After alleged assaults by taxi drivers, Ann Arbor stresses differences between taxis and limousines
In the wake of three alleged assaults on women by taxi drivers, the Ann Arbor Police Department and city government released a statement Thursday making residents aware of the difference between a city-licensed taxicab and a state-licensed limousine.
According to the statement, six items are required on all city of Ann Arbor-licensed taxicabs.
Ann Arbor taxi bond plate.
Courtesy of city of Ann Arbor
- A city of Ann Arbor bond plate is required on the outside rear of the vehicle.
- A vehicle number is required on the outside rear of the vehicle.
- The taxicab driver’s license from the Ann Arbor police must be displayed.
- A taxi meter must be installed.
- A rate card must be visible.
- Comment cards must be accessible to passengers in the rear seats.
State limousine tag.
Courtesy of city of Ann Arbor
In one of the reported assaults, a city-licensed taxicab driver was charged with two misdemeanors for inappropriately touching and attempting to kiss a customer.
It’s unclear what companies the other two drivers accused of assaulting the female passengers worked for and if those drivers were licensed by the city or the state.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
Elliott Snow
Sat, Mar 2, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.
Joslyn is right - the State's Limo Law clearly says: (k) "Through any device or arrangement" means any and all methods, means, agreements, circumstances, operations, or subterfuges under which a person undertakes for hire to conduct, direct, control, or otherwise perform the transportation of passengers by limousine upon the public highways of this state." That clearly does NOT limit limo-licensed vehicles to doing only pre-arranged pick-ups In fact, it reads like a driver can stand on the corner and solicit passengers anyway s/he wants to.
billybobstaxi
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 11:44 p.m.
All the HACKS and SCABS are out! Honestly legitimate Drivers have little interest as they already do it right and dont find it necessary to cheat to earn a living....Chislers beware!
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 4:39 p.m.
So sowwy bubb we aren't going anywhere and as far as money goes I paid cash for my house did you??? So much for driving a city licensed taxi Lol
billybobstaxi
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 7:55 a.m.
so sad What did the tears get you? NADA LOL Like I said Become a TAXI and PAY$$$ or get out!
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 3:26 a.m.
Still here or didn't you go to your taxicab board meeting tonight to hear stephen kunselman get ripped for slandering upstanding companies right to his face? Now that's justice :p
newsboy
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
The 2010 census places Ann Arbor's population at 113,934, making it the sixth largest city in Michigan. "Sec. 7. (1) A limo carrier of passengers shall not operate a limousine for the transportation of persons for hire on a public highway in this state except in accordance with this act. A limo carrier of passengers that operates class B limousines for the purpose of picking up passengers within a city with a population of 750,000 or more shall also comply with the vehicle for hire ordinance of that city with respect to those limousines." So why would Ann Arbor have a "vehicle for hire" ordinance with a population of under 200,000 when the State requirement is 750,000 and above?
billybobstaxi
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 8:24 p.m.
Sooo if you would really rather not obey the LAW then you Better pay your DUES and Get Legitimate TAXI Insurance- license-and Meter or GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Mar 7, 2013 : 4:42 p.m.
Plus were smart enough to calculate a fare without needing a machine to add for us lol
billybobstaxi
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 7:52 a.m.
If your going to pick up in the CITY you WILL PAY or become a TAXI GO FIGURE LOL
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Mar 1, 2013 : 3:20 a.m.
Oh were still here. You are not going to politically manuever to eliminate yellow or green. So hang it up lol
billybobstaxi
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 11:46 p.m.
You mean like you used too..Chisler
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 28, 2013 : 10:12 p.m.
Maybe you should get a class b limo license billy bob so you can pick up and drop off anywhere like we can :p
Joslyn at the U
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 6:15 a.m.
Once again you seem to be operating under the assumption that the taxi/limo business is a public utility. It is NOT a public utility. These are privately owned businesses and you as joe public have the right not to do business with whom you choose. But you do NOT have the right to tell us how much we can or can not charge or how we may operate if we so choose in a legal fashion. Again if you want a taxi then call a taxi. If on the other hand you find a private car or limo service that takes care of you better for what you consider a fair price then I suggest you call the private service instead. And while you are at it quit trying to run other peoples lives and personal business transactions. I don't recall telling you whom you may sleep with behind closed doors.
memepolice
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 2:28 a.m.
