Council on Road to New Permit Procedures for Taxis

Under a proposal tentatively approved by the City Council this week, local taxicab operators will now be regulated through a new Orange County Transportation Authority program.

The proposal includes adopting regulations of the Orange County Taxi Administration Program, with the goal of increasing public safety, reducing administrative costs and streamlining operating permit procedures.

The county program will be responsible for issuing permits to operators and drivers, making safety inspections, ensuring that insurance requirements are met, and performing drug testing on drivers and background checks for applicants.

The city, however, will issue its own permits to taxicab companies that want to operate in Anaheim.

Final approval of the proposal will be considered by the council Tuesday.