing the outcome. You know Esso made $52 billion in profits last year and the cab driver shouldn't bear the brunt of the blame."
The drop fare, or the fare a customer pays before the cab goes anywhere, will now start at $4, up from $3.
The per kilometre rate will go up to 25 cents for every 155 metres instead of 25 cents for every 170 metres.
The industry estimates that when the price change takes effect, a $10 cab ride will increase to $11.75.
The flat rate to the airport will not increase.
Taxicab Rate Increases
Bloomington City Council approves taxicab rate increases
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 1:38 PM CDT
By Sharon K. Wolfe
The Bloomington, Illinois City Council Monday OK’d rate increases this summer for taxicab services in the Twin Cities.
A one-mile trip will cost $4.90, a 60-cent increase. Keeping a cab waiting will cost 50 cents a minute instead of 30 cents. The per-mile rate of $1.80 — or 30 cents per one-sixth mile — goes to $2.40 or 40 cents per one-sixth of a mile.
The flag-down or the minimum charge for a cab will go from $1.50 to $2.50. Currently, cabs charge a $2.50 flag-down rate, which includes a 50-cent fuel surcharge when gas is more than $2 a gallon and a second 50-cent surcharge when gas is more than $2.50 a gallon.
The new rates go into effect July 1.
As part of the rate increases, the fuel surcharge was eliminated, but a $1 per ride surcharge can be added if gas rises to $5.01 a gallon.
Base fares in nearby Central Illinois cities ranged from $2 to $6, it was noted in an earlier report to the mayor and City Council submitted by Barbara Adkins, deputy city manager, and City Manager Tom Hamilton.
With continually rising gasoline prices, now was the time to adjust the cost for taxi service higher, said one cab company owner after the meeting.
“It is modest, but it is a big stride,” said Aaron Halliday, president of Checker Cab of Bloomington. “It (a rate increase) hasn’t been done since 2001.”
“We were considerably less than other cities,” he said, noting comparisons were done with Champaign/Urbana, Decatur, Peoria and Springfield.
By agreement with Normal’s council, Bloomington regulates the three taxicab companies that operate in Bloomington and Normal.
Retirements at the water department
In another matter, the council approved spending $16,500 on a knowledge transfer project with Clark Dietz Inc., involving the city’s water department.
Craig Cummings, director of the water department, said the city needs to record workers’ extensive knowledge of the water distribution system before several of them — including a 50-year employee — retire. Much of their knowledge of the water distribution system is not written down,
Cummings said recording their knowledge would not only update system maps and other records which are outdated, but head off future problems “not on anyone’s radar.”
Also, alderman Allen Gibson said he has received a lot of complaints about loud mufflers, especially on motorcycles, and it was not only in his ward but in other parts of Bloomington.
“We should be ticketing everyone out there,” he said.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 1:38 PM CDT
By Sharon K. Wolfe
The Bloomington, Illinois City Council Monday OK’d rate increases this summer for taxicab services in the Twin Cities.
A one-mile trip will cost $4.90, a 60-cent increase. Keeping a cab waiting will cost 50 cents a minute instead of 30 cents. The per-mile rate of $1.80 — or 30 cents per one-sixth mile — goes to $2.40 or 40 cents per one-sixth of a mile.
The flag-down or the minimum charge for a cab will go from $1.50 to $2.50. Currently, cabs charge a $2.50 flag-down rate, which includes a 50-cent fuel surcharge when gas is more than $2 a gallon and a second 50-cent surcharge when gas is more than $2.50 a gallon.
The new rates go into effect July 1.
As part of the rate increases, the fuel surcharge was eliminated, but a $1 per ride surcharge can be added if gas rises to $5.01 a gallon.
Base fares in nearby Central Illinois cities ranged from $2 to $6, it was noted in an earlier report to the mayor and City Council submitted by Barbara Adkins, deputy city manager, and City Manager Tom Hamilton.
With continually rising gasoline prices, now was the time to adjust the cost for taxi service higher, said one cab company owner after the meeting.
“It is modest, but it is a big stride,” said Aaron Halliday, president of Checker Cab of Bloomington. “It (a rate increase) hasn’t been done since 2001.”
“We were considerably less than other cities,” he said, noting comparisons were done with Champaign/Urbana, Decatur, Peoria and Springfield.
By agreement with Normal’s council, Bloomington regulates the three taxicab companies that operate in Bloomington and Normal.
Retirements at the water department
In another matter, the council approved spending $16,500 on a knowledge transfer project with Clark Dietz Inc., involving the city’s water department.
Craig Cummings, director of the water department, said the city needs to record workers’ extensive knowledge of the water distribution system before several of them — including a 50-year employee — retire. Much of their knowledge of the water distribution system is not written down,
Cummings said recording their knowledge would not only update system maps and other records which are outdated, but head off future problems “not on anyone’s radar.”
Also, alderman Allen Gibson said he has received a lot of complaints about loud mufflers, especially on motorcycles, and it was not only in his ward but in other parts of Bloomington.
“We should be ticketing everyone out there,” he said.
Taxicab Authority approves surcharge
Las Vegas
June 24, 2008
We're paying more than ever at the pump, and now Las Vegans are going to see the effects trickle down to your next cab ride. Monday morning the Taxicab Authority unanimously approved a $0.45 per mile surcharge.
The fare boost includes a permanent 20 cents per mile charge and temporary 25 cents per mile fuel surcharge. The fuel surcharge can be eliminated if the average cost of a gallon of gasoline drops below $4 a gallon for 20 consecutive days. The Taxicab Authority can also look at raising the surcharge if gasoline goes above $5 a gallon for five consecutive days.
The new taxicab surcharge will go into effect at Midnight on July 6.
