Traffic jam at City Hall: Future of taxis, ride sharing up for debate



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Dozens of cab drivers weigh in on the future of their business at the public meeting at the City Hall on Friday, May 9th about potentially lifting Milwaukee's taxi cab cap.

You could call it a traffic jam at the City Hall because it's a chance for taxi cab drivers, and others, to address what's quickly becoming a controversial issue.

"I'm in support of opening the cap to support all of the drivers who want to drive," said Mamadee Konnah, taxi cab driver.

Cab drivers packed the City Hall for the Public Transportation Review Board. They're hearing, for the first time, about legislation drafted by Milwaukee Alderman, Bob Bauman and Common Council President, Michael Murphy.

"Let there be more industry, more business, more cabs," said Konnah.

The proposal would lift the current cap on the city's taxi cab permits. Currently, there are a limited number of permits, 420. This spring, the city released 100 new permits via a lottery, 1,700 applied.

"I want to own my own cab. The city should do the right thing," said Konnah.

By allowing more permits drivers like Konnah believe they'll be able to break free of the current model, and perhaps work as an independent.

"It's a free market. I can decide if I want to run by myself or go to Yellow or Red or whatever," said Konnah.

The proposal would eliminate the need for taxi drivers to be affiliated with a cab company. Company owners have tried to stop the measure in the past, but had little representation during Friday's comments.

"'Sometime you're left with nothing for yourself," said Konnah.

The proposal would also open the door to new ride-share services like Uber and Lyft, that rely on smartphone apps. If approved, these companies will need a permit to operate.

Red Christensen, a spokesperson for the Milwaukee chapter of the Wisconsin Association of Taxi Cab Owners tells us they are against this proposal, and believe existing permits will lose their value.

There's also concern that lifting the cap will flood the market and lead to price gauging. The issue could be before the Common Council on June 3rd.