State Senator Martin M. Looney
March 18, 2008
Looney Seeks Legislative Investigation into Taxi Industry in Connecticut
It would focus on Metro Taxi in New Haven and other companies
Senator Looney in front of Union Station in New Haven where he announced an investigation into the taxicab industry in Connecticut. (March 18, 2008)
During a news conference with several concerned taxicab drivers at Union Station in New Haven, Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney (D-New Haven) said the General Assembly's Program Review and Investigations Committee has approved his request to conduct a study of the taxicab industry in Connecticut. He called for an investigation after it was brought to his attention that the taxicab industry, particularly in New Haven, but statewide as well, is fraught with disturbing inequities. That includes the treatment of the drivers and the impact the lack of competition could have on rates.
"During a meeting with Michael Jefferson, the chair of the African American Affairs Commission concern was expressed about the way taxi drivers in New Haven are treated by Metro taxi, the largest taxi operator in the New Haven area," said Senator Looney. "The drivers had a number of complaints because they are apparently being treated as independent contractors instead of as employees of the taxi company."
Senator Looney requested the Program Review and Investigations Committee to undertake a study of the operations of the taxi industry that will include: The current taxicab industry regulatory scheme and equity issues therein, the standard for the issuance of taxicab certificates, the procedure for licensing taxicab operators, the level of competition or lack thereof in the taxicab industry, diversity in management of the industry in terms of race and gender, and the possible role of organized labor or a state ombudsman.
"This review of the taxicab industry will help determine if there are conditions which unfairly limit competition and prevent people from establishing independent competitors to Metro Taxi, the predominant taxicab service in New Haven," said Senator Looney. "I believe it is also important to examine the current operating conditions to ensure that the rates are reasonable and that there is an opportunity for reasonable competition in this regulated business which has a significant impact on public access to transportation."
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