Contributing expert Dale Day writes:
The requirements for a Taxi Driver’s Permit can be found at the Nevada Taxicab Authority’s website at www.taxi.state.nv.us and are basically:
I’ve lived in Vegas for nearly 26 years and have to use my street guide almost every day!
There are no private medallions — all cabs are owned by about seven or eight owners and drivers are commissioned employees of the company. Benefits depend on the company and usually take 18 months for eligibility. The percentage of the meter depends on the company and whether or not you have to pay for fuel.
There are two types of companies and two types of medallions (like a license plate from the state): geographically restricted and unrestricted. Restricted means that the cab cannot pick up on the Strip, downtown, or at the airport. Unrestricted means that the cab can go and pick up anywhere.
Nevada is a "right-to-work" state, so the two taxi unions are toothless. The rules and regulations are controlled by commissioners appointed by the governor and usually go along with what the owners want.
Las Vegas drivers get a lot of flak from all sides — some of it earned. When I talk about flak, I'm referring principally to the media and the general belief that all cab drivers are greedy, unsafe, and rude. As in any public-service job, the actions of a few reflect on all of us. But if you drive a cab, you already know this.
A personal comment. I like driving a cab! I’m retired and don’t have to do it to support a family, so I don’t have to work six days a week, 12 hours a day. No matter how experienced you are, daily results are mainly a matter of luck; the first fare in line can be going across the street and the second, the one you miss, can be a $30 ride. You can make more driving at night, but you also put yourself in greater danger: by yourself in a vehicle with a stranger who knows that you carry cash.
All the owners will tell you how great the pay and benefits are, but as is currently the case, "sides" depend on others such as the strip club owners, etc. The biggest hazard a driver faces is the doorman at the various hotels. Whenever someone walks up to get a cab, the doorman asks where they’re going. If it's a "good" ride, where the driver will earn good money from the destination, the doorman tries to divert the passenger to a limousine that will give him a big kickback. That means the fare ends up paying the cost of a limousine — usually $35 — instead of the $10-$15 it would cost in a cab. In other words, because of the doorman, the cab driver and the passengers lose out.
But on the positive side, 99% of the fares are nice interesting people who appreciate a driver who's friendly, safe, takes them the most direct route, and shows appreciation for their being in his/her cab.
So my advice is: Come to Vegas, look around, check out the various companies, talk to different cabbies, and give it a try. I work for Yellow Cab and am content. If you do decide to work for them, send me a private message via the QoD submission page as I would love to have the finder’s fee!
