Taxi drivers suspended, fined in diversion cases

Thursday, March 21, 2002 | 11:02 a.m.

Six Las Vegas taxi drivers were disciplined by the Nevada Taxicab Authority Wednesday following a sting operation to catch cabbies illegally diverting customers.

John Plunkett, administrator of the Taxicab Authority, which regulates 15 taxi companies and their 1,500 cabs in Clark County, said one driver had his license revoked, another had his certificate suspended for five days and four others were fined between $100 and $370.

"We're trying to make a point," Plunkett said of the sting operation. "This is not a one-shot deal. We'll continue to ride and track down drivers who divert customers."

Plunkett said undercover officers took 51 rides with drivers and spotted 28 violations, including 11 for diversions or attempted diversions. Other violations included solicitations for prostitution, taking a customer on a longer route than necessary, meter violations and permit obstruction violations, he said.

Under existing state law, cab drivers are prohibited from accepting tips from anyone but a customer who pays a fare, a practice routinely ignored by drivers and business people who know drivers often give tourists advice on where to get a meal or see a show.

Critics say some drivers not only ignore the prohibition against tipping but will take customers to a higher-tipping business against their will.

Plunkett said he has never received a formal complaint from the public about diversion. But the owner of a topless dance club -- who also is partner in the city's largest cab company -- has complained that cabbies are diverting customers from his club to small all-nude clubs that pay higher tips.

Peter Eliades, who owns the Olympic Garden topless club, complained that authorities ignoring the tipping rule have turned the matter into a kickback bidding war.