Also, limo people, if you can't afford the cost of doing a certain kind of business, please find another business to go into for everyone's sake. Stop blaming the government and gas prices for keeping you down and start taking responsibility for yourselves. I mean, does Burger King use horse meat in their burgers because the price of beef is too high? Oh wait, they did.
memepolice
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 2:14 a.m.
Look, the argument from the limo people (you know who you are) is totally absurd as the argument boils down to: I can do what I want, when I want, and for how much I want because I own a limo and not a taxi. You're wrong. I mean, come on people. Think of this scenario on a very basic level: taxis and limos are different, right? If someone asked the average person to describe limos and taxis and then compare and contrast these descriptions what might they say? Would they say that limos typically had top lights, any other color scheme than either black or white (typically), extensive signage, charged by the mile, or took non-prearranged orders? Probably, not. Why? because other than having an actual taxi meter, the aforementioned description sounds exactly like a cab both to me and every other person with any sense at all. Please, limo people, stop making ridiculous arguments that attempt to justify what you are doing. You know what you are doing is wrong and anyone else on earth who has ever taken a limo or a taxi knows, or should know, that limos are vehicles for which rides are prearranged and for a set price (usually by the hour and or with some kind of flat fee) while taxis take both non prearranged and prearranged fares and and usually have a flag drop and charge by the mile and by time in which their is a great deal of variability. Forget about all of the other differences and similarities, however, because at the heart of the difference between taxis and limos is the way in which they are hired. Whether implied or explicit, the laws regarding taxis and limos, in pretty much every city or state that has such regulations, are guided by the notion that the difference between taxis and limos is that taxis require no prearrangement between the passenger and the driver prior to service. If you want to be a limo, be a limo, but please stop both trying to fool the public by looking like a cab and taking non-prearranged fares. Otherwise, get a taxi license.
Driver1
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 2:04 a.m.
I am: 1) A female driver for a locally based company whose vehicles are registered with the state as limos. 2) A semi-frequent paying passenger of taxi/limo services in the Ann Arbor area. As such this article is an affront filled with innuendo that has the potential to, and I believe already has, negatively impact my income and my reputation as a safe and reliable driver. Its innuendo also has the potential impact of making women feel safer by requesting a city licensed car/driver even while it states that one of these drivers has been charged with assault. It is my understanding that the lawyers are at work on the legality of flagged fares in limos and other legal issues attached to the crackdown on limo registered vehicles in the Ann Arbor area, although I am still attempting to attach some logic to this behavior with respect to the safety of female passengers. Unfortunately and in the meantime, the article does nothing to educate me, as a female passenger, in favor of safety. My interpretation of the article: because I drive a vehicle registered as a limo, choosing to use my services might make you more susceptible to assault. I would argue that because I am a female driver you are MUCH LESS susceptible to assault were you to choose to use my services. I believe, so would they if safety were the bent of the article. I smell a rat with a different agenda. Could it be coat-tailing on the issue of our safety? For shame.
Joslyn at the U
Tue, Feb 26, 2013 : 6:27 a.m.
Good post :)
Joslyn at the U
Sun, Feb 24, 2013 : 2:27 p.m.
Its nice to see people from the industry stepping up on here to give some honest imput. Thanks to all
debbie
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 12:33 a.m.
To answer someones question cab and limo drivers have back ground checks done prior to hiring. They also get updates if a driver has any new charges. The driving records are also examined along with drug testing. In our company our insurance provider wants random drugs tests and testing whenever there is an accident whether at fault of not. Many students who have had too much to drink get into anything that looks like a taxi. Many times they are black out drunk and couldn't tell anyone the next hour or day what color the cab driver was driving that picked them up. At night in AnnArbor there are gypsey vans that pick up kids along with local companies. The sketchy looking vans have always bothered me because I have never been sure who the drivers are. I always wonder if they have a chauffers, insurance and a safe vehicle.Most cities have trouble with gypsey drivers. Many of them are the ones who do things illegelly and are "shady" for lack of a better term. If Ann Arbor wants to start with public saftey they should be checking the gypsey drivers for valid licensing and insurance. I know several people who are sole cab owners with one cab. They must jump thru hoops just like any other cab or limo. I feel the gypseys are the place to start when it comes to weeding out potential problems in public saftey.
Phew!
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 8:30 p.m.
It does seem like a more likely place...
debbie
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 12:17 a.m.
