In
this video, a limousine driver is seen soliciting fares off of the
street in San Francisco.
This
is illegal in California. The San Francisco Municipal
Transportation Agency website regarding "other motor vehicles for hire" says
this...
"Beware
of Illegal limousines
Limousine
companies make reservations with their customers. They are not
allowed to pick people up on the street. And some limousines
are not even licensed by the City or the State of California; they
just pick people up wherever they can.
Limousine
rides are legally required to
be prearranged with the customer,
usually by phone or in writing.
Look
for a charter-party carrier (TCP)
permit number
on the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle.
Ask
for driver’s business card
and receipt before
departing.
Limousine
drivers are forbidden
from soliciting customers on the street; they may only pick up
customers with reservations". (SFMTA website)
This
video was taken on a cell phone by Peter Witt, a SF taxi driver for
24 years. It clearly shows the driver hustling for $5 per person.
According
to Witt, the video was shot on July 6th, at Fisherman Wharf's North
Point and Hyde St. intersection. The line of people are the
overflow from the cable car turnaround at Beach and Hyde St.
The limo's TCP and vehicle license plate numbers are on the video.
