Ocean City MD City Council is moving toward amending the Taxi Cab Regulations in Ocean City MD. HURRAY!!!! – .. a second reading is scheduled for the April 3, 2006 council meeting. (Update: INSERTED – April 7 2006 – The noted ordinance amendment was approved – Thank you Town of Ocean City Council for making this a reality – The charge will be $3 initial fare, $2 per mile, with some other add on charge possibilities.) These changes must be adhered to by the Taxi Cab proprietor by April 30, 2006)
A. Second Reading – Ordinance 2006-06 to Amend Chapter 102, Entitled Vehicles for Hire (Changes to Taxi Cab Ordinance)
This amendment change will provide greater protection for the public consumer, and also set a “maximum rate” that can be charged. This will minimize the potential for a visitor or local in Ocean City MD to be grossly overcharged when hiring a taxi in town. I am personally in favor of the $3 to enter the cab and $2 per mile maximum rate fare. Presently, Taxi’s may charge (as long as they post the fare) whatever the market will bear. Unfortunately, there is no reasonable way for a consumer to calculate the various rate fares posted. CLICK HERE to view a composite image of 3 various Rate Fares presently posted on Ocean City MD Cabs. The cab (taxi) industry is lobbying the council for a higher maximum rate. It seems however that the suggested rate is quite fair to me. All one has to do is compare maximum rates charged in other cities and realize this is quite fair to the taxi industry. The taxi industry should realize that it’s better to stay busy providing transportation all night with more happy and satisfied consumers, instead of driving consumers to alternative methods of transportation. I truly hope the Council sticks with the original suggested maximum rates.
