Taxi drivers go on strike

By Jen McShane
Collegian Reporter
September 12, 2007

Philadelphia commuters attempting to catch a taxi last week may have had a bit of trouble finding one. The Taxi Workers Alliance threatened to go on strike for a total of 48 hours, beginning Sept. 5. Alliance leaders were predicting that 90 percent or more of the city taxis would be on strike, causing major traffic and commuting delays.

The strike was assembled to protest the new dispatch systems, as well as the credit card systems established in Philadelphia taxis. These new systems have been in place in Philadelphia for about one year, causing an abundance of issues citywide. The dispatch system has a global positioning system that allows cab drivers to stay in contact with dispatchers. However, the GPS frequently loses satellite connection, leaving cab drivers with no communication.

The GPS system is not the only issue causing problems. The new fare system, which allows customers to pay with credit cards, also loses connection, forcing customers to still pay with cash.

These issues led the Philadelphia Taxi Workers Alliance to join with the New York City cab drivers to protest these new systems. New York is set to begin the new systems Oct. 1 of this year. Both cities’ cab drivers agreed to strike.

The strike was set to begin Sept. 5 and continue for a full 48 hours. In anticipation of commuting troubles, the Philadelphia Parking Authority issued emergency orders allowing limousines, sedans and local cab services to pick up customers at cab stops.

Philadelphia Alliance leaders called the strike off after just one day, while New York strikers continued. It is uncertain what caused the strike to end so early. Some, like the Parking Authority, who regulates the city cabs, say that the strike ended early because a sufficient amount of “cabbies” actually did not go on strike. The Parking Authority reported that “there was no shortage of taxis at Philadelphia International Airport and only brief rush hour delays at Amtrak’s 30th Street Station.”

Blount, however, said that the estimated 90 percent of cabs were on strike. He says that the Alliance is now looking at other ways to protest the new systems, including lawsuits and litigations.

mcshanej2@lasalle.edu