Letter: Treat limos the same as taxis

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 | 9:47 a.m.

Contrary to popular belief, "kickbacks" from adult clubs represent less than 5 percent of an average taxi driver's wages. Let's face it, these kickbacks from the clubs are not in the best interest of the riding public, but who wouldn't accept the money?

Currently, taxicab drivers receive very little in the way of "kickbacks" from adult establishments, with the bulk of this money going to the hotel doormen and the limo drivers. This is because the limo drivers are allowed to wait on a hotel property and make deals with the doormen for those "special" rides. Most of these fares would arrive at the clubs in taxis if not for this unregulated diversion by the doormen. The bill Gov. Kenny Guinn vetoed was designed to allow only the limo drivers to receive these tips.

I feel that the Legislature was pressured to enact this bill by the owners of the taxi/limo companies. With many limos sitting idle, the owners know that they can create fares for them by making it illegal for taxis to accept outside gratuities. These unneeded, unregulated limos will also be trying to take the standard fares that a taxi driver would have previously had. Taxi drivers just want what is fair -- yes or no on outside tips for any driver.

ALBERT YUKUBOUSKY Editor's note: The writer is a local taxi driver.