215GetaCab Draws 10,000 Users in Just Four Months

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 215GetaCab APP, developed by Checker Cab Philly, has surpassed 10,000 users since its launch in June and customers are far safer using this new tool than those offered by ride-sharing companies, said Alex Friedman, President of the PA Taxi Association and owner of Checker Cab Philly.

"Unlike the ride-sharing services, when customers use the 215GetaCab APP, we guarantee we will pick up our customers – all of our customers - and we will not lock their dog in the trunk," Friedman said, referring to a Sept. 10, 2014 headline from The Washington Post: Uber sued for allegedly refusing rides to the blind and putting a dog in the trunk."

"Our drivers are insured and professionally trained. Our cabs are inspected two times a year so our passengers know they are safe," Friedman said. "And we provide service to every customer who needs us."

The Taxi Association is leading efforts in Harrisburg to make sure that ride-sharing services play by the same rules as taxi cab operators and other carriers. The Association supports House Bill 2445, which would ensure that all Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are playing by the same rules.

Specifically, HB 2445 would require that all TNCs:

• Obtain commercial liability insurance as primary coverage, rather than a secondary umbrella policy
• Obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience from the Commission
• Obtain and file criminal background checks on the network drivers with the Commission
• Obtain a special tag from PennDOT to provide easy identification for passengers.

In addition, HB 2445 would exempt TNC service in Philadelphia, to ensure continued oversight by the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Ride-sharing services don't offer to provide insurance coverage, or would provide it only if and after a driver's personal auto insurer declines coverage.  Cab companies don't have this luxury. Under state law, we must provide adequate insurance coverage to protect customers and the public.

Some of these companies raise prices during busy hours. PUC regulations prohibit taxi cabs from such 'surge' pricing, which is a predatory business practice that is patently unfair. Cab drivers undergo criminal background checks. Ride-sharing drivers do not.

"Other than an APP, these operators are not much safer than hitchhiking," Friedman said. "We're not against competition. We obviously embrace technology. We just want everybody to play by the same rules."

SOURCE Pennsylvania Taxi Association