Santa Monica Considers Franchise System for Taxis

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As the sun sank over the horizon, Robert Petrosyan turned into Santa Monica Pier and joined a slow procession of taxi drivers cruising for a fare. Parents hurried by carrying sleepy children back to their hotels, but no one hailed a cab. Petrosyan did a U-turn and drove away with his car still empty.

“Too many cabs, too many drivers,” he said, shaking his head.

City staffers agree. They are recommending that the City Council establish a franchise system to reduce the number of taxis allowed to operate in Santa Monica. The city is one of the few local cities of its size and visitor appeal that does not limit the number of taxi firms or vehicles plying its streets. Any person with a clean driving record and no criminal history can get permission to operate a cab, provided the vehicle meets certain standards.




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