Taxi Companies: It’s The Biggest Change in Years

CHARLOTTE, NC — Taxi companies call it the biggest change in years. Charlotte city council voted Monday to make it quicker and easier to become a taxi driver.

It’s a move cab companies say helps them compete with ride share programs like Uber or Lyft.

To see a full list of changes click on page 19 of the agenda. 

The new ordinance passed unanimously. In part, it means cab drivers won’t have to wait on the city to provide training classes. The employers can provide the classes. Cab drivers will be drug tested every three years instead of yearly.

“We are competing against a company and a set of companies that don’t have to follow any rules anywhere near as complicated as ours,” said Vice President of Crown Cab Mayu Khadelwal.

The state regulated ride share programs, not cities. Uber’s website says its drivers get background checks but no special permits.