I would like to thank Joslyn for posting the regulations about taxi and limo. I am a driver with a company in and arbor. I have driven for 10 years. There is alot to the story about why so many companies went limo vs. cab in ann arbor. One of the most compelling reasons was cost and insurance for the companies. They pay less to register as a limo vs. a taxi. Secondly they pay less for their insurance. Locally another motivator was the lack of cooperation from the Ann Arbor Cab board. I use this term very loosley. In Ann Arbor before a taxi company can raise their per mile rate they had to get approval for the raise from the cab board. When gas nearly doubled in price 2to 3 years ago we went to cab board asking for a raise in rates to off set the gas expense. Any one who drives a car knows how the gas increase affects your pocket. The board on a couple occasions failed to meet to even discuss the raise. On other occasions refused to discuss it at all. The cab board only meets every 3 months. It was a never ending go around. Finally the owner made the decision to go limo. We raised the per mile cost to off set the cost of gas for the drivers.We raised it 50 cents per mile.
Phew!
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.
Thanks for the info debbie. That explains the shift to limo. I don't think anyone is trying to blame the cabs versus the limos in these assaults, though. I see this article as just informing the public of what they might be able to look for as far as identifying information whether it is a cab or a limo that you are getting into.
Joslyn at the U
Sat, Feb 23, 2013 : 5:08 p.m.
Thank you Debbie
Thinking over here
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:52 p.m.
I've read the article and I"m still not sure of the point of it? nowhere does it explain how "knowing the difference" helps me make a safer choice. How do I use this information? Also, please explain why/how they do not know what companies the other two drivers were working for.
actionjackson
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 10:40 a.m.
After reading all of the posts and the article I still don't see anything about background checks on the drivers of either entity prior to being hired? Can a previously convicted sex offender be a driver for either of these types of companies? How about parolees with no conscience when it comes to women and there privacy?
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:11 p.m.
Or limitations of driver eligibilty on either side . Good question by the way
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:10 p.m.
I think the city has a limit of somewhere between two to 5 years before an ex criminal is eligible and the state requires monitoring of driving records but I believe that's the extent of any enhanced monitoring on either side.
Skyjockey43
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:33 a.m.
I just don't get this at all. Because one entity is governed by the city of Ann Arbor, and the other by the state of Michigan, is this supposed to mean that one or the other is a hive of rapists???? I'm not sure that I agree with your police work there Lou
Mark
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.
That IS the point, Sky. There really is no service/safety difference between the industries. The "real" issue at hand is not ultimate passenger safety - it is a monetary / control issue. But using the passenger safety 'tag' is the tool to fight with. It moves public sentiment more so in the desired direction than does using fiduciary methods.
racerx
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:04 a.m.
Oh gee. I feel safer already. Thanks city officials. This will surely ease my fear of entering a cab. And still nothing further to discuss about find those who were involved. Yup. Feeling mighty safe.
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 3:15 a.m.
Well I'm trying to be nice about it but like I said its really just looking like political grandstanding at the expense of innocent hardworking people on councilman kunselmans part. Just my opinion though
jusayin
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 1:54 a.m.
The police will get to the bottom of this one PDQ - it would seem
Phew!
Mon, Feb 25, 2013 : 8:25 p.m.
We can tell.
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:20 a.m.
I agree we have good people on the aapd no doubt its just sad that tragedy is used for polotical grandstanding it just kinda irks me
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 11:47 p.m.
Ellis that is so on point for a response thank you......Im beginning to think alot of people just dont want to see reality. Whats going on is the city is trying to "not let a good crisis go to waste". And whats probably going to end up happening here is the people who cant afford to fight the city will leave...........and the ones who can will stay. I suppose if this were a chess game and I was the city this is how I might play it as well. They have a political hot potato on theyre hands. Women being assaulted in this wonderfull city does not look good for politicians nor do I think anyone here wants to see that either. They have to try and clean house so to speak so if they manage to get rid of the "bad limo" people there will be less people or companies to try and sift through which is understandable. Most of the reputable companies out here go out of theyre way to be easily recognizable unlike the out of towners or scabs as they are called. And the officers who regularly patrol the streets of Ann Arbor know whos been around and whos a stranger so to speak. I dont know...............its a big frigging mess and I understand what they have to deal with. I just think its wrong to trample on peoples rights just as much as I would hate to see any woman accosted in such a horrible manner
Ellis Sams
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 11:10 p.m.
So far, the only person arrested is a cab driver. I am not sure how hitting limo drivers works into this, but in Ann Arbor government action does not have to make sense.
