Police Department Announces Increased Enforcement of Unlicensed Taxi Drivers

The Department of Public Safety recently received numerous complaints regarding unlicensed taxi drivers and rideshare operators circumventing the use of the rideshare applications.

Code Enforcement handles the licensing of taxicabs operating within the city of Saratoga Springs. This process includes the issuance of a hack license, monitoring in the LENS (New York State License Event Notification System) program, inspections of taxicabs, fingerprint/photo checks, and the issuance and display of medallions. These regulations allow the city to ensure that passengers are entering road-safe, well-maintained vehicles that are operated by properly licensed, safe drivers.

Last week, members of the department conducted a detail focused on these complaints. As a result, three individuals were cited for violating City Code 215-2(D) – Operating Without a Medallion. One of the drivers was also found to have a fictitious inspection sticker displayed on his vehicle and was issued additional citations as a result.

Additionally, one of the drivers did have driver status on a rideshare application, but circumvented use of the application in exchange for cash. These rideshare applications have their own vetting and background processes and retain information about rides in order to increase rider safety. The Department of Public Safety highly discourage agreeing to circumvent the use of the application when getting into your ride.

Before getting into a rideshare, follow these four simple steps:

Stop – Check the security features in your app and know how to contact help within the app if needed.

Ask – Ask the driver “What’s My Name?” If they do not know, do not get in.

Match – Match the car and license plate before you get in.

Inform – Notify an emergency contact where you are, where you are going, and what time you should arrive.

These enforcement efforts will continue throughout the remainder of the summer. If you have complaints regarding taxicabs operating within the city limits, contact: code.enforcement@saratogaspringsny.gov