Regulation of the North American Taxicab Industry

Abstract

We examine the evolution of taxi regulation in North

America, providing a history of North American taxi

regulation. We study the current structure of taxi

regulation by generally looking at regulations in

North America and specifically looking at regulation

in New York City, the Boston metropolitan area, and

Los Angeles. We discuss theoretical justifications

for these regulations. By examining how the taxi

industry differs from other industries, we explain

the prevalence of price and quantity regulations,

and why the industry remains heavily regulated

despite numerous attempts at deregulation. We

discuss the cost of current regulations and how

emerging technologies may face similar regulatory

challenges but may also offer new opportunities.

Keywords

• Taxi; Regulation

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