Content area
Full Text
Follow that cab! West Haven's Metro Taxi is poised to make its entrance into the Bridgeport area, but the state Department of Transportation (DOT) is intent on flagging down an over-saturation of the market.
Metro Taxi filed an application with state regulators in April 1999 under the corporate name Fairfield County Transportation L.L.C., seeking a license to operate 70 taxicabs in Bridgeport, Strafford and Trumbull.
DOT adjudicator Laila A. Mandour ruled there wasn't enough evidence of demand to warrant 70 cabs and instead made a provisional award of 10 vehicles.
Under the ruling, Metro Taxi has 18 months to establish the service. At the end of that time, the company will have to provide usage records for all 10 vehicles, or risk losing its certificate to operate any unused vehicles.
"All of our research indicates that we will eventually support 70 cabs in Bridgeport," said William Scalzi, president of Metro Taxi.
The DOT makes its determination based on a three-part test - whether there is increased public need if the company has the financial wherewithal to fill the need, and is the company suitable to fill the need.
Scalzi said...