American Cab permit suspended by SunLine
American Cab’s permit was suspended by SunLine Transit Agency Monday after they didn’t pay the regulatory fees they owe, according to a spokesperson for SunLine.
The cab company initially had their permit suspended on Sept. 12 in relation to a “fiscal obligation,” but later that day SunLine walked the suspension back, allowing a 10-day grace period to allow for further discussion and for American Cab to try to resolve the compliance issue.
SunLine, which regulates the valley’s three taxi companies, wrote in a statement today:
The Palm Springs International Airport has been notified by SunLine Transit Agency that American Cab is suspended as of 4pm today unless they bring their account into good standing. SunLine has sent over 3,000 letters to the taxi voucher customers notifying them of American Cab’s status and that there are 2 other cab companies that can service their vouchers. A link will be posted on the website at 4pm today directing taxi customers on the latest information. We have no knowledge of American Cab’s business or operations intentions.
Mike McCoy was a driver with American Cab for 8 years. He switched companies following American’s initial suspension 12 days ago, saying it was time to cut his losses and go.
“It was kinda a shock to me… I’ve been working for them for a while,” McCoy said. “From what I understood they were going out of business so I left then. I wanted to get on with another company as soon as possible.”
The fees owed to SunLine include 50 cents added onto every ride, and an airport fee of $2.50 for every ride picked up from the airport.
Reporter Jake Ingrassia tried to reach management for American Cab at their Palm Springs headquarters, but the door was locked.
On the phone, a dispatcher answered without using American’s name, and couldn’t answer whether or not American Cab was operating.
McCoy said he and about 60 other drivers who worked for American Cab are still owed money.
“We do have deposits — $1,000 deposits for most of us,” McCoy said. “We’re hopeful we can get that back because that’s our money.”
On top of that deposit, drivers say they’re still owed money they earned from customers who paid using credit cards.
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