Sioux Falls To Revamp Cab System

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
March 12, 2013 9:35 PM


Sioux Falls is looking to crack down on cab operations in the city.

This is followed by the city receiving complaints from cab companies about the easy licensing process.

Now, city leaders are digging even deeper looking to add more regulations to the way cab systems work.

City Councilman Kenny Anderson Jr., said the city needs to know who is driving on our streets.

"There's been a finding that the ordinance is very much lacking," said Anderson Jr.

Right now, the cab licensing process is fairly simple, lacking requirements for cab drivers to display workers compensation insurance, as well as obtaining a South Dakota Tax I.D. number.

Anderson Jr. said the issues go beyond this, there's no oversight of cab operations in city limits.

"We are having the city attorney's office with our licensing clerk and the police department go over the ordinance as far as the communication between the departments," said Anderson Jr.

That's where Legislative and Operations Manager Jim David comes in.

He's been working with various departments to figure out a way to better the cab system in Sioux Falls.

"Possibly looking at consolidating responsibilities under one department that's one of the options they're looking at,” said David.

While at the same time comparing operation methods to surrounding cities.

"The council and this committee have looked at St. Paul, Lincoln, Des Moines and some of the others, but they're going to go outside of that and look at other opportunities for the taxi ordinance," said David.
 
Other options include a checklist, to ensure cab drivers have Identification cards, fare cards with rates and keeping meters properly maintained.

A presentation with revisions to the city ordinance will be ready for review sometime between April and May.