Taxi drivers prep for New Year’s Eve, face competition

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Closing in on one of their busiest days of the year, taxi drivers are facing more competition than usual for New Year’s Eve.

“Make them get permits, make them have the insurance and put everybody on the same playing ground,” said Jim Simpson, co-owner of Crystal Blue Taxi in Wilmington.

Simpson says services like Uber, Jacksonville taxi drivers and limo services are hurting traditional taxi companies in the Port City. By law, taxis are required to pay certain taxes and fees, including special insurance. However, these regulations aren’t applied to Uber and other services.

“We’ve got to pay for permits. We’ve got to pay to be able to operate and everything, and everybody else comes in here and runs wild,” Simpson said. “We’re paying the bills while they’re running wild.”

He says they’re also facing more problems related to parking in Downtown Wilmington. Before, there were designated blocks for taxi parking, but now, taxis are required to park in regular parking spots along the streets. Simpson says these spots are usually full.