Fall River committee tables taxi rate and medallion discussion after owner raises safety, competition concerns

Fall River City Council Committee on Ordinances members tabled further action on taxi meter rates and medallion limits after the committee considered a written statement from Daniel Cabral, an owner of Boruba Taxi, detailing safety and economic concerns for local taxi operators.

Cabral told the committee that unlicensed operators are “impersonating legitimate taxi companies, intercepting our radio dispatch, and picking up passengers without a license, meter, or proper insurance,” and asked the city for stronger enforcement and a rate update to reflect rising costs. “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fair enforcement, existing laws, and a level playing field for those who are doing the right thing,” Cabral wrote.

The discussion focused on three issues raised in Cabral’s statement: unlicensed operators using dispatch systems and working without meters or insurance, competition from city-funded free bus and trial transit programs, and the existing taxi fare structure. Cabral noted the city’s current taxi rate “when they dropped the flag” is $3 with 30¢ per one-tenth of a mile, and said the last rate increase occurred in 2016. He urged the council to consider a moderate increase, a regular rate review (every three years), and careful design of any cap on medallions with driver input so the business remains viable.

Cabral also recommended stronger medallion oversight, including routine compliance checks and revocation for holders who fail to follow city rules. He named a recurring unlicensed operator by a nickname in his statement and asked whether the police could investigate reported impersonation of licensed cabs and unauthorized use of dispatch systems.

Council members discussed the limits of local authority over private transportation companies and ride-hailing services and said the legal path to address impersonation and unauthorized dispatching required review. A council member suggested involving the city’s Corporation Counsel to evaluate enforcement options; another member said any fare increase should be balanced against impacts on riders who rely on taxis. No fare change or ordinance amendment was adopted at the meeting.

Procedurally, the committee lifted item 6 from the table to hear the statement and then voted to table the item again for further review. The committee did not set a timetable for returning the matter to the agenda but indicated they expected Corporation Counsel to be present for the next discussion.

Background: Cabral compared Fall River’s rates and recent updates with several other cities in his statement (examples he cited included Boston and New York) and described inflationary pressures since 2016. He asked the council to consider medallion caps done with driver input and regular rate reviews if no change is made.