Public transportation can be tricky and without proper information, how is anyone supposed to know the ins and outs of getting around? This is exactly what the Hoboken Administration has realized, and they are here to help! Sick of paying too much in taxi fare? Tired of having to ride around with another group of people going to a different location? All of these problems can, and will, be addressed; “We want residents to know that regardless of how things were done in the past, this Administration takes violations of taxi rules very seriously, and we’re taking action against those who break the rules,” said Transportation and Parking Director Ian Sacs. “ We’re strictly enforcing a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ policy, but we need residents to let us know when there are violations so we can take action.”

So what exactly are these violations? What should we be looking for? Just remember these three golden rules:

It IS legal to hail a cab in Hoboken! Everyone knows that you can hail a cab from the main train terminal, but did you know that you can hail..well..anywhere? In addition to city-wide hailing availability, the City is working on a virtual system that residents will soon be able to access via mobile phone allowing them to “hail” a cab anywhere and then evaluate the taxi based on quality of service received!

Taxis should accept only one $5 fare! Here’s a familiar anecdote: a lone woman hails a cab, gets in, and then the cab driver starts...looking for additional fare? Despite her pleas to drive her to her desired location, the driver picks up an additional group of people to ride along. Sound familiar? Not anymore! Hoboken taxis are required by City law to accept only one $5 fare (a person or group of persons going to the same location) at a time; a second fare may only join with permission of the original fare. If this regulation is violated, the Administration asks that you please inform them, which brings me to my next point--

Call if you observe a violation! How can the City fix its problems without knowing what they are? If you see a violation of the Transportation regulations, contact Jennifer Boehm at the Division of Taxi & Limousine Licensing by calling 201-216-1090. When contacting Ms. Boehm, please provide the time of the incident, the taxi number, and a short description of what happened. With YOUR help, public transportation options will soon improve for all Hoboken residents.

For the past six years, not a single taxi driver has been suspended in Hoboken. With you as the City’s “eyes and ears”, that is about to change; proper reenforcement, regular reports, and a healthy dose of respect will soon transform Hoboken’s taxi and limousine service from a necessary evil to a relaxing service for all those who require it.