Manasquan Adopts Taxi Ordinance

An ordinance regulating the operation of taxis within the borough of Manasquan was approved Monday night by the governing body over the protests of some taxi company owners.

While the governing body hopes that the measure will help to improve quality of life for residents, the taxi company owners see the new ordinance as an unneeded and burdensome regulation.

The owners of eight major cab companies, who do business in the borough year-round, drafted a letter sent to the governing body on Friday. The owners claim that their input should have been sought when drafting the ordinance and take issue with a number of the regulations within it.

Under the new law, which takes effect Feb. 1, 2012, taxi cab owners as well as drivers will need to obtain a $50 license from the borough. Contingent upon receipt of the license is the filing of a physical exam, and vision test and  a criminal background check.

The borough will limit owner licenses to a total of 30 companies per year. Additionally, taxis will not be permitted to park on borough streets outside of designated taxi stands set up near busy bars and restaurants.

"A lot of it we're in shock about," Gregory Hall, owner of the New Manasquan Taxi Company, said. "We didn't believe what we read. It didn't make sense."

Hall claims that the requirements by the borough are administratively and financially burdensome to drivers.

"We're really scratching," Hall said of business given the time of year and the economic recession.

With the cost of having a physical and vision exam done as well as the cost of the background check, Hall claims that he's going to have trouble finding employees. He urged the governing body to table the ordinance and seek input from the owners before moving forward.

"We have time. We're off season," he said. "With our feedback we could write something that really works."

John Case, owner of Squan Taxi, took issue with a portion of the ordinance that requires all drivers to be 21-years-old or older.

Case, a member of the Manasquan Volunteer First Aid Squad, explained that other volunteers, who he employs, are legally able to drive an ambulance but not a taxi. He said that the new law will force him to layoff several people.

"The decision was I think on a police enforcement basis," borough attorney Mark Kitrick said of the age limit. Currently, taxi drivers who shuttle more than eight passengers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL.) The age limit for a CDL is 21.

Manasquan's ordinance was designed to mirror a taxi cab law making its way through the New Jersey State Legislature. Kitrick explained that a vote on the state law is expected Nov. 28.