Hacks Do Hackjob On Travel Plans

If you’re looking to head somewhere in town today, you better have a car or (even worse) ride SEPTA, since there aren’t going to be too many taxis out there today.

In a protest of new regulations, the Philadelphia Brotherhood of Unified Taxi Drivers and Owners are striking for 12 hours today in protest of new regulations. The regulations bar cabs with 250,000 miles or more on them, and also require all cabs to have GPS in them by October.

While I understand the cab drivers’ plight — last time I checked, gas was about $4 a pint — I don’t know if this strike is going to do much. You see, there’s only about 400 members in the Brotherhood. And there are 5,000 cabs cab drivers in this city and 1,600 cabs. Five thousand! Sixteen hundred! Think about that next time you’re standing on Walnut Street in 20 degree weather and you can’t get a taxi.

If you can’t find a cab today, the head of the Brotherhood has something to say to you, according to KYW 1060: “[Muhammad] Chungthai apologizes in advacne to customers for the inconvenience.”

It’s cool, Muhammad. Just don’t make everyone ride SEPTA again. Or don’t get all 5,000 cabbies to strike.

Update: My mistake. There are 5,000 cab drivers in this city and 1,600 cabs. Thanks to JS for writing in.

Phila. cabdrivers plan protest today [Inky]
Phila. Cabbies Threaten Work Stoppage [KYW 1060]
Photo by lunchtimemama