Welcome to the Issues Archive. This page will be used for archiving
past issues from the Current Issues page. Although many
of the items are no longer technically "current," the
information is still quite pertinent. This page will remain as resource
for passengers, companies, and drivers alike.
FUEL SURCHARGE
At the June 20, 2007 Meeting, Director Tully proposed a change
to the fuel surcharge. The Director recommended an increase to the
fees and a different schedule of increases. After a lengthy discussion,
the Commissioners decided to hold off on any decision. It was decided
additional research needed to be conducted and a request for comments
from the website. Therefore, the Commission would appreciate comments
and input from the industry and the public with regard to fuel surcharges.
Please submit your comments via the email address above or in writing
via fax or US Mail. (See the 'contact' page for addresses or fax
numbers.) The Commission thanks you in advance for your input!
2006 ANNUAL REPORT
For
Fiscal Year 2006, the Commission produced an annual report. Click
here to view a copy. (Acrobat Reader Required. Disable pop-up
blockers, it will open in a new window.)
NEW CAB STANDS
The Director is pleased to announce the installation of new Taxicab
Stands at Busch Stadium, Edward Jones Dome, and Scottrade Center.
Click the links below to read the announcement memos and view
the maps.
Edward
Jones Dome and Scottrade Center Taxicab Stands Memo
Busch
Stadium Taxicab Stand Memo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Metropolitan Taxicab Commission Investigating Two
Local Cab Companies
St. Louis (February 23, 2007) – On Thursday, February 22,
the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission (MTC) became aware of a developing
situation with Saint Louis Auto Livery, a company licensed by
the MTC which holds certificates of convenience and necessity
under which it operates both as St. Louis Auto Livery and Allen
Cab.
Investigators from the MTC have determined that the principal
owner of the company has been absent for an extended period of
time and his whereabouts are unknown. The inability of MTC agents
to make contact with the owner, or to determine if there is sufficient
management oversight at the company, is being taken very seriously
and a formal investigation is currently underway.
“As our investigation continues, the MTC will work to
minimize any disruptions to the drivers as well as the public
which may be a result of the ongoing problems in the operation
of the company,” explained Michael Tully, Director of the
MTC. “In the meantime, we encourage the traveling public
to consult the website of the MTC to access a complete listing
of taxi companies which are licensed by the MTC when making arrangements
for their personal or business transportation.”
The MTC is responsible under state law to ensure safe, reliable,
high quality transportation for the public in the St. Louis community.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Commission has the authority
to license, regulate and enforce the operation of taxicabs and
taxicab companies within its jurisdiction. A significant component
of that oversight responsibility includes ensuring that companies
operating under the MTC’s authority are adequately managed
and comply with all applicable sections of the Vehicle-For-Hire
Code (VHC).
Under the VHC, every company and taxicab licensed by the MTC
is required to have and maintain sufficient levels of insurance
coverage to protect their customers and the general community
in which they operate. The MTC confirmed that St. Louis Auto Livery
has appropriate insurance in force to meet the code, until March
5, 2007. If that condition changes, the company is subject to
immediate revocation of its authority to operate.
In the meantime, the MTC says it is concerned with the welfare
of the company’s drivers, many of whom are independent contractors
whose livelihoods are dependent on the operation of the company.
“We would also caution the public to be sure that any
transportation for hire arrangements which they might independently
make, are done with properly licensed and insured carriers,”
says Tully. “Only those companies listed on the MTC website
are authorized to operate within St. Louis City and County.”
The MTC website, which includes the dispatch telephone numbers
for each company, can be found at www.stl-taxi.com. The Commission
may also be reached for additional information, or to report a
complaint or compliment about taxi service by calling 314.241.7600.
