Police Want Brakes Put on Town Taxi

Westborough Police plan to charge Town Taxi with violating Westborough's taxi regulations -- which selectmen adopted Tuesday night.

Police Chief Alan Gordon told Westborough Patch this week that police will charge the taxi company one week after the new regulations are advertised.

The taxi and vehicle for hire regulations establish a licensing process, and allow police to fine license holders $100 fine per day "for each day that the violation occurs" for actions "inconsistent with generally acceptable standards," resident Karl Connolly told selectmen. Connolly is interning with Town Counsel Greg Franks. Police also can impound the car, Connolly said. 

Franks said Westborough has licensed taxi services, but lacked regulations.

Gordon told selectmen that Westborough Taxi and Sunshine Taxi both are licensed, and "do a great job. No complaints about the services they offer. Their equipment is up to date."

Town Taxi, meanwhile, isn't licensed in any Massachusetts community, yet is advertising "in one of our local online papers," Gordon said.

"He's been taking the fares away," the chief said.

"It's not fair to these people who are doing a commendable job."

With Town Taxi, "the interior of the car, door panels are missing. He's driving around with a cat holder on the front seat," Gordon said.

"That's not what we should be licensing in this town. That's why I asked for these regulations," he said.

Gordon said he believed Westborough Taxi and Sunshine Taxi will be grandfathered under the regulations.

Connolly said the regulations establish Westborough's licensing process. Taxi service owners must submit a criminal record of disclosure, three letters of recommendation, a written statement noting aspects of the service, such as its hours; and proof of insurance.

The police chief then has 30 days to review these documents, do a background check, and make a recommendation to selectmen. Selectmen will then hold a licensing public hearing.