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Taxi leader Haimanot Bizuayehu speaks at a protest in front of the D.C. Council last year
The Taxi Link – which is sponsored by The Small Business Association of DC Taxicab Drivers (SBA) and hosted by TheFightBack’s Pete Tucker and D.C. advisory neighborhood commission member Tony Norman – returned to the air Saturday on WUST 1120 AM.
Appearing on the program, SBA board member Haimanot Bizuayehu discussed the taxi commission’s upcoming hearing (see below for details) on the Modern Taximeter System, which appears to be a scaled down version of the controversial $35 million Verifone contract that was overturned by the Contract Appeals Board last year. “The proposed rulemakings have many provisions that [won’t] be fair to the drivers, especially when it comes to the tracking device,” said Bizuayehu.
Bizuayehu also discussed his testimony from Friday regarding the taxi commission’s flawed complaint process which allows the commission to take severe actions against drivers without timely or adequate notification. Co-host Norman responded, “Clearly it’s very troubling about the [lack of] due process.”
The Taxi Link also examined the mistreatment and corruption Boston cab drivers are subjected to while police turn a blind eye. A recent Boston Globe expose noted, “While taxi passengers in Boston pay some of the highest rates among major U.S. cities, many drivers live in poverty.”
The Taxi Link is back on air thanks to contributions from drivers, said Bizuayehu. “Drivers who contributed their own money to make this show happen fully understand the magnitude of the problem that their industry is facing today.”
The Taxi Link can be heard Saturday 7-8 p.m. on WUST 1120 AM.
The D.C. Taxicab Commission’s upcoming hearing on the Modern Taximeter System is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 10 a.m. at the Reeves Center at 14th and U St., NW.