By Caitlin Thigpen
Taxi drivers face a new set of regulations for their permits, vehicles and attire, which were approved by the Columbia City Council on Oct. 11.
The criteria for a driver’s permit have become more restrictive. Permits have to be renewed every three years for a fee of $10. Before, drivers renewed their permits every 10 years, like a non-commercial license.
In addition, applicants for a taxi permit have to take a hospitality class to support city tourism, submit to a drug test and carry a push-to-talk communication device, such as a walkie-talkie.
The permit process seems excessive to some drivers.
“I had to make six trips to the police department. It’s not very streamlined,” said John McDaniel, a cab driver, at the council meeting.
McDaniel believes that the city should adopt a lifetime license for taxi drivers. In cities that have such a policy, drivers are given medallions that allow them to drive without having to renew their permit.
Among other regulations approved was a new dress code that requires drivers to be neatly dressed and prohibits flip flops and hair curlers.
All vehicles must be smoke-free and must clearly display their registration information and rate schedule. Companies with more than 10 cabs must have a base of operations.
The final approval for the new regulations was held at the council meeting, but most interest was directed toward the upcoming fee discussion on Oct. 18.
At the meeting the city council will discuss a rate increase for cab fees. If approved, it will be the first increase since August 24, 2005, according to the city council.
The rate increase would give taxi drivers an adjustment in salary to cope with the inflation from the last five years.
“If you want us to be true ambassadors of the city, make sure we can make a living,” said Howard Winslow, a taxi driver.
Caitlin Thigpen is a first year student at Columbia College. She is a psychology major.
