NORTH WILDWOOD ─ “Nothing is being done,” said Jonathan Wilson, taxi cab driver in North Wildwood, at the July 5 City Council meeting.
Joined by several taxi drivers, Wilson brought various complaints about Uber drivers who do not operate under the same regulations and rules set for traditional cab drivers.
Allegations were made of misconduct, overcharging, overcrowding, and taking “advantage” of the rapidly-changing cab scene in the city. As pointed out by Mayor Patrick Rosenello, Uber is “a worldwide issue” and said “We will do what we can” to establish island-wide regulations for drivers.
According to Rosenello, a meeting between Mayor Ernie Troiano of Wildwood, Mayor Carl Groon of Wildwood Crest, and himself had taken place; creating an island-wide set of rules and regulations was discussed, and municipal solicitors will continue the discussion with Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority (GWTIDA).
“I don’t think it’s fair,” said one driver. “We’ve been here for years.”
Taxi drivers aired complaints concerning Uber drivers and the lack of regulations established for nontraditional drivers, especially those who work under Uber but do not live in the state.
According to one driver, he saw Uber drivers whose vehicles have Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and Florida license plates. “They can charge whatever they want. You don’t even know them,” said another driver.
“We try to live by the rules,” said a driver who acknowledged that he often drives without a cab license but has recently paid his fines. “We just need some help here.”
Uber, a worldwide phenomenon, allows individuals to download its app on a smartphone or other device and collect fares by using their own vehicle as a “taxi.”
Those who use Uber services pay via credit card or other electronic payment methods. The cab drivers at the council meeting allege that they have seen Uber drivers accept cash and approach people leaving local bars while traditional cabs must park a certain distance away. “I’ve seen an Uber driver stop in front of a fire-hydrant,” claimed one driver.
Rosenello assured all concerned that North Wildwood police have “ticketed violations” in light of allegations of no police involvement or acknowledgment of the problem.
Solicitor William Kaufmann concurred with the need for an island-wide standard and said he recently read a Wall Street Journal article on issues posed by Uber.
With new regulations set by Avalon, Sea Isle City, and Stone Harbor, Rosenello said “We should ask the other towns their thoughts” on the matter.
One cab driver with Yellow Cab said he comes from Vineland to work in the Wildwoods. “I like it down here.”
However, Wilson wishes for a ban on Uber in North Wildwood. In response to the cab drivers’ concerns, Rosenello said: “It’s new territory for everyone.”
Other Business
The 5 p.m. meeting began with various, seasonal appointments to departments and an ordinance “authorizing lease of real property for construction staging area” on 26th Avenue.
The property, owned by Councilman James Kane, is officially leased for the purpose of a construction staging area, according to City Clerk Scott Jett.
Under resolutions, three property owners will be reimbursed due to “a leak or faulty meter” and the “overpayment of ambulance fees” will also be reimbursed to other city residents.
Revisions to the “Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual” were adopted by the council in accordance with the 2017-2018 “Excess Liability Risk Management.”
A grant from the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control was accepted for the “Cops in Shops” program; according to Jett, police officers will be placed in “strategic locations” to observe the buying and selling of alcoholic beverages by underage individuals.
An application was authorized for a U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Impact Initiative Funding in regards to fire prevention trailer.
The grant totals over $400,000, leaving the city responsible for only 25 percent of the rest.
Labor counsel will initiate proceedings for reimbursement of Class II police officers’ training; as explained by Jett, these officers have since been employed by other municipalities.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.
