License Division looks to process surge of applications for new taxi permits
News release from the Office of the City Clerk
City Clerk Jim Owczarski said the action by the Common Council in July to lift cap on the number of permits issued – and to allow individuals to apply for provisional permission to begin operating the day of their application – has caused excitement and a large influx of applicants in the License Division.
“Frankly, we are excited as the response and the sheer number of applicants shows the market is ready to embrace what the Common Council has in mind,” Owczarski said.
According to the License Division, between 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, September 2 and the close of business on Friday, September 5, a total of 328 new public passenger vehicle applications were processed (170 metered taxis and 158 network vehicles). In addition, the division processed 176 new driver applications, 137 provisional 60-day business licenses, and 128 provisional 60-day individual licenses.
A provisional business license allows a new vehicle to operate immediately and the provisional individual license allows a driver to operate while their application is being processed.
The License Division of the Common Council – City Clerk’s Office will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12 to allow staff to process a high volume of applications from individuals seeking a public passenger vehicle permit to operate a taxi in Milwaukee.
Additionally, until further notice the division will not process new public passenger vehicle permit applications after 4 p.m. because of the work required to turn around a provisional permit while the applicant is waiting (in person). The division normally opens at 8:15 a.m., Monday – Friday.
On a unanimous vote, the Milwaukee Common Council passed legislation July 22 that did away with the cab cap and created a more streamlined application process, allowing drivers to sign an affidavit affirming their record is clean and receive a provisional permit immediately upon their application. The legislation will allow network companies like Uber and Lyft to operate legally, and Alderman Robert Bauman, who as chair of the Public Transportation Review Board helped author the legislation, has said it creates a level playing field for all drivers while ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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