After alleged assaults by taxi drivers, Ann Arbor stresses differences between taxis and limousines

In the wake of three alleged assaults on women by taxi drivers, the Ann Arbor Police Department and city government released a statement Thursday making residents aware of the difference between a city-licensed taxicab and a state-licensed limousine.

According to the statement, six items are required on all city of Ann Arbor-licensed taxicabs.

• A city of Ann Arbor bond plate is required on the outside rear of the vehicle.
• A vehicle number is required on the outside rear of the vehicle.
• The taxicab driver’s license from the Ann Arbor police must be displayed.
• A taxi meter must be installed.
• A rate card must be visible.
• Comment cards must be accessible to passengers in the rear seats.

In contrast, state-licensed limousines are required to have a Michigan Department of Transportation limousine tag displayed on the left rear driver’s side door window. Limousine drivers can only pick up pre-arranged customers and must carry a driving record for passengers to view.

In one of the reported assaults, a city-licensed taxicab driver was charged with two misdemeanors for inappropriately touching and attempting to kiss a customer.

It’s unclear what companies the other two drivers accused of assaulting the female passengers worked for and if those drivers were licensed by the city or the state.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.