Indianapolis council studies possibility of looser taxi rules

The city council is seeking measures to level playing field for transport operators to boost hospitality industry

Hospitality

By Allie Sanchez

A City-County Council in Indianapolis is currently studying means to pare down archaic and unnecessary “burdens” on the city’s taxi operators in a bid to boost competitiveness, and consequently, the local hospitality market.

Councilor Vop Osili told reporters that the city found taxi drivers feel they are operating on an uneven playing field in competing with ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

He said that taxis are a “really important industry” and that measures must be undertaken to take away any burdens that are keeping them from being “vibrant and strong.”

Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are seen to have an edge over taxis because they are not required by law to abide by the local vehicle-for-hire rules that traditional operators have to comply with in Indianapolis.

Osili added that the council needs to look into these laws, some of which might be outdated and unnecessary. He cited some rules that need to be re-examined, including the need to maintain a fleet of 20 vehicles and operating a dispatch office with 24-hour staffing.

The committee will take up matters in its November meeting.
 

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