Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Some Wichita visitors aren't happy about their cab experience when they come to the Air Capital. Now the city is reviewing its ordinance for taxi companies.

The current ordinance has been on the books since 1984, and city leaders think it's time for an update.

A proposal would require taxicab drivers to take a customer service class provided by GoWichita. The hope is that when someone arrives in Wichita, the cab driver knows about the city and can answer questions.

The proposal would also make smoking illegal in cabs, although council member Michael O'Donnell asked that some cabs allow smoking.

Fees for licensing a cab and background checks would also increase, and the city would provide a taxicab enforcement officer.

The owner of Best Cabs said he is happy with the proposal.

The measure will go before the council in a couple of weeks for consideration.