CAB OPERATORS SHOULD HAVE TO TAKE A DRUG TEST

Recently, I read an article in a New York newspaper about a coked-up cabby
who drove a taxi into another car and killed a respectable businessman who
leaves behind two children. The man's wife was in serious condition. It was
another death due to drugs, or more to the point, driving under the
influence of drugs.

The cabby, who had leased the taxi for the day, was also high on
prescription drugs. As a former cab driver (since 1968), I would suggest
that the city of New Bedford mandate yearly drug tests for taxi owners and
their taxi drivers.

Why? Because cab companies can afford it. And it's the right thing to do to
set an example, because drugs happen here. One major cab company in the
city charges about $98 to lease a cab for a 12-hour shift. This company
grosses more than $2 million annually. These companies can afford yearly
drug tests for all employees.

Stephen Fernandes

New Bedford