TLPA

TLPA ANNOUNCES THE AVAILABILITY OF TWO NEW TAXICAB RESEARCH PAPERS

Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) President Brian McBride and Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Foundation (TLPF) President Larry Slagle have jointly announced that TLPA's research arm, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Foundation, is making two new research papers available free of charge to TLPA members.

The two white papers:

• "Benefits of a Full Service Taxicab Company to the Community, and Consumers", and

• "Using Independent Contractor Drivers",

were researched and written by Dr. Ray A. Mundy, Director of the Center for Transportation Studies, University of Missouri-St. Louis.

The papers provide in depth information that demonstrates the effects of poor taxicab regulation on the community and its citizens and the positive effects of fair taxicab regulation.

The papers complement and provide the research analysis that was used to develop the newly released TLPF DVD, "Fair Taxicab Regulation at Work".

"Benefits of a Full Service Taxicab Company to the Community and Consumers" identifies and distinguishes the different business models for taxicab service delivery and critically evaluates the regulatory mechanisms that characterize such market structures.

The paper begins with a brief introduction of the present economic environment in the United States followed by a detailed examination of the different business models that exist in the market. This is accompanied by an assessment of the problems that plague the taxicab industry and the underlying causes for these problems.

Utilizing a theoretical framework accompanied by numerous case studies, a detailed comparison of the different business models is presented with special focus on the structural, operational and functional criterions that define taxicab service and customer requirements.

The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for local regulatory authorities to reassess their present taxicab market structures and initiate changes in the legal framework (ordinances) that support the adoption of the full service taxicab company model.
Using Independent Contractor Drivers the paper begins with a brief introduction of the prevalence of independent contractor drivers in the United States. The paper explains in depth the impact that different types of regulatory environments have on independent contractor driver performance and service delivery.

Several examples illustrating the various dimensions that define the work environment in which independent contractor drivers operate are included. The paper provides an assessment of the regulatory mechanisms that define their legal presence, and is supplemented by examples to identify the impact of regulatory ordinances and contractual obligations on their market performance and behavior.

It examines why drivers choose to become independent contractors, and why companies choose to use independent contractors. Case studies from two U.S. cities are included to highlight the independent contractor driver's role as part of transit and social service agency transportation. The paper concludes by emphasizing the significant contributions of independent contractor drivers and their strategic advantage to the transportation industry as a whole.

Both papers are now available for TLPA members to download in a PDF format from the Resource Center area of the Members Only section of the TLPA web site www.tlpa.org. The papers are free to TLPA members. Non-members may purchase the papers for $250 each.

"Fair Taxicab Regulation at Work", the new 10-minute DVD that at was released on March 2, was also produced by our Foundation. The DVD points out that city officials and passengers share the same goals when it comes to taxicab service:

• adequate service to all areas and types of passengers,
including seniors and those in residential neighborhoods;

• the latest technology to improve service;

• newer, cleaner vehicles that are well maintained;

• a reasonable wait before pick up;

• fair and consistent rates; and

• safe,dependable operations.

The DVD explains that these public official and passenger needs are best met by adopting regulations and policies that support full service taxicab companies using independent contractor drivers. Many TLPA members have already sent copies of the DVD to their taxicab regulatory officials and to their City Councils.

TLPA Members may purchase the DVD for $100 for the first copy and $25 each additional copy and non-members pay $500 each.

The DVD was sent free to new members and to members who paid their 2006 TLPA dues before March 2. TLPA Members who received a free copy of the DVD can purchase additional copies at $25 each.

Hal Morgan, TLPA1s Director of Research & Education, provided this article.

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