Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new one-year pilot program will allow Boston's taxi cabs to pick up customers through ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the pilot Tuesday, saying it will allow e-hailing apps for licensed taxis, including Curb and ARRO, to interface directly with ridesharing apps and enable trips to be served by cabs.
These rides will use the same upfront fare structure as Uber and Lyft, rather than the metered fare structure in taxis.
"This pilot will help Boston’s taxi industry participate fully in meeting demand, improve earnings for drivers, reduce wait times and improve the experience of drivers and the riding public," Mayor Wu said in a statement. "We’re thankful for the collaboration and advocacy from our taxicab drivers to introduce this new transportation service, and excited to support the people who keep our city moving."
"We are pleased to work with the taxi industry, Mayor Wu and our City partners on this pilot to potentially expand opportunities for taxi drivers and choices for passengers," said Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. The Boston Police Department operates the Hackney Carriage Unit, which regulates all taxis in the city.
A Boston cab driver who did not want to give his name told WBZ NewsRadio Wednesday the pilot sounds like good news.
"If it’s possible, it will be a good thing," the cabbie said. "We will be sharing the business with them."
David, a rideshare driver, disagreed, saying, "I just don’t think that they should cross over. The cab drivers, that’s not their car, this is my car. My expenses are not their expenses. I’d rather just have everyone stay in their lane."
The pilot program does not include trips to Logan Airport.
WBZ's James Rojas reports.