Braintree Cab Companies Want Limits On Medallions, Businesses

BRAINTREE, MA — Citing the competition from ride-share companies, the four Braintree cab companies are asking the town to limit the amount of medallions the town will issue.

A petition of 20 signatures has been submitted to the board of licensing commissioners requesting that the town issue no more than 40 taxicab medallions and allow no more than four cab companies in town.

Representatives from the company say the move is needed to make sure customers have choices aside from Uber and Lyft, noting that the two companies do not accept cash and require a smartphone for service.

"If Braintree were to allow a greater number than 40 of medallions to be issued, as the number of users of ride-share companies increase, the survival of the four cab companies in Braintree is jeopardized," the petition reads.

Some of the people who spoke at Tuesday's afternoon meeting said business has gotten a little better since the demise of Braintree Best Taxi, formerly the biggest cab company in town. But with ride-share companies able to operate at lower prices, challenges remain for the traditional taxis.

The board voted to take the proposal under advisement and submit the information to Town Solicitor Lisa Maki for review. Another hearing is expected within the last two months.

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