I Hope You Don't Have Plans To Start A Taxi Company In Dallas....

...that would be illegal.

Dallas City Code - Taxicabs

Consider the opportunity.  Buy a Trifun, a Chinese made vehicle manufactured by the Estes family of Michigan.  There is a dealer in Grapevine according to the Trifun web site. (he doesn't get a hyperlink until I get a confirmation from him)

The Trifun is economical, safe, reliable, and would be perfect in Dallas.  A hard working cab driver could make a good living.


Here is the downside -

Some of the tastier tidbits from the Dallas City Code:

SEC. 45-1.1.     STATEMENT OF POLICY.     It is the policy of the city of Dallas to provide for and to promote adequate and efficient taxicab service in the city.  To this end, this chapter provides for the regulation of taxicab rates and services, to be carried out in a manner that protects the public health and safety, promotes the public convenience and necessity, and respects the concept of free enterprise. FAIL (Ord. 15127)

SEC. 45-2.1.     OPERATING AUTHORITY REQUIRED.     (a)     A person may not operate a taxicab service inside the city without operating authority granted under this chapter, nor may a person transport a passenger for hire inside the city by taxicab unless the person driving the taxicab or another who employs or contracts with the driver has been granted perating authority under this chapter. In other words, you cannot work at your chosen profession without OUR permission.

 (b)     The holder of a franchise must provide taxicab service to the entire city with a minimum of 50 taxicabs.  A franchise may not be granted for a period longer than 15 years. Small business - You are screwed.

(4)     a description of any past business experience of the applicant, particularly in providing passenger transportation services, and an identification and description of any revocation or suspension of a franchise or permit held by the applicant or business before the date of filing the application. Since you're working for us (Dallas City Council), we demand experience.  New guy - You are screwed.

Mary Ruwart says "In many cities, would-be taxi and van drivers can't conduct business without paying exorbitant fees (over $200,000 in New York City) for the medallions (licenses). In some cases, the city or county won't grant new licenses at any price. Such government intervention creates a great deal of poverty by putting people out of work!"

Minneapolis is removing the barriers to economic opportunity for it's citizens.

Just as requiring licenses for health care providers results in fewer doctors and nurses, greater expense to patients, and a less healthy populous, requiring licenses for transportation providers results in less commerce and more poverty.

  Follow the money - somebody is getting paid.