HomeMy WebLinkAboutTaxi Advisory Committee Minutes August 25, 2009_201402041306542749Taxi Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes for August 25, 2009
Called to order at: 10:05am
Location: Town Building Conference Room
Members present: David Sharpe (Acting Chair), David Larivee, John O’Connor, Police
Chief Bill Pittman and Wendy Watts.
The minutes from the last meeting were not approved due to the fact that they were not
yet available.
David Sharpe reported that the Taxi Advisory Committee webpage is live. The members
acknowledged that it is a work in progress.
The Montgomery County, Maryland website was reviewed. It is very comprehensive and
helpful.
David Sharpe then discussed future training for all drivers. He reported to the committee
that in his research assignment several training programs were found in New South
Wales, Australia, Bermuda and the British Virgin Islands. These programs are mandated
by the local governments. David noted that these locations are tourist destinations and
that taxi drivers are often the first people tourists meet upon arrival. First impressions are
important. This seems to be a problem on Nantucket. New York City is the only
American location located that mandates a training program.
David suggested that a similar program be introduced in Nantucket. In years past, the
Town of Nantucket in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce offered “Team
Nantucket.” This was an orientation program for restaurant workers, summer police and
lodging workers. The program has lapsed but the question was raised about bringing it
back and tailoring it towards taxi drivers requiring the orientation and making the test
mandatory before receiving a taxi operator’s license. The program could be offered at
least three times during the season, most likely in May, June and July when new groups
of taxi drivers arrive.
David Larivee suggested that the test be mandated for all drivers and upon completion
and successful passage of the test the applicant receives a sticker. Chief Pittman
expressed concern about manpower and costs in administering the program as well as
follow up enforcement. He noted that any test should be offered in multiple languages.
The group felt that this program should be discussed further at length and some part of
the program be in place next season. John O’Connor suggested that if the test could not
be mandatory, perhaps the test could be offered as a “Seal of Approval” or “I am an
Island Ambassador.”
The Committee then reviewed the Zone Map. Wendy Watts expressed concern that some
drivers, when leaving the Airport with a fare to the National Grid office on Bunker Road,
charge the Madequecham fare instead of the Airport Zone where National Grid and other
businesses are located. This is due to the Madequecham zone being in the middle of the
route. The committee felt the “interpretation” should be clarified. Another suggestion was
enacting a pick up fee for people being picked up in Sconset, Madaket and other distant
locations. This would possibly offset the taxi leaving town empty in order to get the fare.
The committee agreed to review the New York City training program and discuss how it
could apply to Nantucket.
Adjourned at 11:05 am.
Minutes approved the 13th day of October, 2009.