Taxicab long hauling

The Nevada Taxicab Authority is cracking down on long hauling - again. Cabbies simply won't stop over-driving and overcharging tourists.

The authority has stopped settling citations for less than statutory minimum penalties, which range from $100 for a first offense to $350 for a fourth violation, the Review-Journal's Tim O'Reiley reported Tuesday. Authority officials also are recommending that drivers' taxi licenses be suspended for three to 10 days following a second offense.

Long hauling is most common and most obvious at McCarran International Airport. Instead of taking visitors on direct routes to hotels via Tropicana Avenue or other surface streets, some cabdrivers take the less scenic route, through the airport connector tunnel, onto the Las Vegas Beltway and over to Interstate 15 before exiting for the Strip. This route boosts a $16 fare to $26 or more, and has the effect of welcoming visitors - our economy's lifeblood - with a con job.

Drivers say the problem is getting worse, with up to half of all cab trips involve excess mileage. And the authority has just 21 officers to police the problem. Investigators are conducting random checks of cabs that travel through the airport tunnel in addition to writing more citations, but the long hauling persists. Stings generate citation revenue but are woefully inefficient, picking off one driver at a time while dozens of others cash in.

"Traditionally, we used to react," authority administrator Charles Harvey said. "We are looking to become more creative. We recognize this is a tremendous challenge, and we need to utilize all the resources at our disposal."

The most efficient way to combat long hauling is passenger education. Why not post signs, right at the cab line, to show direct routes and fare estimates for Strip and downtown destinations while warning about the costly beltway route? Why not show public-service videos at the cab line, like those at airport security checkpoints, featuring Las Vegas performers and celebrities? That would get passengers' attention.

If the authority is serious about being proactive and creative to stop long hauling, it's worth a shot.