GottaGo can reapply to drive cabs in Amherst
AMHERST – Adhering to Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone’s recommendations, the Select Board Monday night did not renew GottaGo Taxi’s license to operate in town.
“There was a blatant disregard,” to the rules, said Town Manager John P. Musante.
He said the Select Board had talked about the changes it was making in its taxi regulation policy for a year before adopting them Jan. 1, 2013. The company had ample time to adhere to them.
Police tried contacting the owner Gangi Bakarani several times about the violations but they were not addressed, according to the memo from the chief.
The cabs were not registered, inspected and didn’t have proper meters, according to Livingstone’s memo to the board in which he recommended the board not renew the license.
Bakarani did not attend the public hearing and Frank Orlando, a driver, said Bakarani was away until Jan. 29. “We’re confident when he gets back we’ll straighten everything out,” Orlando said.
Musante said the company can reapply but first needs to contact police and get their cabs in order. He said the company can drop people in town but cannot pick up fares without a license.
He said it is rare for the chief to recommend against issuing a license. “The rules are there for fundamental reasons…They need to be followed.” Safety was the main reason the board adopted the new regulations.
Cabs had used meters or charged based on a zone classification based on a map.
Drivers and all the vehicles have to be registered and insured in addition to being inspected by the town. Drivers also must maintain a log detailing fare pickup, destination and time of drop off.
Businesses and drivers both have to be licensed and an application must be reviewed and approved by police.
The town decided to update the regulations because of the growing number of taxi companies and drivers in town.