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
Well spoken Mark........thumbs up
Mark
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 7:18 p.m.
Billy – it's the lynch mob mentality that incorrectly portrays the Facts of the issue at hand and needlessly confuses and misinforms the general public. And quite frankly, your statements are direct slander against legal drivers and an entire legal industry operating within the city of Ann Arbor and elsewhere. Nowhere - and I mean nowhere - are there any facts or allegations substantiating ANY specific industry or driver (especially limo) for the actual perpetrator to the crimes. The reports do not corroborate any fact other than the alleged victims got into a described 'cab'. To say "those involved these so called 'limo' scabs" is flat out false information. Perhaps using your same level of logic we all could assume that you being a male, you too are thus a confirmed suspect, hmm?? That is illogical. It cannot be so easy to jump so many bridges to reach the defamatory conclusions you profess as true. There was a rogue driver who has breeched the publics' trust; as every criminal does. It appears one was an AAPD certified taxi driver. Who knows the others – but an entire industry is not culpable to the actions of any individual! Would you suggest the citizens of Ann Arbor abhor and renounce all taxi services in the city, due to a certified taxi driver having been charged with assault?? That too does not make sense. IF that is your logic, then Ann Arbor citizens should only trust the limousine industry, due to a certified taxi driver being charged with assault, AND we should not trust the AAPD for certifying drivers of any industry since they failed too! Oi. Ann Arbor has well established and trusted legal companies for passenger travel services. Taxi AND Limo. Use them. If you don't trust the company, Do Not Get In! Common sense then prevails.
Joslyn at the U
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 2:18 a.m.
Wow billy that was such an enlightened response. I wonder if its even possible to top that educated display of skillfull conversation
Billy
Fri, Feb 22, 2013 : 12:10 a.m.
This is hilarious. The only person charged was someone who was a cab driver for about 2-3 weeks. And that incident involved basically failed social ability at the worst. The OTHER two incidents...you know the ones involving FORCEFUL RAPE AND PENETRATION....those involved these so called "limo" scabs that were operating ILLEGALLY in the city....and the reason THOSE people aren't charged is because they have NO idea who they are....because they weren't city licensed cabs. You two are a joke.
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 9:37 p.m.
FYI Also listed on the MDOT limo site is this .................... Under Frequently asked questions.................. "Is my vehicle a taxi? Your vehicle is considered a taxi if you are using a vehicle with a maximum seating capacity of 3 to 9 passengers or less, including the driver AND you are using a metered device to measure distance traveled and waiting time to compute the fare. A taxi shall not charge any rate of fare except in accordance with the amount shown on a meter. A taxi operating without a meter or with the meter shut off would be in violation of the Limousine Act, PA 271 of 1990, if passengers are present in the vehicle." So if a Class B limo does NOT have a meter it is clearly NOT a Taxi
Billy
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
So I read all that...and it seems to concur with the article...not sure where it says anywhere in there that "limos" can ignore city licensing.
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
Also whats the city going to do if someone is smart enough to go and aquire USDOT licensing instead? Wow wouldnt that be a mess lol
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.
It says that they must " comply" with a citys regs with a population over 750,000. Last time I checked ann arbor is at 112,000 give or take. But you know hey ann arbor is going to do what ann arbor is going to do. The math is simple and the language clearly implies ann arbor can NOT write regulation in regards to state licensed limos but may ONLY enforce state regulations that have been put in place by the state.
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 7:08 p.m.
And in closing if the city of Ann Arbor doesnt get off its high horse and actually tries to enforce this garbage they WILL get sued. And they will lose. So get ready all of you good citizens in Ann Arbor to dig a little deeper in your pockets to pay for the city council screwing up once again. Very sad
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
Read the act violation of state law in regards to the Limousine transportation act. Infringing upon businesses operation when they are legally licensed to operate in said fashion by the STATE of Michigan. Trying to regulate Mdot licensed vehicles when the state ordinance clarly shows that unless you have a population of 750,00 or more you may Not write regulations in regards to said licensed vehicles. In my opinion they are violating the civil rights of every owner/operator that they choose to issue a citation to under the rules the city has tried to put in place. For example it says ((k) "Through any device or arrangement" means any and all methods, means, agreements, circumstances, operations, or subterfuges under which a person undertakes for hire to conduct, direct, control, or otherwise perform the transportation of passengers by limousine upon the public highways of this state.) Then it says ((f) "Limo carrier of passengers" means a person who, either directly or through any device or arrangement, holds himself or herself out to the public as willing to undertake for hire to transport by limousine from place to place over the public highways of this state persons who may choose to employ him or her for that purpose.) etc etc The state has clearly licensed these people to operate they way they see fit. If you dont want to do business with them then I suggest you do not ride with them. Plain and simple
JPLewis
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.