June 24, 2008
We're paying more than ever at the pump, and now Las Vegans are going to see the effects trickle down to your next cab ride. Monday morning the Taxicab Authority unanimously approved a $0.45 per mile surcharge.
The fare boost includes a permanent 20 cents per mile charge and temporary 25 cents per mile fuel surcharge. The fuel surcharge can be eliminated if the average cost of a gallon of gasoline drops below $4 a gallon for 20 consecutive days. The Taxicab Authority can also look at raising the surcharge if gasoline goes above $5 a gallon for five consecutive days.
The new taxicab surcharge will go into effect at Midnight on July 6.
Black taxicab drivers...allege racial bias
Black taxicab drivers in Broward allege racial bias
They say they get only the lower-pay jobs
By Juan Ortega
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
10:34 PM EDT, June 24, 2008
A group of cab drivers, most of them black, gathered Tuesday at a taxicab lot near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, complaining about two transportation companies' business practices.
At least two of the 30 drivers, who rely on airport visitors for business, alleged the two companies, which have some owners in common, are practicing racial discrimination by giving blacks low-paying taxicab work while offering non-blacks better-paying work driving vans and luxury cars.
The allegations were made against Yellow Cab Co., which taxi businessman Jesse Gaddis runs, and GO Airport Shuttle & Executive Car Service, which provides trips in vans and luxury cars.
John Camillo, an attorney for Yellow Cab who also spoke on behalf of GO, on Tuesday denied drivers' allegations, calling them "nonsense."
He said drivers are screened to ensure they meet insurance and safety qualifications and the companies "do not discriminate based on any issue of racial profiling."
"There are plenty of white and black contractees for GO and Yellow Cab," Camillo said.
Wilson Saintil, 32, a black driver for GO, also disputed the allegations, saying he has not encountered racism at his company. Saintil was at work near the protest Tuesday, with GO co-workers who were black, Hispanic and Indian. "I don't buy it," Saintil said.
Joseph Bessard said it's not easy these days earning a living as a Yellow Cab driver. The Lauderhill father of one has tried but failed to contract with GO Airport, a company he thinks would pay better.
"Maybe it's because we are black," Bessard said.
Daniel McCarthy, president of the Alliance of Broward Cab Drivers, helped organize Tuesday's demonstration, which included about dozen cabs also driving to the airport and honking their horns in protest.
McCarthy, a driver who contracts with Friendly Checker Taxi, and owners of competing cab companies complained about an increase in fees for serving the airport.
As part of an agreement with Broward County, Yellow Cab dispatches all cabs at the airport, including those from competing taxi companies.
"They doubled the amount of money that we have to pay for access to the airport," McCarthy said.
Camillo said Yellow Cab had undercharged competitors for their use of the airport for about a year before May 2008, so it recently increased usage fees to make them more "proportionate."
For 25 years, Gaddis' Yellow Cab had been the airport's sole taxi service. Under pressure from smaller companies and activists backing minority cab drivers, county commissioners opened the airport to competing cabs in 2001.
The county this year agreed to extend its contract with Gaddis as it tries to improve the dispatch system. County officials have said the contract with Gaddis' B&L Service Inc. can be canceled with 90 days' notice once the new system is in place.
They say they get only the lower-pay jobs
By Juan Ortega
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
10:34 PM EDT, June 24, 2008
A group of cab drivers, most of them black, gathered Tuesday at a taxicab lot near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, complaining about two transportation companies' business practices.
At least two of the 30 drivers, who rely on airport visitors for business, alleged the two companies, which have some owners in common, are practicing racial discrimination by giving blacks low-paying taxicab work while offering non-blacks better-paying work driving vans and luxury cars.
The allegations were made against Yellow Cab Co., which taxi businessman Jesse Gaddis runs, and GO Airport Shuttle & Executive Car Service, which provides trips in vans and luxury cars.
John Camillo, an attorney for Yellow Cab who also spoke on behalf of GO, on Tuesday denied drivers' allegations, calling them "nonsense."
He said drivers are screened to ensure they meet insurance and safety qualifications and the companies "do not discriminate based on any issue of racial profiling."
"There are plenty of white and black contractees for GO and Yellow Cab," Camillo said.
Wilson Saintil, 32, a black driver for GO, also disputed the allegations, saying he has not encountered racism at his company. Saintil was at work near the protest Tuesday, with GO co-workers who were black, Hispanic and Indian. "I don't buy it," Saintil said.
Joseph Bessard said it's not easy these days earning a living as a Yellow Cab driver. The Lauderhill father of one has tried but failed to contract with GO Airport, a company he thinks would pay better.
"Maybe it's because we are black," Bessard said.
Daniel McCarthy, president of the Alliance of Broward Cab Drivers, helped organize Tuesday's demonstration, which included about dozen cabs also driving to the airport and honking their horns in protest.
McCarthy, a driver who contracts with Friendly Checker Taxi, and owners of competing cab companies complained about an increase in fees for serving the airport.
As part of an agreement with Broward County, Yellow Cab dispatches all cabs at the airport, including those from competing taxi companies.
"They doubled the amount of money that we have to pay for access to the airport," McCarthy said.
Camillo said Yellow Cab had undercharged competitors for their use of the airport for about a year before May 2008, so it recently increased usage fees to make them more "proportionate."
For 25 years, Gaddis' Yellow Cab had been the airport's sole taxi service. Under pressure from smaller companies and activists backing minority cab drivers, county commissioners opened the airport to competing cabs in 2001.
The county this year agreed to extend its contract with Gaddis as it tries to improve the dispatch system. County officials have said the contract with Gaddis' B&L Service Inc. can be canceled with 90 days' notice once the new system is in place.
Taxi Cab News and Views
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