Published on: Wednesday, September 01, 2010

By Fresia Rodriguez Cadavid

Some Prince George’s County cabbies are trying to slam the brakes on the county’s plan to expand the number of available taxi licenses.

The proposal — which would add about 400 permits to the county’s current 775 permits and over the next five years, allow for an additional 375 permits — is slated to take effect next month.

The plan has pitted veteran taxi cab drivers in the county against the county government and independent cabbies who claim the new plan would support entrepreneurship and fairness.

But that isn’t so, explained John Lally, an Upper Marlboro lawyer for Silver Cab, the largest cab company in the county.

Silver Cab is considering filing an appeal against the bill recently approved by the council despite a veto by County Executive Jack Johnson last month.

Johnson claimed the proposal would hurt companies currently licensed to operate taxi businesses in the county along with elderly individuals.

In an Aug. 5 letter explaining his opposition to the program, Johnson explained that with more cabs, certain populations would be adversely affected. “The Call-A-Cab program allows seniors on Social Security or fixed incomes to receive coupons that allow for cab rides for grocery shopping and other errands,” wrote Johnson. “The creation of a new pool of 390 cab drivers with the proposal for new certificates will enable these drivers to deny seniors and handicapped residents who need medical treatment and transportation.”

According to Lally, the proposal breaks the back of current cab drivers in the county.

“Clearly, it is an economic issue being driven by people who want something for free when others have spent millions working for (it),” he said, referring to the independent taxi drivers who have lobbied for the bill, most of whom are out-of-state cab drivers from Virginia, according to Lally.

There is no sound legal basis for doubling the taxicab licenses available, added Lally, who said the increase voted on by the council was not based on population needs or a lack of competent taxi drivers.

“The job of the legislative body is to regulate in a reasonable fashion, not hand out licenses like lollipops,” said Lally.

The Prince George’s County Taxi Workers Alliance, comprised of about 200 drivers who lent their support to the new plan, claims the current system unfairly favors established companies.

The plan would also place new insurance requirements for cabbies, hike license fees and allow county police to enforce the new laws.

In overturning Johnson’s veto, council members argued that county taxicab regulations have not been updated in more than ten years. Council Chair Tom Dernoga said the legislation is an important step forward.

“Council members, unified in our position, feel strongly that this is necessary reform. We clearly have a difference in opinion with the county executive how that should happen,” Dernoga said.

Councilmember Sam Dean, responding to concerns expressed by Johnson, noted the proposal provides for review and changes as necessary.

“We have ensured that an annual review of this legislation will be conducted. If there are any adverse impacts that need to be addressed, the county council has the authority to make those changes,” he said.

The new proposal, if it withstands legal challenge, takes effect Oct. 1.