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In response to an inquiry by Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Neal pointed out that based upon the <br /> Police Department's involvement with the taxicab companies and the activity generated around <br /> the BART Station it makes it appear this is a vibrant industry for taxicabs. <br /> Because of the BART Station and Hacienda Business Park, Mr. Sullivan recognized that <br /> the City of Pleasanton would have a larger market for taxicabs than the City of Livermore. <br /> Mr. Neal agreed. He noted that the taxicab rates are cheaper in the City of Dublin than <br /> in Pleasanton. <br /> Based upon his experience in other communities, Mr. Fialho said the reason why <br /> taxicabs are regulated is because in a small industry such as this, there is a cluster of <br /> individuals who operate the taxicab companies, which causes a propensity to inflate rates in the <br /> absence of regulation. <br /> Vice Mayor Sullivan invited public comments. <br /> Amid Ansari, owner of All Cities Taxicab Company, said the reason the taxicab <br /> companies in Pleasanton sent a letter to the City requesting an increase in rates, a decrease in <br /> the insurance requirements for their cabs and limiting the number of taxicab companies <br /> operating within the City is because there are enough taxicab companies operating in <br /> Pleasanton. He pointed out that the cities of Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, and San Jose <br /> place a limitation on the taxicab business. In addition to high insurance and fuel costs to justify <br /> an increase in the rates, taxicab companies are seeing an increase in the number of taxicab <br /> companies operating within Pleasanton. He was concerned the current rates would not support <br /> the large number of operating companies within Pleasanton. He urged Council to support staff's <br /> recommendation. <br /> Joseph Bayanzay, representing United and Metro Taxicab Company, concurred with Mr. <br /> Ansari's comments. He said he was having a problem in retaining employees because they are <br /> not making money. The maintenance, insurance and total operation of the taxicab business has <br /> an impact on the owner to sustain a business and earn a living. He supported staff's <br /> recommendation and encouraged Council to take these factors into consideration when making <br /> its decision. <br /> Amin Sebghatullah, supported an increase in the rates the taxicab companies may <br /> charge for service and particularly, decreasing the insurance requirements due to the fact that <br /> insurance costs are high. He informed Council that dispatchers are requiring taxicab drivers to <br /> tip them in order to provide them business. He noted the taxicab industry had a significant <br /> amount of business in 2003 that was generated as a result of the Pleasanton BART station <br /> which has changed because many of the major companies provide shuttle services, including <br /> the hotel industry, which has directly impacted the taxicab industry. <br /> Vice Mayor Sullivan closed the public comments. <br /> Mr. Sullivan asked when the rates were last increased. <br /> Mr. Neal said the rates were raised in July 2003. The rates were fundamentally raised to <br /> the same flag drop fee and per mile rate from $2.000 to $2.20. He noted that is has been the <br /> City's policy to require one million dollar liability insurance on all matters of indemnification <br /> Pleasanton City Council 24 02/21/06 <br /> Minutes <br />