May 22, 2008
King County’s innovative alternative taxicab approach moving forward
King County today issued a notice of selection to Green Cab Taxi & Disabled Service Association, LLC as the most qualified group to test a new, alternative approach to the existing taxicab structure. The test is intended to improve working conditions and income for drivers and create a new ‘green’ fleet of taxicabs in King County.
“This test holds the promise to greatly improve working conditions for drivers while also reducing pollution,” said Jim Buck, director of the Department of Executive Services. “This taxi service is designed to remedy the well known flaws of the current system.”
Three groups submitted proposals to serve as the pioneers for the initial trial of this new program: Green Cab Taxi & Disabled Service Association, LLC, The Green Alliance Taxi Cab Association, Inc., and Go Green Taxi. Composed primarily of existing taxicab driver licensees, the entries reflect a strong industry interest in exploring alternative approaches to operating a taxicab business, especially those that improve driver conditions and employment protections. The Green Cab Taxi & Disabled Service Association, LLC was a consensus selection based on their strengths in manner and methods for recruiting driver-employees, detailed and specific driver requirements, including training and licensing, and very certain and clear demonstration of ability to comply with taxicab ordinance and rule provisions.
The county will issue 50 licenses that cannot be traded or sold as a commodity, as is allowed in the current system. These licenses will be valid in unincorporated King County and contracting cities.
In addition to increased employer/employee relations, the pilot requires the 50 licenses be used with hybrid-electric vehicles, with 40 miles per gallon (MPG) rating. Fifty of such vehicles could reduce greenhouse gas emissions over 1,000 tons annually.
The test structure was developed to address shortcomings in the current system. Personnel, operational and institutional challenges under the current taxicab association structure are common and ongoing. Currently, drivers are independent contractors who lease the license, purchase their own vehicle, gas, and pay dispatch fees, as well as provide insurance. Drivers must make approximately $170 a day to meet their costs before seeing a profit.