Taxicab Authority rejects request for extra medallions

The Nevada Taxicab Authority decided Monday not to grant temporary medallions to cover the giant MAGIC apparel trade show, expected to draw 80,000 people next week.

Frias Transportation Management, which owns five local cab brands, had requested from six to 12 extra medallions, depending on the time of day, from Aug. 21-23. A taxi must have a medallion to pick up paying customers.

As has been true with other requests for temporary medallions this year, drivers' representatives opposed the extra medallions. However, only a few showed up for the hearing, not the hundreds that have attended similar meetings this year.

In addition, neither the authority staff nor any other taxi companies supported Frias. Generally, they have found that the new permanent medallions created a year ago have put enough cabs on the streets to cover passenger demand.

Contact reporter Tim O'Reiley at toreiley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5290.