City “kept a tight grip on who could operate in the taxi industry” says Conway opening statement
A significant part of the regulatory history in the taxi industry is that the City has consistently
tightly controlled who can participate in the industry. Only licensed brokers, plate owners, and
licensed drivers could operate legally in the industry.
The City prohibited anyone else from doing so. For years, the City enforced the by-laws to stop
what it called, “bandit cabs,” and unlicensed brokers from operating. The City investigated these
unlawful operators, charged them, and ensured that the illegal taxi services were stopped. In
many instances, the City’s enforcement efforts were done in cooperation with members in the
taxi industry. Up until 2014, the City kept a tight grip on who could operate in the taxi industry
and made sure that any illegal activity was stopped.