City Police: A Warning for Unlicensed Taxi Drivers, Ride-Share Safety Initiatives for Riders

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Police Department this week issued a public reminder for those using rideshare companies to keep safety in mind when they are using the apps and to follow the safety protocols of each company. 

Recommendations include visiting the specific rideshare platform in use to review safety guidelines in place, using only the agreed upon driver, confirming that the ride was ordered through the app, and warnings to not enter a vehicle unless it has been verified as your ride. 

Last August, the city under the previous council, issued a detailed warning for summer visitors and year-round visitors alike after becoming aware of unlicensed, fake Uber and Lyft drivers picking up passengers from popular locations around Saratoga Springs. 

More recently, Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll said the city had received complaints made about rideshare drivers concerning issues with fares being taken without using the rideshare app, as well as receiving reports that individuals were falsely posing as rideshare operators. The reports made were specific to the Saratoga Racetrack area and the downtown area. 

In response, a targeted enforcement detail took place on Aug. 1, when the Investigations Division and the Patrol Division focused on the area of the racetrack.

“Based on complaints from the public, we ran a detail in the vicinity of Frank Sullivan Place and Siro’s Restaurant to address this unlawful activity,” Coll said. “Two individuals were cited for operating unlicensed taxis.” 

The enforcement action resulted in the following charges:  

-Najeebullah Afghan, 32, of Schenectady, was charged with Criminal Impersonation in the second-degree, a class A Misdemeanor and the City Code violation of Chapter 215 Taxis (215-2 Licensing). It is alleged Afghan is not an operator for Uber or Lyft and agreed to take a fare as a taxi without a proper Hack License as defined in the city code. 

-Francis Egan, 65, of Saratoga Springs, was issued an appearance ticket for the violation of the City Code of Saratoga Springs Chapter 215 Taxis (215-2 Licensing). It is alleged that Egan agreed to take a fare without having a proper Hack License as defined in the city code. 

Commissioner Coll added that new cameras have been installed in the area near the racecourse and that signs will soon be placed near the racecourse areas well as on Caroline Street that will read: Area Under Surveillance – Unregulated Taxi Operations Will be Prosecuted.