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Hailing a Taxi in Los Angeles is a Reality
A taxi on Cahunega Blvd. in Hollywood on Day 1 of the new Hail-A-Taxi program | Photo by Tom Andrews/LAist
Los Angeles has caught up with what most other American big cities have been doing for years--you can stand on the sidewalk and hail a cab legally and the cabbie won't get ticketed. Well, there are a couple stipulations, at least for the moment. It's only in certain areas of Downtown and Hollywood and the program, which began yesterday, is a six-month pilot, which means come 2009, it could stay as is, go away or expand citywide or to more special areas.
Walking Hollywood Blvd. last night, one taxi driver had no idea. "What new taxi program?" he asked. Another driver was weary on how much the program will actually help. But in general, reports around town seem to picture taxi drivers and taxi users in a positive light.
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Here's what's new, even though most people thought this would have been in place for decades already. Taxis in the special areas can now pick up in red zones, but not in bus zones, they can stop in blue handicap zones for disabled passengers and they can legally double park to immediately load or unload passengers as long as there is still another lane for passing cars. In all cases, emergency flashers must be used.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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