Boston Mayor Reviews City’s Taxi Industry, Pushes to Raise Insurance Requirements

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has ordered a sweeping review of the city’s $1 billion taxi industry following a series of Boston Globe stories that shed light on a system that exploits drivers, enriches owners, and leaves passengers at risk while riding in underinsured cabs.

The mayor wants to hire a nationally recognized taxi industry specialist within days and seek recommendations within two or three months that could reshape how Boston taxis are regulated and managed.

He says he’ll push the Legislature to mandate higher insurance for cabs, most of which now operate with the state minimum bodily injury coverage of $20,000, much lower than what the taxis must carry in most other large cities.

Menino says he wants to establish a civilian advisory board to help resolve disputes between drivers and owners.