Cab drivers in Boston are lobbying for the right to refuse passengers who "make them feel unsafe." Beyond the evident discrimination problems that this proposal brings up, District 1 City Councilor Sal LaMattina believes that such a rule would be an out for taxis to avoid taking fares to East Boston.Council President Maureen Feeney sounds more sympathetic to the cabbies in today's Herald, and she intends to schedule a hearing on the proposal.
2 comments:
Can passengers make drivers stop and refuse to pay drivers who make them feel "unsafe"? ;-)
I realize driving a cab can be a risky proposition and know two drivers and one owner of several medalions in New York who have been robbed at gunpoint. However, it is a slippery slope to allow individuals to make this kind of judgement. Individuals will have their own fears and prejudices that will inform these decisions and we are back to the kind of issues we had in NYC with cabs refusing to pick up minorities or others who somehow looked "different."
The Boston City Council’s Committee on Transportation & Aviation is having a working session on a “Taxi Cab Bill of Rights” next Thursday, Nov. 29th @ 11am (see attached notice).
City officials and taxi cab owners will be present, this may be an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard about taxi drivers that illegally add on the cost of tolls to our fares, etc. Unfortunately we can not speak at the meeting but must contact the City Council before they meet.
If you have questions or would like to express your concerns or indicate your support, e-mail the committee at: ccc.at@cityofboston.gov.
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