Citation

Hinds DH, Wulkan A, Schimpeler CC, Corradino JC. Transp. Res. Rec. 1976; 618: 41-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1976, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Repeated rate increases, allegedly declining levels of service, and growing community dependence on public transit due to rising costs of living and energy shortages brought the Dade County, Florida, taxi system under sharp criticism. Transportation planners found that analyzing the situation and recommending corrective measures were complicated and difficult because of the largely unregulated, traditionally private-enterprise nature of the taxicab industry. A taxi study task force was, therefore, established that consisted of industry representatives from fleets of every size, local governmental officials, and (after a series of public hearings) interested citizens. Administrative and regulatory alternatives and possible operational improvements were presented to the task force for review and comment. The alternatives ranged from partial to complete control of the taxi industry by Dade County. The task force concluded that uniform county regulation of taxicab service was essential and legislation providing for county control of the taxi industry was passed by the Florida General Assembly in June, 1974. A model ordinance to establish a taxicab bureau with county jurisdiction was then submitted to the taxi task force and later approved and passed in modified form by the county commission. By late 1975 the county became involved in rate making and also in requesting the taxicab industry to provide service to the transportation disadvantaged. An important outcome has been the continuance of the taxi force, which perpetuates cooperation among citizens, government, and industry concerning transportation service issues that affect all.