Taxi Permits Put on Hold in Anaheim

The Anaheim City Council decided Tuesday to temporarily cap the number of cabs allowed to serve tourists and conventioneers while the city studies the issue.

The council voted 4 to 1 to impose a moratorium on new taxi permits, effectively blocking one company’s efforts to expand and another’s bid to begin serving the city.

The city will form a committee to determine the need for more cabs and regulations.

“We haven’t addressed the issue. I am not convinced the need [for more taxicabs] is here,” Councilwoman Shirley McCracken said.

The issue came about as cab companies began preparing for the expansion of Disney attractions and the Anaheim Convention Center by seeking more permits. Some cab companies argued that the city doesn’t have enough cabs in the resort area.

But the city received letters from the Anaheim/Orange County Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Greater Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Disneyland indicating that enough cabs are readily available and no additional permits are needed.

About 165 cabs from two companies--A Taxi Cab and Anaheim Yellow Cab of North Orange County--are now permitted to operate in Anaheim. A Taxi Cab is hoping to expand. A third firm, South Coast Cab Co., recently petitioned the city to begin service, arguing that competition would benefit both the city and consumers.

Mayor Tom Daly opposed the moratorium, saying it’s bad for business.