Taxi rules bring benefits: Students should use taxis after ordinance improvements

Come Jan. 1, Chapel Hill will see taxi drivers adhering to a new set of rules.

The new changes are a welcome addition and a much needed face-lift to the decades-old ordinance.

Students should use the taxi services available in town, especially at night when it is less safe to walk.

At the last town council meeting, Chapel Hill approved changes to the town’s taxi ordinance. Former Student Body President Mary Cooper started lobbying the council for the changes in October 2011.

The centerpiece of the policy is a flat rate cost of either $6 or $8.

This applies in a one and a half mile radius around downtown. When the ordinance changes comes into effect, students will know exactly what they will pay for a ride home from Franklin Street. Such a simplification should encourage students to make use of the service more.

With the rise of burglaries and the recent high profile assaults in town, the change shows a commitment to student safety from Chapel Hill Town Council.

In addition to the flat rate, mandatory drug testing will be required for drivers wishing to acquire a permit. Testing should increase safety on the town’s roads.

Only cars registered with the Chapel Hill Police Department will be authorized to pick up citizens in the town. Taxis must have their registration stickers highly visible.

Formerly, taxi services from surrounding cities could poach Chapel Hill clients. Businesses that operate in the town should benefit from the policy.

While protecting local taxi companies, the town council has done an excellent job in providing students with an affordable and safe option to travel to their houses at night.

Thus, students should choose the safer option when traveling home.