Sued by whom and for what?
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 7:05 p.m.
Part 4 257.1907 Operation of limo carrier of passengers on public highway; conditions; conditional effective date; definitions. Sec. 7. (1) A limo carrier of passengers shall not operate a limousine for the transportation of persons for hire on a public highway in this state except in accordance with this act. A limo carrier of passengers that operates class B limousines for the purpose of picking up passengers within a city with a population of 750,000 or more shall also comply with the vehicle for hire ordinance of that city with respect to those limousines. However, a limo carrier of passengers may remain in the city during a given trip for the sole purpose of picking up the same passengers that the limo carrier of passengers originally brought into the city on that trip. A limo carrier of passengers shall not operate upon a public highway without first having obtained from the department a certificate of authority. A certificate of authority may be obtained for operation of either class A limousines or class B limousines or both. (2) The amendatory act that added this subsection takes effect 30 days after a city with a population of 750,000 or more makes available bonds for class B limousines. The total number of class B limousine bonds shall be determined by the city. However, for the first 90 days the number of bonds to be made available for class B limousines shall not be less than 100 or more than 200. (3) As used in this section: (a) "Class A limousine" means a limousine with a seating capacity of not less than 7 passengers but not more than 15 passengers including the driver. (b) "Class B limousine" means a limousine with a seating capacity of less than 7 passengers including the driver. History: 1990, Act 271, Imd. Eff. Dec. 3, 1990;¾Am. 2000, Act 487, Imd. Eff. Jan. 11, 2001.
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 7:04 p.m.
PART 3 257.1905 Applicability of act. Sec. 5. (3) This act shall not apply to a limo carrier of passengers who is only providing transportation using metered vehicles identified as a taxi or taxicab with a maximum seating capacity of 3 to 9 passengers or less, including the driver. History: 1990, Act 271, Imd. Eff. Dec. 3, 1990.
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 7:02 p.m.
PART 2 (f) "Limo carrier of passengers" means a person who, either directly or through any device or arrangement, holds himself or herself out to the public as willing to undertake for hire to transport by limousine from place to place over the public highways of this state persons who may choose to employ him or her for that purpose. (g) "Motor vehicle service and repair act" means Act No. 300 of the Public Acts of 1974, being sections 257.1301 to 257.1340 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. (h) "Person" means an individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, association, corporation, or other legal entity or the lessee, trustee, or receiver of any of these entities; this state; a city, village, township, or county; the federal government; or an employee, officer, or agent of any of these units of government. (i) "Public highway" means a highway, road, street, avenue, alley, or thoroughfare of any kind, or a bridge, tunnel, or subway used by the public. (j) "The public" means that part or portion of the general public which the limo carrier is ready, able, willing, and equipped to serve. (k) "Through any device or arrangement" means any and all methods, means, agreements, circumstances, operations, or subterfuges under which a person undertakes for hire to conduct, direct, control, or otherwise perform the transportation of passengers by limousine upon the public highways of this state. History: 1990, Act 271, Imd. Eff. Dec. 3, 1990.
Joslyn at the U
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 7:01 p.m.
This article is in correct in the statement that limo licensed vehicles can only pick up pre arranged passengers. Limousine Transportation act 1990 257.1903 Definitions. Sec. 3. As used in this act: (a) "Certificate of authority" means a certificate of authority issued under the terms of this act unless the context indicates otherwise. (b) "Department" means the state transportation department. (c) "For hire" means the remuneration or reward of any kind, paid or promised, either directly or indirectly. (d) "Lessor" means a person who leases a limousine to any other person for the transportation of passengers for hire over the public highways of this state. (e) "Limousine" means a self-propelled motor vehicle used in the carrying of passengers and the baggage of the passengers for hire upon a public highway of this state with a seating capacity of 15 passengers or less, including the driver. Limousine does not include a self-propelled motor vehicle having a seating capacity of 15 passengers or less that is used by or on behalf of an employer to transport its employees to and from their place of employment.
ms 2013
Thu, Feb 21, 2013 : 5:38 p.m.
u break the law u pay