Santa Monica to cut number of taxis in half

Santa Monica will reduce by half the number of taxicabs operating in the city in an effort to curb traffic congestion and pollution. A law dictating the reduction was approved June 30 by the City Council.

The Lookout News has more:

Under the law approved unanimously by the council, the city would grant franchises to only those companies with at least 25 cabs and cap the total number of cabs at 250. That would limit the number of companies that would qualify to eight, although smaller companies can band together to form a franchise.

To qualify, franchised companies must have a centralized dispatching system, hire trained drivers who are proficient in English and maintain newer fleets. Preference will be given to companies that are locally based, have fuel-efficient fleets and offer vouchers to seniors and the disabled.

Photo: Taxis on Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica. The city is trying to figure out to regulate an over-abundance of taxis. Credit: Anne Cusack/Los Angeles Times

Comments

[LAofAnaheim]

This is ridiculous. How do you cut traffic congestion when you are reducing alternative transportation options? How about cap the number of personal automobiles coming into the city? How about limiting parking garages? That'll truly cut down congestion. With less taxis available...maybe more people will drive? Didn't anybody consider that? Geez....

[john mccarthy]

Too bad the LA Council doesn't do the same especially for LAX.

[stewart]

mmm...and no veterans owned and operated consideration here?

[Marko]

oh what a great idea! lets see, by the City's estimate, there are about 1,000,000 car rides thru Santa Monica each day. But by cutting 250 cabs we are reducing traffic and pollution (huh?). Way to go! Im sure we're all going to be soooo relieved!