10-08-73 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING QCTQRRR 8F 19:Z3 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING (CONTINUED) the full fuel prices. He stated that the South Bend rates are quite low compared to other cities. He used Michigan City as an example. Mr. Butler then explained that, in July, the drivers in Sout Bend asked that a proposed ordinance to raise the rates be stricken. The drivers have since come up with a recommendation on the increase in the rates. He explained that the companies have been unable to recruit and train the drivers because of the small income they receive. He indicated that, if the companies cannot recruit the drivers, the service to the community would be decreased and the users of the cabs would be the people to suffer. He indicated that the drivers also reali that most of the people that use the cabs are on a tight budget. He talked about the rates per hour and the income the drivers derive from the amount of business they do in a day. He explained that there has also been an increase in the operating costs during the last few months. Previousl gasoline could be purchased at 28� a gallon. Now, the gas costs 10� to ll� higher per gallon and the drivers must pay for it. He explained that this amounted to an increase of more than $2.00 a day. He stated that other garage services had also increased greatly. Mr. Butler stated that Courtesy Cab is owned by its drivers; therefore, there is no profit to the company. He then explained that, after the previous ordinance was withdrawn, the rates were discussed between the drivers and passengers. It was determined that an increase of about 15� in the fare would help to cover the bulk of the increased expenses. This would amount to a 15� increase per trip. Mr. Butler indicated that he felt and the drivers also felt that this was an honest figure. He stated that the drivers have also requested a charge for carrying parcels; however, he stated that this would affect very few passengers. He asked that the Council give the proposal careful considera- tion as he felt the ordinance was very important and necessary to the drivers. He concluded by indicating that a few drivers were present to answer any questions the Council might have regardin the proposed ordinance. Miss Fanny Grunwald, 227 South Frances Street, wondered about the exact wording of the ordinance. She asked if the people using the cabs would still be expected to leave a tip for the drivers with the increase in the fare and the charge for handling packages. Mr. Butler answered that the drivers were aware of that and all that was required was the minimum $1.00 or $1.25 if the package were handled by the driver. He indicated that tipping would be strictly up to the individual. Mrs. Janet Allen, 125 West Marion Street, wondered if any consideration had been given to a minimu or maximum charge. Mr. Butler indicated that the practices vary throughout the country. He state that in South Bend it is a per trip charge rather than a per passenger charge. He indicated that most of the fares that the drivers have are single. Mrs. Allen wondered if consideration had been given when there were more than one person involved. Mr. Bert Liss, 1443 East Washington Avenue, President of Indiana Cab, indicated that the drivers had done everything possible in order to keep the fare down to a minimum. He stated that the raised rate only amounted to a 72% increase. Mrs. Allen expressed concern for the drivers and indicated that she felt there would be an increase of income to the drivers if every passenger was charged rather than a per trip charge. Mr. Thomas Allison, 1416 North Olive Street, a driver for Indiana Cab, stated that the drivers usually only average one driver per trip. He felt that, by charging a flat rate per person, there would be ver little increase realized to the drivers. Mr. James McCann, 1209 North Garland Street, also a driver for Indiana Cab, asked about the Michigan City rate. He suggested that perhaps the minimum distance coverage should-be increased. He asked about the price freeze and its effect on the increased rates. Mr. Butler indicated that the rate was not affected by the price freeze. Mr. McCann talked briefly about the situation in New York, and Mr. Liss pointed out that the cabs in New York are subsidized by the government. Mr. McCann wondered how parcels and shopping bags woul be defined. Mr. Butler stated that, in the event the person getting into the cab does not require a waiting time, there would be no additional charge. He stated that, according to the drivers, there would be a minority of persons whose trips would not already meter a dollar. Mr. McCann felt the persons living on a fixed income would be hurt by the increase. He asked about the rates bein charged for luggage at the St. Joseph County Airport. Mr. Butler indicated that the primary use of the cabs was for transporting passengers and not packages. He again stated that, when a passenger carries a package and the driver loses time, there would be a charge involved. Mr. McCann pointed out that, last year, there had been a 15� increase in the rates. Mrs. Shirley Doxie, 503 Blaine Avenue, was of the opinion that, in the past, the drivers had paid an excessive amount for the lease of the cabs. She asked how much it would cost the drivers to obtain the cab and if the driver would have to pay for the gas. She also wondered if the ordinance would increase the financial input to the company rather than to the drivers. Mr. Liss indicated that the most the company expected out of the increase was 10% and the drivers would derive the 90 %. Mrs. Doxie questioned one of the drivers regarding the cost of purchasing and leasing the cabs. She also wondered if a waiting time was specified in minutes in the ordinance. Mr. Butler indicated that this would depend upon the drivers to determine whether or not there was a waiting period and whether or not he was losing time. He explained the rates and the charges for the carrying of parcels and the waiting time. Mrs. Maurice Schwartz, 725 Park Avenue, asked if there was a charge for waiting by the taxicab driver, and Mr. Butler indicated that there was a charge for three minutes of waiting time. Mr. Allison indicated that the drivers move accordingly because of the passengers. He stated that, when people need assistance in loading and carrying parcels, there should be a fee involved. Councilman Szymkowiak felt something was wrong with the taxicab industry today. He stated that either the volume is down or the service is not needed. He felt one of the reasons was the lack o: courtesy extended by the drivers. He believed that every man should have a living wage; however, he suggested that perhaps the ordinance should be referred to a committee for further consideratioi Councilman Parent felt the drivers were asking for a reasonable increase; however, he indicated that he knew nothing about the taxicab industry. He concluded by indicating that, when the Counci: must consider an increase in something, it is difficult to do without any background information. Councilman Miller asked about a curb space charge, and Mr. Butler indicated that there was such a charge. He stated that $125 is required for every 22 feet of curb space. Councilman Miller indicated that he had some reservations about the minimum rate of $1.00. Mr. Liss stated that the business has been continually dropping. He stated that he would like to cut the rate in half but it could not be done because the manpower was not available. Councilman Miller asked if this was < mandatory rate, and Mr. Butler indicated that it was. He also added that he thought this was traditional in most cities. Councilman Miller felt there was a problem involved with the parcel ai package matter. He asked what would be considered a package, and he stated that he felt the $1.00 fee should be eliminated. Councilman Kopczynski felt the taxicab business was a private matter an( should remain that way. He felt that business would take care of itself. He stated that, if the rates were too high, the people would stop using the cabs. He felt the drivers knew what they wer( talking about and asking for, and he also felt that the drivers had made a thorough investigation of the rates.