Jan. 28, 2011
House Bill 2555 was recently introduced by the Arizona State Legislature limiting a city’s ability to regulate the taxi industry. For the past year, the city of Phoenix has been conducting public meetings to weigh citywide taxi regulations under the direction of Councilman Tom Simplot.
“This preemptive action prevents us from protecting the citizens we were elected to represent,” said Simplot whose district encompasses central Phoenix. “I am appalled that the safety of residents is not the first priority for the sponsors of this bill.”
Although the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures currently regulates vehicles, the city of Phoenix is proposing additional permit requirements of taxi drivers and owners for extra consumer protection.
Simplot first raised concerns about “gypsy” cabs in 2004 when a resident described a harrowing, late night taxi ride, prompting questions about the legality of both the vehicle and driver.
“All major cities across America regulate the safety of taxicabs,” Simplot said. “We should have the assurance that when we place a loved one in the back of a cab, they will be safe. A city as large as Phoenix should have the authority to protect its citizens.”
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| Stephanie Ribodal Romero | 602-261-8512 |
