Agenda Summary
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Green Cab Company, Inc. requesting an increase the taxicab meter rate to $1.95 for the first 1/8 of a mile, $0.45 for each additional 1/8 of a mile and waiting time of $28 per hour.
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Official Text
Dear Honorable Somerville City Council,
Our dispatch company along with licensed taxi drivers and owner/operators within the City of Somerville are requesting a meter increase to bring us in line with the City of Cambridge meter rates. In the wake of disruptive technology companies, who are now regulated by the State of Massachusetts, we have lost many owners and drivers who simply could not hang on. We have welcomed owner operators from Cambridge to increase our fleet and response times but have found it difficult to manage two different meter rates. The difference between the two city rates is minimal. Yet, we strive to have a consistent pricing structure. Below are the current City of Somerville and City of Cambridge rates.
City of Somerville is $1.75 for the 1st 1/8 of a mile with .45 cents each additional 1/8 of a mile and $24 waiting time per hour.
City of Cambridge is $1.95 for the 1st 1/8 of a mile with .45 cents each additional 1/8 of a mile and $28 waiting time per hour.
We have also invested very heavily in new technology with our new phone system, new dispatch system and mobile app. There are many ways to order a taxi in addition to a fully staffed call center. We are committed to keeping Somerville residents moving by providing a reliable and efficient transportation option.
We also were an essential part of keeping residents safe during COVID, providing much needed transportation to vaccines and medical appointments for our most vulnerable residents. In addition, we run a TAXI to Health Program and a Senior Transportation Program for medical appointments, grocery shopping and delivery of food for residents with food insecurities.
We are asking to raise our rates to match the City of Cambridge. We have not requested an in...
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