INQUIRY SOUGHT INTO TAXI EXCLUSIVES.Byline: Beth Barrett Staff Writer City Councilman Hal Bernson Hal Bernson served as Los Angeles City Councilman for the 12th district. He was chair of the Transportation Committee. Prior to being on the City Council, he served in the Navy. Preceded by Robert M. called Wednesday for an inquiry into taxicab companies that pay hotels and other venues for exclusive rights to pick up passenger. The Daily News reported Sunday that taxi companies have kicked back as much as $3 million a year to premier Los Angeles-area hotels for the exclusive rights to pick up passengers and that city officials were aware of the illegal practice for years. Bernson introduced the motion directing City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo Rockard John "Rocky" Delgadillo (born July 15 1960) is the current City Attorney of Los Angeles, California. Career
``Since taxicab operators' practices are being questioned, especially in light of the Daily News' recent coverage, we want to launch an inquiry by appropriate people and agencies and, if warranted, take corrective action A corrective action is a change implemented to address a weakness identified in a management system. Normally corrective actions are instigated in response to a customer complaint, abnormal levels if internal nonconformity, nonconformities identified during an internal audit or ,'' said Ali Sar, a spokesman for Bernson. City cabbies accused the hotels of extortion extortion, in law, unlawful demanding or receiving by an officer, in his official capacity, of any property or money not legally due to him. Examples include requesting and accepting fees in excess of those allowed to him by statute or arresting a person and, with and of fueling bidding wars that some companies said threaten to put them out of business - allegations hotel officials denied, saying the charges are for parking or other fees. The Daily News reviewed copies of checks to hotels, tax companies' financial ledgers and other payment information in documenting the extent of the banned practice. Bernson's motion states that taxicab companies continued to pay for exclusives and that some continued to ``maintain clandestine CLANDESTINE. That which is done in secret and contrary to law. 2.Generally a clandestine act in case of the limitation of actions will prevent the act from running. and inconspicuous in·con·spic·u·ous adj. Not readily noticeable. in  con·spic payment arrangements with hotels, public transportation
facilities and other business establishments,'' and that
bidding wars ensued.
Bernson said the city's Department of Transportation has been unable to enforce the board order, No. 540, - punishable pun·ish v. pun·ished, pun·ish·ing, pun·ish·es v.tr. 1. To subject to a penalty for an offense, sin, or fault. 2. To inflict a penalty for (an offense). 3. with fines of up to $30,000 - because of the ``difficulty in obtaining proof of paid compensation.'' The exclusives are paid at the expense of a degradation in passenger service and safety, the motion says. Some taxicab officials, however, questioned whether investigations by the city attorney and the Department of Transportation would be sufficient to stem the abuses, especially since exclusive arrangements frequently are disguised as parking, access or other fees. ``We need the council to outlaw the exclusives completely,'' said Jerry Qonsul, general manager of L.A. Checker check·er n. 1. a. One, such as an inspector or examiner, that checks. b. One that receives items for temporary safekeeping or for shipment: a baggage checker. 2. Cab Cooperative Inc., in Lennox. ``Anything short of that is not going to work.'' Staff writer Harrison Sheppard contributed to this report. |
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