The city of New Orleans is cutting off the application process for new taxi permits. Officials say the response to get new permits has been tremendous.
It’s been decades since the city offered new permits, called "certificates of public necessity and convenience." This week 105 were added to the more than 1500 now in effect.
Of the new number, the city will give 75 to drivers who haven’t had their own permits. The remainder is split between existing companies.
It comes as the city requires taxis to be newer and improved. It wants taxis to have GPS systems, security cameras and credit card machines. The plan is to improve the taxi fleet in time to serve Super Bowl visitors. Applications must be returned by noon today.
