Los Angeles Superior Court Judge, Robert O’Brien has temporary blocked the commencement of a new Santa Monica taxi franchise system as a result of a civil lawsuit filed by the Taxi Drivers Assn. of Santa Monica. The new taxi franchise system was scheduled to start in January, 2011.
The Taxi Drivers Assn. of Santa Monica filed a discrimination suit against the city on behalf of five Armenian American-owned or operated taxi companies and 300 taxicab drivers. All five taxi companies were recently denied a new taxi franchise license with the city of Santa Monica.
The city of Santa Monica received 13 proposals for the new taxi franchise RFP. Five of those proposals were submitted by Armenian American-owned or operated taxi companies.
The temporary restraining order is in effect until January 7, 2011 when Santa Monica attorneys must explain to the court, why a preliminary injunction should not be granted to block the new Santa Monica taxi franchise system from starting.
Awarded Santa Monica Taxi Company Franchises
- Bell Cab Co.
- Independent Taxi Owners Association
- Metro Cab Co.
- Taxi Taxi
- Yellow Cab Co.
Recent California Ground Transportation News
Proposal on Santa Monica Taxi Contract Heads to City Council
