Committee approves resolution to negotiate taxicab agreement

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee County Transportation, Public Works and Transit Committee on Wednesday, September 11th voted 4-3 to approve a resolution to negotiate an agreement between the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County on taxicab service.

The Committee voted 4-3 to approve the resolution, sponsored by Committee Vice-Chair John Weishan, Jr., and Supervisor Russell Stamper II. The resolution now moves to the full County Board for consideration at its regular meeting on September 26th.

Under Weishan and Stamper’s proposal, all operation and regulation of taxicab services would be transferred to the County. A negotiating team from the County would work with the City to develop more innovative regulations governing taxicab operations including but not limited to the following:


    On April 16th, a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge ruled that the City of Milwaukee’s taxicab ordinance, which set a cap on taxicab permits, violated the State’s constitution.

    Judge Jane Carroll said that limits on the number of taxicabs were arbitrary, anti-competitive and unconstitutional.

    On April 25th, the County Board adopted a resolution supporting a City of Milwaukee Common Council measure seeking to repeal the city’s cap on issuing new taxicab permits.

    County Executive Chris Abele signed the County Board resolution May 2nd. 

    “This represents a significant step forward for transit in Milwaukee County,” Weishan said. “I am confident that the full Board will allow this measure to move ahead and help us create a more competitive situation for Milwaukee County consumers.”