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Green Cab requesting a waiver of Taxi Medallion fees.
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Official Text
Dear Honorable Board of Aldermen:
The taxi industry has suffered at the hands of disruptive technology which uses personal cars to perform identical services that taxis have been regulated to provide. The city has been inundated with these TNC’s that have now carved out their regulations to operate through the State of Massachusetts. We are attempting to compete but the barriers of financial costs, that are not required of these TNC’s, has put us at an extreme disadvantage. For decades, we provided a taxi service to the residents of City of Somerville which has been admired by many taxi companies, including Boston and Cambridge. This has kept us in the game but with the popularity of these ride for hire services, simply put, we are struggling. Our goal is to remain as a transportation fixture for all residents including the many senior citizens we service on a daily basis and residents without access to smart phones. We will continue to adapt and look for ways to compete and remain an efficient and reliable transportation option for all Somerville residents. Our technology also allows residents to use our mobile app and our plans include promotions that will allow us to discount fares on pre-arranged rides.
In an effort to help out the taxi drivers and owners, The City of Cambridge has waived all fees related to taxis, including medallion renewals and hackney license renewals for two years. I have attached the letter that the City of Cambridge has released. The Boston Taxi Industry is requesting the same waiver. Please keep in mind that the TNC’s, who line our city streets, do not have to pay the same fees we have paid for decades.
We humbly ask that the City of Somerville, grant the same waiver of fees to help the industry adapt and level the playing field for our survival.
Respectfully,
Cheryl Horan
Green Cab Co., Inc.