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VA Taxi Drivers Look to Lawmakers for Job Security

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Recent reports about the growth of transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft would suggest that their success pits them directly against traditional taxi drivers. But, a representative from the taxi industry says that's NOT what's behind a rally in Richmond in which they called for more fairness for taxicab drivers.

Daniel Berhane with Virginia Taxicab Drivers United says while they don't believe rival companies are being established correctly, the VTDU is more concerned about the lack of job protections for drivers. 
 
He says a recent DMV study was submitted to state leaders without giving the drivers an opportunity to be included.

Draft DMV proposals include barring those with DUI convictions within a 7-year period from being drivers, new annual fees for individual drivers, and separate start-up fees for new and existing companies. The group has asked Governor McAuliffe to support a Drivers' Bill of Rights

 
 
 

Tommie McNeil is a State Capitol reporter who has been covering Virginia and Virginia politics for more than a decade. He originally hails from Maryland, and also doubles as the evening anchor for 1140 WRVA in Richmond.