Raleigh to consider taxicab changes

RALEIGH, N.C. — A Raleigh City Council committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday afternoon on proposed changes to the city's ordinance on taxicabs.

The suggested changes would clearly define what a taxicab is and clarify that background checks are necessary to get a license to drive a taxi.

Taxi drivers already have to be licensed, and police inspect the cab once a year.

The changes would clarify that taxicabs are vehicles used for the “purpose of carrying, transporting or conveying any person or persons from one place to another, for which services a charge or fee is made.” This excludes motor buses.

All taxis parked or traveling on Raleigh streets would be subject to the ordinance.