Gurnee hopes new rules steer away rude cabbies
Improved service and increased driver courtesy are the intended results of new requirements for taxis approved by Gurnee village board members Monday night.
Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said something had to be done about a rising number of complaints the village has been receiving about cabdrivers. Parents of recruits at Great Lakes Naval Station near North Chicago have been one source of complaints about rude or inattentive drivers.
Kovarik said Gurnee Mills in particular has been a trouble spot, with unlicensed cabdrivers often prowling the area for fares.
"Gurnee Mills, it's completely out of control for them," Kovarik said. "Their security out there is not to control cabs."
Under the new regulations, taxi services must have a local central office in Gurnee, Waukegan or North Chicago to provide radio-dispatched service. An annual license won't be issued unless cabs go through a comprehensive village inspection.
In addition, taxis won't be allowed to cruise for fares anymore at village hot spots such as Gurnee Mills or Six Flags Great America. Village Attorney Bryan Winter said the practice, nicknamed "cream skimming." occurs when cabbies are seeking long-haul fares.
Gurnee police Cmdr. Jay Patrick said cabdrivers must show an ability to read English before receiving a permit to operate in the village. Responding to a query from Trustee Cheryl Ross, Patrick said drivers will be asked to read a paragraph from a newspaper, which typically is written at a sixth-grade level.
Kovarik said the village will crack down on rude cabdrivers if formal complaints are filed.
Patrick said rogue cab operators known to seek fares on busy weekends will risk having their vehicles impounded if they violate the new regulations that become effective May 1. Starting next year, he said, cab companies will pay $100 for a business license, $10 for each driver and $20 for every vehicle.
Monique Lopez of the Lake County Transportation Business Owners Association said the new rules will be good for legitimate operators.
"We appreciate all your efforts, and we've been waiting for a long time," Lopez said.