InTheCapital

We all remember that slick sting operation that the Head of the DC Taxi Commission, Ron Linton, pulled off to “bust” the startup taxi service in the District. It seems as if UberDC was only the first of many targets, or at least that is how Linton is painting it. Linton claims that other cab companies and their drivers requested that they also investigate the many other taxis that operate illegally in the Capital, but it seems as if this may be a scramble to legitimize their witch hunt of Uber, especially after that letter of support for Uber by DC Council Member Cheh. 

Anacostia Cab Association was the new target this time as Linton handed them a cease and desist order. Apparently Anacostia Cab Association violated numerous ordinances, including “…two instances where drivers from Hack Inspectors endangering their passengers. In at least ten instances, drivers were found operating wtihout proper licenses, no proof of insurance and with expired inspection stickers.” Linton announced that if any of the company’s cabs are found on the road without their logo blacked out and still picking up passengers, they will be impounded on the spot.

Linton declared that, “The performance of this company and its drivers is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.” He plans on auditing all 116 taxi companies in DC, which is going to be quite a daunting task to complete. I for one agree with holding cab companies to higher standards and ensuring they abide by regulations, but the timing of this all seems too fishy. Especially after what happened with Uber earlier this month, it seems as if Linton is trying to find a new target to validate his intentions on cracking down on cab services. 

We’re keeping our eye on you Linton…

[image via livinginwashingtondc]

[source via dcist]