Changes Expected After "Explosion of Cabs" in Iowa City

By Mark Carlson, Reporter

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By Liz Blood

Story Created: Nov 29, 2012 at 6:37 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 29, 2012 at 8:08 PM CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Iowa City area taxicab companies are working with the city to change the city code after a noticeable increase of cabs in the area.

"The explosion of cabs effects the whole industry," said Roger Bradley, manager of Yellow Cab of Iowa City. "If you're just getting in for just a little while, you tend to not be concerned sometimes about the long term benefit of your community."

Fourteen companies currently operate a total of 148 cabs in Iowa City. City records indicate there is growing concern about "gypsy" cabs, or cabs driven by unregistered companies, in the area. A group of taxi companies is working with officials to identify seven key changes to city code.

"This is good for everyone, especially the customer," said Bradley, who is part of the group working with the city on the changes.

Amongst the items proposed to be changed are uniform color schemes for each company and keeping dispatch centers exclusively in Iowa City and Coralville.

The city council passed the first reading of the code during their meeting Tuesday night.

"This will create a more professional and less confusing taxicab environment (in downtown Iowa City)," City clerk Marian Karr said.

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