New rule tells cabbies to hang up and drive

December 12, 2011 at 2:44AM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Riding in a Minneapolis cab will soon go easier on the ears.

The City Council approved an ordinance Friday barring taxi drivers from using cellphones while passengers are in the car. The change was included in a multifaceted update of the city's cab rules.

Other changes allow drivers to exit their cars at taxi stands and to wear jeans or sandals (but not flip-flops) while driving.

The cellphone change drew some heat from the Minneapolis Taxicab Drivers and Owners Association when the initial proposal barred phone use even when there were no passengers.

The ordinance's author, Council Member Elizabeth Glidden, clarified the language Friday to restrict use only when passengers are present.

Yemane Mebrahtu, president of the association, said cab drivers were happy Glidden clarified the ordinance.

"We're concerned about the customers as well," Mebrahtu said. "It's our business; we care about the people. And we make sure they are safe when they ride with the taxicab drivers."

Cabbies are not wild about the idea of the mandate, but "we have to make some compromises in order to [negotiate] on the bigger picture [issues]," he said.

Mebrahtu praised the changes allowing cabbies to leave their cabs at taxi stands (as long as they are within 5 feet), and wear jeans while driving. Drivers have been ticketed for both infractions in the past, he said.

Cabbies want City Hall to ease up on some other issues. They want to be able to drive into certain downtown hot spots to pick up passengers after clubs close, to park in more places, and to ensure limousines are not getting an unfair advantage at hotels.

Eric Roper • 612-673-1732 Twitter: @StribRoper

about the writer

about the writer

Eric Roper

Curious Minnesota Editor

Eric Roper oversees Curious Minnesota, the Minnesota Star Tribune's community reporting project fueled by great reader questions. He also hosts the Curious Minnesota podcast.

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