THREE THINGS EVERY HOBOKEN RESIDENT SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TAXIS AND LIMOUSINES
"We want residents to know that regardless of how things were done in the past, this Administration takes violations of taxi rules very seriously, and we're taking action against those who break the rules," said Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs. "We're strictly enforcing a 'three strikes and you’re out' policy, but we need residents to let us know when there are violations so we can take action."
Since September, 2009, the City has suspended six drivers, ranging from 3 to 15 days, as a result of increased enforcement. For at least the past six years, and perhaps longer, no drivers had ever previously been suspended in Hoboken during past Administrations.
The top three things residents should know about taxis and limousines:
1. It is legal to hail in Hoboken. Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to hail a licensed yellow cab anywhere in Hoboken, not just at the train terminal. Additionally, the City will soon be launching a virtual hailing system that residents can use from their mobile phones to "hail" a cab to wherever they are and then evaluate the taxi based on the quality of service received.
2. Only one fare per taxi. Taxis may accept only one $5 fare – a person or group of persons going to the same location – per ride. With the permission of the first fare, a second fare may join, but no more. This rule has been laxly enforced and widely violated in the past, but that is no excuse for continued violations, and the Administration will investigate and take action against all reported violations.
3. Call if you see a violation. Residents who believe there is a violation should immediately contact Jennifer Boehm at the Division of Taxi & Limousine Licensing by calling 201-216-1090 or emailing taxi@hobokennj.org and providing the time of the incident, the taxi number, and a description of what happened. Residents are our eyes and ears, and we can only take action if we know there is a problem. The situation will improve, but only with the help of residents.
Last week while waiting in line at the train station taxi stand, Councilman David Mello noticed a young woman who requested that she did not want to share a cab with other fares. The first cab that took her proceeded to drive slowly with his window rolled down, asking for additional passengers. Only after Councilman Mello intervened did the driver ask the passenger if she was willing to share the ride.
“By being the City’s eyes and ears, the public plays a critical role in reporting violations so that rules can be enforced,” said Councilman Mello. “And you don’t have to be a council person to get follow-through.”
Councilman Mello reported the car number, time and description of the incident by emailing taxi@hobokennj.org. The driver is being suspended for three days.
Link: http://www.hobokennj.org/news/three-things-every-hoboken-resident-should-know-about-taxis-limousines/ ◦