Licensed St. Louis Cab Companies and Dispatch Numbers
| A Best Taxi Service |
314-781-1515 |
| ABC Cab Co. |
314-725-2111 |
| Checker Cab Company |
314-725-2111 |
| Chesterfield Car Service |
314-738-0100 |
| Harris Cab Co. |
314-535-5087 |
| Laclede Cab Co. |
314-652-3456 |
| Metropolitan Cab Co. |
314-773-1000 |
| Midwest Cab Co. |
314-773-1000 |
| St. Louis American Cab Co. |
314-531-8766 |
| St. Louis County Cab |
314-991-5300 |
| Wilson Taxi Company |
314-576-9288 |
Yellow Cab Co.
|
314-991-5300 |
ORDER of the DIRECTOR
It having appeared that the Allen Cab Co/St. Louis Auto Livery,
Incorporated has ceased to operate as a taxicab service in the
district of Saint Louis City and County; and
Further, the Metropolitan Taxicab Commission having been charged
by the authority of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Chapter
67.1800 and specifically RSMo § 67.1804 with exercising primary
authority over the licensing, control and regulations of taxicab
services ; and
Further, it having appeared that the Allen Cab Co./St. Louis
Auto Livery, Incorporated is in violation of the Metropolitan
Taxicab Commission’s Vehicle for Hire Code (VHC), specifically:
Section 205 - Discontinuing Service. No Person who has been granted
a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to operate Vehicles
for Hire may discontinue all or any of them without first filing
with the Commission, a statement, verified by affidavit, of the
number of vehicles he desires to discontinue operating, and the
reasons there for, and obtaining permission from the Commission
to discontinue operation as set forth in the statement
Section 602.5 - Each Person who holds a Certificate of Convenience
and Necessity for an On-Call Taxicab shall be responsible that
at least one On-Call Taxicab licensed under that Certificate is
providing twenty-four (24) hour service.
THEREFORE, I, D. Michael Tully, Director of the Metropolitan Taxicab
Commission, after having conducted an investigation, am satisfied
that there exists a reasonable threat to the health, safety and
general welfare of the public, do hereby suspend the Certificate
of Convenience and Necessity of the Allen Cab Co./St. Louis Auto
Livery, Incorporated and all licenses and privileges attendant
thereto until further notice pursuant to the authority of RSMo
§ 67.1800 et sqq and Section 602.8. of the Vehicle for Hire
Code which provides:
“If the Director, after investigation, determines that
any Person has failed to comply with the provisions of this section,
the Director may take appropriate action, including revocation
of the appropriate Certificate of Convenience and Necessity and
subject Vehicle Licenses, against such Person.”
Any party aggrieved by this ORDER may appeal by means of RSMo
§67.1818 and Chapter 12 of the Vehicle for Hire Code.
SO ORDERED this 26th day of FEBRUARY 2007
D. Michael Tully
Metropolitan Taxicab Commission
30-day Suspension of the Premium Sedan Class Moratorium
On June 20th, the Director sent letters granting or denying the
applications submitted. Each applicant will receive a letter. Please
refer to the Issues Archive page for reference regarding this topic.
(Click the link at the bottom of the page.)
Proposed Changes to Chapters 8, 9, and 11 of the Vehicle
for Hire Code
The Commissioners will be voting on the following proposed changes
to Chapters 8, 9, and 11 of the Vehicle for Hire Code. Click
here to see the proposed changes. Additionally, a new schedule
of penalties coincides with the changes. The proposed penalty schedule
can be seen here.
Public comments are welcome at the July 27th meeting to be held
at 10am in the Auditorium at 100 N. Tucker Blvd.
30-day Suspension of the Premium Sedan Class Moratorium
Beginning on May 1, 2006, the Commission will begin accepting
applications from new and existing companies until May
30, 2006. The following guidelines are in effect:
- New companies applying for a new Certificate
of Convenience and Necessity (license) must apply for a minimum
of three vehicles; if more than three vehicles are applied for,
need and necessity must be demonstrated. The company
will be required to maintain a separate, non-residential
place of business.
- Current CCN (license) holders may make application
to increase the number of vehicles in their fleet by no more than
50% of their current fleet size.
