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Commissioner's Corner

From the Chicago Dispatcher
June 2009

Commissioner's Corner
Vehicle Age Extensions and Digital Security Cameras

By Norma Reyes

To ensure that the taxi industry in Chicago is as safe as possible, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) has two important rules in the Rules and Regulations for Taxicab Medallion License Holders. These are the Vehicle Age Rule, 2.03, and Vehicle Safety Equipment Rule, 2.14. These standards have a positive impact on the industry.

Vehicle Age Rule

To ensure public safety and reliability for both taxi drivers and their passengers, the City requires taxicab medallion holders to operate vehicles that are no more than four model years old, with a few exceptions. Under this rule, extensions may be granted.

The following vehicles are affected by the Vehicle Age Rule this year, and must be taken out of service by the first period inspection of 2010:
l Fleet Sedans - 2006 Model Year
l Owner/operator vehicles that are not leased - 2005 Model Year
l Long wheel base Ford Crown Victorias - 2005 Model Year
l Vans - 2005 Model Year
l Wheelchair-accessible vehicles - 2005 Model Year
l Alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrid gasoline/electric engines - 2004 Model Year

BACP may grant a one-year extension to medallion holders who own vehicles that are in top physical condition with a good inspection history. If granted, this means the vehicle will not have to come out of service until the first period inspection of 2011.

Asking for an extension must be made in writing and can be done by downloading an extension request form online at www.cityofchicago.org/bacp or in person at any public vehicle facility.

The deadline to submit an extension request is 5:00 p.m. June 30, 2009 at the Public Vehicles Division, 2350 W. Ogden, Chicago, IL, 60608. Mailed requests must be postmarked by June 30. Due to the volume of requests, unfortunately, we can not accept late extension forms. Please be aware that late extension forms will also not be responded to.

So, why would a medallion holder be denied an extension? There are many reasons. Specifically, we are checking the vehicle's physical condition and inspection history. If the vehicle has received a citation for an unsafe mechanical problem in its last inspection or if the vehicle has extensive wear and tear, making it unsafe and/or uncomfortable for passengers an extension will be denied.

For example, a vehicle can be denied an extension if it has received a citation for illuminated dash warning lights, a disconnected ABS hose, worn out tires, or the condition of the suspension system. This list is not exhaustive. More information is available online.

However, clean and well maintained vehicles are very likely to receive an extension.
If you submit an extension request by June 30, you will receive a response by July 31. But, if your extension request is for an ineligible vehicle, you will not receive a response. For example, if your vehicle is too old, too new, or you submit a late extension request, you will not receive a response.

Last year, nearly 500 requests were submitted for vehicles that were not otherwise eligible for an extension so it is important that you review the list above to double check that your vehicle is eligible for an extension before submitting a request.

Digital Security Cameras

Security cameras are an effective deterrent to protect drivers from crime, but only if would-be criminals are aware of its presence. By having the camera in plain site (usually it is mounted near the rear view mirror) and by posting notice in the passenger area, crime will be averted.

According to the Vehicle Safety Equipment Rule, taxicabs must have vehicle safety equipment, including either a safety shield or a digital security camera.
The Rules and Regulations for Taxicab Medallion Holders specifically require that for any vehicle with a security camera, decals must be posted on the passenger side and driver side rear windows stating “This vehicle is equipped with a security camera.”

Any tampering with the camera or the equipment it is connected to will severely compromise its effectiveness and is in violation. During the vehicle's regularly scheduled inspections, camera equipment will be checked, as will the functions that trigger it. At a minimum, all approved cameras must be programmed to record pictures when a door is opened and when the emergency button is pushed.

(continued in next post)

Re: Commissioner's Corner

Dear Commissioner Reyes, (an open letter),

I commend the City for allowing extensions for medallions holders whose cabs have a good inspection history and remain in excellent condition.

I have personally talked to a veteran driver/owner who spent more than the usual amount before inspection for replacement parts and a superior paint job/interior cleaning to ensure that his vehicle would pass and continue to qualify.

This is a great example of how the Department and its Rules can have a positive influence on the quality of Chicago's taxis. However, be sure that standards are not too harshly enforced or subjective to the moody interpretations of whoever happens to be inspecting the cab those fateful days.

Harshness in communication is my other concern: the policy of simply ignoring an ineligible request for an extension (thus, leaving one in the dark) is a perfect example of how bad attitudes develop against the bureaucracy you manage. This is unexcusable.

My suggestion is that all requests for a vehicle extension be responded to by mail, eligible or not, pass or fail.

Failing that, the information could be posted on the Internet.

I will comment on security cameras at a later date.

Sincerely,

Mike Foulks, CL#73943

Re: big problem in city

i don't commend anything. we got too many cabs flooding the streets, there are more cabs than private cars in this city and cabbies engaging in road rage and fighting on streets in public view for $5 fare.

it is very shame but this is happening every day because of too many cabs everyday.

we need to reduce the number of cabs and and medallions and drivers and end to unfair regulations like the credit cards.

Re: big problem in city, Yes agreed!

I am with you on this, chicago has massive number of cabs flooding the streets day and night, what this means is slow and less bussiness!
it is terrible.

Re: big problem in city, Yes agreed!

Now what do you see as a solution? Just pointing fingers is not going to solve the issue, unfortunatelly.
what do you think will?