ABSTRACT
Introduction to taxicabs, taxicab vehicles, taxicab vehicles and equipment, taximeters, the taxicab industry organization and taxicab industry economics. Definition of taxicabs as a form of for-hire, for-profit, privately owned, unsubsidized, demand-responsive, intra-city, exclusive-ride, curb-to-curb, motor vehicle transportation. Discussion of taxicab equipment including receipt-issuing electronic taximeters, mobile data terminals and tablets, GPS (Global Positioning System), top lights, silent alarms, security cameras and safety cameras. Computation of taximeter fares and explanation of drop, distance and time charges; crossover speeds; and taximeter tests (dynamometers and road tests). Discussion of the organization of the taxicab industry includes taxicab associations, taxicab owners, shift and medallion leases, taxicab drivers (owner-drivers, lease-drivers and employee-drivers), taxicab driver demographics and taxicab driver cultural backgrounds. Taxicab industry economics is introduced along with a summary of revenue and expenses for taxicab lease-drivers, taxicab medallion owners and taxicab associations.
