For immediate release
July 16, 2010
Contact: Tania Del Angel, 240-353-2288 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CASA DE MARYLAND APPLAUDS PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL VOTE TO REFORM TAXI CAB SYSTEM, URGES RAPID EXECUTIVE APPROVAL
Upper Marlboro MD- This week, the Prince George’s County Council passed CB-36-2010 by unanimous decision. This legislation increases worker rights and opportunity, improves the quality of service, and it promotes accountability and transparency between the county, taxicab companies, cab drivers, and the riding public.
Some of the immediate improvements will be that the county will issue 400 medallions to independent cab drivers, allowing them to maximize their earning rather than the current system that places 50% or more of their income into company coffers. While the increased competition will improve service for the riding public, the legislation also strengthens consumer protections and complaint provisions.
“CASA de Maryland supports the bill CB-36-2010 as an enormous grassroots victory fueled by the individual sacrifice and talent of hundreds of cabbies living across Prince George’s County,” said Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA de Maryland. “This Campaign shows the strength of people fed up with injustices in their lives organizing together to change the system!”
The Campaign was led by the Prince George’s County Taxi Workers Alliance, a membership organization of hundreds of drivers and a key ally of CASA de Maryland. The Alliance received significant technical assistance from the Advancement Project, a national civil rights law firm that partners with grassroots organizations to create systemic change.