- Each application must be accompanied by a $100.00 application
/ processing fee per vehicle. Acceptable forms of payment
are: company check, personal check, or money order; we cannot
accept credit cards or cash as payment of application fees. A
$50 administrative fee is assessed for checks returned to us for
insufficient funds. (Please note: if the applicant withdraws from
the process before August 1, 2006, or if no CCN (license) is issued,
the entire $100.00 fee (per vehicle) may be refunded.)
- Once a Certificate (license) has been issued, the applicant
has until August 1, 2006 to produce its vehicle(s) for MTC inspection.
Failure to comply will result in the forfeiture of the entire
$100.00 application fee, per vehicle, as well as the respective
certificate(s).
Applicants will be notified by the Director after May 30, 2006
upon granting or denial of their application. If you have any questions,
please contact us in writing either by email (info@stl-taxi.com)
or at our postal address.
Press Release: Cab
Driver Turns Hero Just Doing His Job!
- February 22, 2006 - (Click to read)
Non-Emergency Medical and Grandfathered Vehicles Code
Addition
The Commision members have produced a Code revision reflecting
the absorbtion of the new Non-Emergency Medical class. Click
here to see the proposed changes to the Vehicle for Hire Code.
(Revised 1/18/06) The additions/changes
are indicated in red or blue type. The Commission is currently seeking
feedback on this issue. The changes will be presented at the January
2006 meeting for adoption. Adopted at the January 19,
2006 meeting.
Standardized Fleet Marking
The Commission has issued packets to all Taxicab
CCN holders regarding the standardization of all fleet markings
within their respective company. The packets must be submitted by
January 6, 2006. Click
here to see the packet.
Industry Growth Recommendation
A report from the subcommittee on industry growth was submitted
by Mr. Morgan. It is the opinion of the subcommittee that the Moratorium
for new companies should remain in effect. This is based on the
opinion that an adequate number of taxis are available to satisfy
the current needs of the public. In order to allow growth within
the taxi industry, the following suggestions were made:
1. Before a company can request new permits, their reserves
must be in service;
2. MTC should allow current companies to grow 10% a year, provided
that when they apply for additional permits, the vehicles are
placed in service within 60 days;
3. Any requested permits not in use at the annual inspection,
must be surrendered to the MTC;
4. At each subsequent annual fleet inspection, the company may
request another increase up to 10%, with the stipulation all current
permits are in service;
5. Whenever there is a fraction involving percentage of growth,
the number will be rounded up to the next whole number.
The Commission is soliciting comments on this matter and will vote
at the September 30th, 2005 meeting. (Adopted on September 30,
2005)
Taxi Stands
The Commission is seeking input about downtown taxi stands in order
to make a recommendation to the Streets Department. The Commission
is currently soliciting feedback on the removal the stand on Taylor
Avenue near the intersection of Olive Boulevard. Please send your
written opinions and your reasoning via fax, U.S. Mail, or email.
Airport Trip Fee Increase
Effective June 13th, 2005, the Airport
trip fee will increase from $2 to $3. The airport trip fee is a
fee assessed on vehicles for hire departing from the Saint Louis
Lambert International Airport. Typically, the fee is passed along
to the passenger. The fee will continues to be assessed upon exit
of the airport parking structures.
Beginning on August 1st, 2005, vehicles
for hire will no longer be permitted to pay cash for the airport
trip fee. A proximity card will be issued -- at no charge -- for
entry and exit of the passenger pick-up areas. The trip fees will
be billed to the respective cardholder’s company. Lost cards
or failure to comply will result in significant penalties. Click
here to see the letter sent to CCN holders regarding this issue.
Temporary Fuel Surcharges
The Commission recently endorsed a provision allowing taxicab
companies to impose a fuel surcharge of one dollar ($1.00) per trip,
upon the approval of a written application to the Director. Please
contact the Commission office for information if your company would
like to make application.
Effective September 2nd, 2005, the director
promulgated a rule to allow the Gasoline surcharge to be adjusted
to reflect periodic changes in the per gallon price of gasoline.
Click
here to see the letter sent to CCN holders regarding this issue.
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