In addition, license fees and mandatory liability insurance coverage were reduced to reasonable levels. Jitney and limousine companies outside the county can now be licensed to operate here. Deregulation, however, does not jeopardize customer safety. Now, unlike before, those who have been convicted of violent felonies may not get taxi licenses. Vehicle inspections, which used to be at three set times a year, now take place from two to five times a year, depending upon customer complaints.
Surprise inspections are also now standard procedure.
The impact on the industry is striking. After a year the number of taxi companies has nearly tripled from 27 to 74. Most own one or two cabs. Economic opportunity has clearly opened up. Minority business entrepreneurs have opportunities to compete that would not have existed without deregulation.