Two days after Soria Taxi representatives asked the City Council to reconsider hefty fines for out-of-town taxis picking up city passengers, the company hit the local headlines Oct. 16 when a Soria driver struck a pedestrian.
That driver no longer works for the North Plainfield company, Soria said in a press release that also detailed steps being taken to improve customer service. Calling the accident "an unfortunate and isolated incident," the company announced a five-point plan to ensure customer safety, improve service and "ensure the professionalism of our drivers."
1. All of our current and potential drivers will be required to take a defensive driving course by a New Jersey State-approved defensive driving course provider and online refresher courses every six months.
2. Potential and current drivers’ credentials will be verified with the Motor Vehicle Commission of the State of New Jersey to ensure that our employees are properly licensed to drive our taxis.
3. Soria Taxi will provide customer services training to all staff and re-evaluate our employees' customer service relations on a consistent basis.
4. Soria Taxi will establish a dedicated Customer Service Website for our customers to report issues related to our services, appearance of our taxis, professional behavior of our drivers, and any other matter customers feel the company should address to improve services.
5. Soria Taxi will commission an independent review of current company policies and follow its recommendations.
The press release ended by stating Soria Taxi has "strong values in work ethics and safety."
"However, as our customers have shown us, there is always room for improvements. Soria Taxi is taking steps to improve our services and the experience of our customers."
The company's good intentions may not sway Plainfield Corporation Counsel Vernita Sias-Hill, who on Oct. 14 upheld the city's right to bar outside taxis from picking up customers in Plainfield, though passengers may be dropped off. Company owner Fabian Soria said he wanted to get a license in Plainfield but could not, as the city has exceeded the state ratio of one taxi per 1,000 residents. At a previous council meeting, Plainfield taxi owners and drivers applauded the increase in fines to a maximum of $2,000 per incident for outside companies picking up passengers.
--Bernice
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B S public relations stunt. How was the taxi driver who hit someone get behind the wheel without license in the first place?
ReplyDeleteLicense to operate in the city.. NOT DRIVERS license
DeleteSoria Taxi is the worst taxi service in the area. I don't know how many times I've seen them do a U turn at an intersection, pull out and make people slam on their brakes, and block the street to load or unload passengers instead of pulling over. They are a clear and present danger to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree with Bob. As residents of an urban environment, we are familiar with the aggressive nature if cab drivers; however, the vast majority of taxis exhibiting reckless, unlawful acts are those of Soria taxis. Our police department could do a better job of ticketing this behavior and citizens, myself included, could do a better job of reporting it as well.
ReplyDeleteMaybe if Soria could make pickups in Plainfield, rather than just dropping off fares, they wouldn't have to rush around as much. A resident suggested at the Oct. 14th Council meeting that it would be advisable to grant some pickup privileges to North Plainfield cabs and vice-versa. That might be something for the city administration to consider.
Delete"Rushing" is no excuse to disregard traffic laws. Doesn't sound like that can hold up in a court the next time a Soria taxi mows down a pedestrian.
DeleteI am not opposed to any business operating under the regulations of the jurisdiction of its service. I am opposed to a business that ignores these regulations and then tries to justify its ignorance...I don't believe a municipality struggling to get back on track such as Plainfield should be used a business classroom.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see the PPD and the City Administration crack down on United Taxi, Plfd Yellow Taxi & Caribe Taxi (all Plainfield companies) to ensure that they treat ALL customers with respect; follow the Ordinance with respect to what they charge for a trip; rules on picking up several fares at once and riding you around the city until they decide to take you to your destination; keeping their cars in good shape/clean; ensure all drivers are licensed by the City as well as the state and make sure their cars and drivers are sufficiently insured at all times.
ReplyDelete