Park Avenue (Google screen grab)
Taxis will be able to wait for passengers on Park Avenue between West Front and West Second streets if the City Council approves.
The council gave initial permission for a new taxi stand there on first reading Feb. 9. It will be considered on March 2 for possible final approval on March 9. The busy north-south artery has some parking space alongside the Park-Madison office building, indicated on the Google satellite image by two white vehicles.
Other authorized taxi stands are on North Avenue alongside the main train station and at four locations on Watchung Avenue.
Another taxi-related amendment would permit passengers to occupy the front seat. The rules currently prohibit a front-seat passenger unless the back seats are filled. The new rule would allow the driver to authorize the passenger to sit in the front seat.
As someone who often takes taxis, I have heard recently that police were issuing tickets to drivers for having front-seat passengers. I also heard that prospective new cabbies learn how to get around by observing as front-seat passengers. The new rule would make things easier for drivers.
However, as a frequent passenger I must say there are several rules on the books that drivers do not always honor. A passenger is supposed to be asked whether they mind having an extra pickup, but drivers frequently pick up others without asking the first person. Drivers do not always take the most direct route. Most of my destinations are medical offices along Park Avenue, but some drivers go from my block at Park & Seventh all the way to Woodland Avenue and pick up Park in South Plainfield.
I realize that car owners probably never take taxis, but they are in high demand for those without cars. I decided in 2008 not to get another car for a number of reasons and usually mostly walked or used public transportation to get around until recently needing to get to various doctors. It was very eye-opening to see the taxi business from a passenger seat instead of just watching them zip around the streets. If all the proposed new rental development happens, there is likely to be even more of a demand and maybe even a cry for better taxi service. Many of the cabs still have New York City rules posted inside and are obviously retired from use there.
As for rates and the consistent disregard of the rate chart, don't get me started.
--Bernice
I am one who thinks flat rates tend to shortchange drivers, especially going cross-town (Plainfield runs about 4 miles along Front St.) But, one improvement that is not costly would be a requirement that cab companies have drivers wear a certain color shirt, maybe certain color slacks, too. Not quite a uniform, more a dress code. Don't know where management is on this, or the drivers. Doesn't dressing for the part lead to bigger tips?
ReplyDeleteThe back seat wouldn't be as bad if some of the drivers didn't have the front seats all the way back, and some reclined a bit. With knee replacements and clunky winter boots, getting in and out of the back seats is a challenge. I feel cheap to admit this, but unless it's horrible weather, I generally don't tip the drivers if I take a short jaunt from the train station to my home or vice versa. It costs $4 for a five minute (if direct) ride already and more times than not, I get a scenic route squished in with other passengers. Also, the wait times are often way too long and the drivers are often talking on cell phones and such. I do tip taxis in NYC, but they're catering to the individual rider.
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