Board acts after reviewing thousands of pages of public comment

(PHILADELPHIA) – The Board of the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) today approved taxicab and limousine regulations to assure stability in the industry and support the development of clean, safe, reliable and well-regulated taxis and limousines in Philadelphia.

The PPA was required to propose regulations and elicit public comment, which ended on February 14, 2011. PPA board members and staff spent countless hours painstakingly reviewing thousands of pages of comments from cab drivers and other industry representatives, as well as state legislators and members of the general public.

Based on a review of the thousands of pages of public comment, the PPA plans further review of its taxi and limo regulations with a goal towards creating an even better system of safety, reliability and convenience.

The regulations will be effective once they are published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Commenting on the Board’s approval of the regulations, PPA Executive Director Vince Fenerty said, “In adopting these regulations, our aim is to insure public safety and maintain stability in the industry.” The PPA initiated regulatory oversight of taxicab and limousine service providers in Philadelphia in April 2005.

“Rules and regulations are needed to provide certainty to the general public and the taxi and limo industry. A lack of regulations would create uncertainty as to what rules, rates and procedures apply to taxicab and limousine service in Philadelphia,” Fenerty said.

Because of pending court appeals of existing regulations, several taxicab and limousine companies have already refused to submit their vehicles for inspection, are providing service with drivers that have not been certified, and have refused to pay annual fees.

“The public’s health, safety and welfare are endangered through the use of uninspected vehicles and uncertified drivers,” Fenerty said.

“The regulations are aimed at maintaining the practices and procedures applicable to the taxicab and limousine industry in Philadelphia since 2005. They are intended to support the development of clean, safe, reliable and well-regulated taxicabs and limousines. They are also intended to be clear, feasible and reasonable,” Fenerty said.