DIMANCHE

Cab driver protesting, Oct. 25

by M.D. Dupuy

The crabby cabbies were at it again at City Hall today, speaking against the new resolution that requires all airport taxi drivers to abide by the recently expanded regulations. Airport drivers must outfit their vehicles with security cameras, GPS devices, air conditioning, and credit card machines. Despite some very vocal opposition, City Council passed the resolution unanimously.

The City entered today's hearing with an eye toward getting all the new cab regulations in place in time for the Super Bowl. Ever since a federal judge ruled in favor of Fallon, a group lead by Coleman Cabs owner Monroe Colemen have been protesting the new standards every Thuresday, saying they were left out of the process.

At today's hearing, Deputy Mayor Michelle Thomas began by saying that it’s only fair for Orleans Parish taxis to meet the same standards as those set for cabs in surrounding parishes. Thomas thanked those in the cab industry for their patience.

“It’s been a long arduous process of over two years, and it has taken quite a long time to get here,” said Thomas. 

According to the Deputy Mayor, the airport has not issued new taxicab permits in seven years, reducing significantly the number of airport taxis. Thomas referred to the expansion as a way of “broadening business opportunities, helping to increase their revenue.” 

Later in the hearing, Councilwoman Susan Guidry argued the implementation of the new standards would give New Orleans cabdrivers an advantage over those from Jefferson Parish. The JP cabs would have to meet the New Orleans standards, or they wouldn't be able to go into the airport, Guidry said.

"We have already put these rules into effect for our city cabs. So, the age requirements of the vehcile, the credit card machines, the cameras etc. Those rules are already in effect for the city," Guidry said. "Now, the airport is stating those same rules will be in effect. That gives our New Orleans cabdrivers an advantage they would not otherwise have."

Three speakers, two of whom were in the cab industry themselves and one an attorney representing United Cab, disagreed with Deputy Mayor Michelle Thomas’ statements that the new regulations would put all drivers on a “level playing field.” 

Jason Coleman of Coleman Cab Company said one of his biggest gripes is the potential loss of fares due to the increase in ground transport.

“Right now we have 850 units, and now we’ll have 2,000 in the lot. Business will not be greater it will be less with 2000 instead of 850 people splitting x amount of loads,” said Coleman. “We also ask that you look at the permit costs, and we are asking for a study.”  

Monroe Coleman derailed the conversation a bit, despite clear instructions from Councilmember Palmer to keep the discussion focused specifically on airport cabs. The owner of Coleman Cabs took the Council back to the Civil Rights era, comparing the new regulations to racial oppression. 

“People of this industry are being disrespected by white men,” Coleman said. “In 1973 the taxis took the city to court, and [it was determined that] you cannot stop taxicabs from other areas coming in to pick up. You’re violating the law as it is written,” said Coleman. 

Palmer continued to demand decorum from the public, twice threatening to clear the chambers when the crowd began booing a speaker who is in favor of the new regulations. At one point, Councilwoman Stacy Head threatened to put the session in recess until everbody calmed down.

During her remarks before the vote, Guidry maintained that the new rules would help NOLA taxis.

"I really do feel that there are some people holding the industry back by giving misinformnation to the drivers," she said. "We're going to get over this hump, and we're going to get to a place of compliance."