Boston Cabbies Blast Convention Voucher Plan (big RATS looking for a handout - possible strike)

Yahoo News ^ | 6/17/04

[Libloather]

The cab industry wanted a piece of the action, but the latest offer of $10 isn't going over well.

And this is called the RAT home field advantage?

[Libloather]

Ping...

[Blood of Tyrants]

Your average Rat is a cheapskate. Most give little to charity and are crappy tippers.

[dcwusmc]

As a cabbie here in Northern Calif, I would spurn that offer, too... the mayor is nuts.

[John Lenin]

The tangled and worsening labor situation surrounding the Democratic National Convention took center stage last week as the rights of union workers are conflicting with the agenda of municipal leaders.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino is hoping to get a world-class convention facility in place on time for the Democratic National Convention at the FleetCenter July 26.

The Boston Police Patrolmen's Association had its members out in force around the FleetCenter, and they prevented delivery trucks and a crane from reaching their intended destinations. Police are trying to pressure Menino to come to terms on raises in a four-year contract; the BBPA wants 17 percent and the city is offering 11.9 percent over that period.

Labor situation intense as Democratic Convention nears

[VOA]

Cab drivers know they have the city over a barrel because even if Boston decides
to use shuttle buses and private contractors to move the delegates, there simply
aren't enough to handle the load. Taxis corner the market.

What? You mean to tell me that all the Demo conventioneers aren't each
bringing their own bicycles with them (aboard their airplanes) so as not
to contribute to greenhouse gases in Boston?

Other than their flatulence from too many Boston Backed Beans?

[steplock]

$20 would be a steal!

[ken5050]

Wait a sec..Dems advocating VOUCHERS?

[gitmo]

"If they want to go with $15, I would go for it. But $10 to wait and go in traffic for two hours, it is not fair," another driver said.

Cover your cab with Bush stickers and Republican placards. The convention goers won't get in your cab, but you can still pick up fares.

[swilhelm73]

For those outside of Boston, the faire to take a taxi to or from the airport is normally $30-50 depending on how far out you are going exactly.

[Joe Hadenuf]

The Mayor is an idiot for even considering this.

[Corin Stormhands]

Sheesh! I planned a convention in Boston 15 years ago and we were paying more than $10 for Logan to downtown back then...

[Diogenesis]

The Dem delegates need the money for whores and alcohol.
They have a leader to look up to.

[Always Right]

Wait a sec..Dems advocating VOUCHERS?

Yeah, that struck me as funny too.

[ken5050]

Thanks!!!..OK..here's another..

Know why the Dems chose Boston?

They all wanted to get scrod!

[GSlob]

Isn't Logan on "T" Blue line?

[Little Bill]

The cost of a Cab license is about $130,000 from the holder, ten bucks ain't going to cut it. What is the daily rental for a licensed cab?

[supercat]

Isn't Logan on "T" Blue line?

I've taken the "T" from Logan on the blue line, so I assume it still would be.

[swilhelm73]

Boston's T does go to the airport (and it is good public transit otherwise). Having taken this particular trip a few times though it is a bit of a pain and very confusing as you need to catch a connecting bus. So Menino isn't going to send Dem big wigs that way.

[GSlob]

You are absolutely right about taking the connecting bus being confusing, especially for Dem bigwigs. I had lived in Boston area for 9 yrs and can testify that those having problems with butterfly ballots would not make it - EVER!