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Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/180507
talking points Will cabs go along for the ride? Pros and cons discussed about software that could prevent long-hauling by Richard N. Velotta S CO GU LU ES M T N everal months ago, Frias Transportation Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Frias Transportation, operators of five taxi companies in Southern Nevada, unveiled RideIntegrity, a software program that can put a big dent in the practice of long-hauling. The Nevada Taxicab Authority discussed the pros (curtailing long-hauling) and the cons (cost) and eventually agreed to a pilot program expected to begin this year. Cab drivers often are criticized for taking passengers to the Strip by way of McCarran International Airport's runway tunnel, which adds $5 to $10 to the cost. The RideIntegrity software, which uses GPS technology, tracks a cab's route in real time and preserves it in a database. 20130930_VI06_F.indd 6 Nevada Taxicab Authority Administrator Charles Harvey has had a hard time convincing his bosses that the agency needs to upgrade vehicles and computer systems and add personnel. Maybe Frias will be magnanimous and offer RideIntegrity at a discount. The Taxicab Authority will also need help because a new wave of regulatory headaches appears to be headed this way from San Francisco. Hayashi and her agency have been dealing with ridesharing companies that connect drivers with riders via smartphone app, bypassing taxis altogether. It's an interesting concept regulators need to be ready for. rick.velotta@lasvegassun.com / 259-4061 / @VegasInc_TheRV San Francisco isn't expected to use RideIntegrity to stop long-hauling, but it has another regulatory agenda in mind — the agency wants to monitor how fast cabs drive. As city celebrates its 60th year, community strives to continually improve on past success ho would have thought six decades ago that one day Henderson would be Nevada's second-largest city and one of the premier communities in the nation? As we commemorate our 60th anniversary, we recognize that the city we know is a testament to a vision that began long ago. The community we enjoy is the result of hard work and dedication from our residents and leaders who have served countless hours to help create one of the best places to live in America. We've been recognized three times in the past 10 years as one of America's best places to live. We've been listed as one of the best places in America to retire, ranked as the second-safest city in America and one of the best places to start a business. We've had our bumps in the road to 6 San Francisco isn't expected to use RideIntegrity to stop long-hauling. Instead, the agency wants to monitor how fast cabs drive, particularly in locations with high pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Hayashi said the agency also would be able to monitor and regulate how long a driver operates a cab and whether vehicles are being subleased. "It's regulator candy," Hayashi said of RideIntegrity. She's an advocate for the system because she said it would enable regulators to accumulate data rather than rely on cab companies to provide it. That certainly would have appeal in Las Vegas, where regulators routinely are accused of looking the other way while cab companies do what they want. But cost is a factor. Henderson looks back, moves forward by Andy Hafen W Frias CEO Mark James told me RideIntegrity is ready to roll in San Francisco, so I contacted the administrator of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to see how successful it has been there. It hasn't been. Yet. In March, the agency approved legislation authorizing the system to be installed in San Francisco's 1,900 cabs. Now, it's a matter of the board agreeing whether to spend the money for the system. Christiane Hayashi, deputy director of taxis and accessible services for the agency, said the board will meet Oct. 15 to consider whether to fund the project for $5.8 million over five years. James hasn't publicly put a price tag on RideIntegrity here. be sure, but when you take risks and innovate as we've tried to, there are bound to be setbacks. But we've always tried to learn from our mistakes and improve. That's been a great recipe for success in the past and will be important for us as we move forward. We will continue to focus on education. We need to support our schools at all levels and bring in new and exciting educational opportunities such as our private medical schools, Touro University and Roseman University. We also need to continue pursuing quality economic development and redevelopment opportunities. There is tremendous potential in areas such as the downtown Water Street District to energize our economy. Our vision includes expanding health care opportunities. Quality health care is essential to maintain our quality of life, and our vision involves attracting new and emerging technologies and health care options. A big part of sustaining and improving that quality of life is by maintaining our focus on providing outstanding services, amenities and infrastructure. To that end, we must adjust to the new economic realities of our society. Henderson residents have the lowest property tax rates in Clark County at 0.71 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. That rate hasn't changed in 23 years. However, the revenues for city services and infrastructure have decreased by nearly $140 million while our population has increased by more than 10,000 over the same time. We've been able to cut $127 million from our General Fund budget. We've cut more than 16 percent of our non-public-safety workforce and consolidated functions to become more streamlined. We instituted a hiring freeze and implemented overtime restrictions. We've reduced employee benefits, eliminated cost-of-living raises and reduced holidays. We instituted a citywide classification and compensation study to examine employee pay and to align us better with market conditions. And recently we appointed a 21-member committee of community leaders and residents to examine our operations. They'll look at what we've done and help provide us with recommendations on future steps to ensure revenues will continue to be there. Working hand in hand, we can continue this great legacy of community and success that has defined who we are. Andy Hafen is the mayor of Henderson. The community we enjoy is the result of hard work and dedication from our residents and leaders who helped create one of the best places to live in America. | 30 SEPTEMBER 2013 | 9/26/13 2:16:38 PM