Taxis are licensed to pick up customers at ranks - by hailing on the
street or by pre-booking - while Private Hire Vehicles are licensed
only to collect passengers who have pre-booked with a licensed
operator. Both the vehicles and their drivers must be licensed to
ensure they meet certain legal requirements.

 

Finding a licensed taxi in Atlanta

 

Taxis in Atlanta must be licensed annually by the County or City they
operate in who ensure they meet safety and accessibility standards.
Private Hire Vehicles in on the other hand, are regulated by the
Georgia Public Safety Commission and must have special
documents indicating their licence status.

 

Atlanta Airport Taxis and Atlanta Airport Shuttles outside the city of
Atlanta, taxis and shuttles licenced in Fulton,Dekalb,Gwinett,and
Milton County are granted by local governments who have the power
to specify certain conditions for taxis and the Georgia public service
commission regulates private hire vehicles (PHV) operating in these
areas also.

 

Atlanta  Airport Taxis must:

be a type of vehicle the City or County is prepared to licence

may have to meet any specific color requirements

meet any age limits

have a taxi meter fitted.

insured with commercial liability insurance

meet any requirements on accessibility for disabled people

 

Atlanta Airport Shuttles must be:

suitable in type, size and design

safe

comfortable

in a suitable mechanical condition

insured with commercial liability insurance

different in appearance from a taxi

You can find out more from the local City Government you need
transportation to you destination from the Atlanta Airport.

Checking if your driver is licensed

Atlanta Airport Taxi drivers and  Atlanta Airport Shuttle/private hire
vehicle (PHV) drivers must certain criteria before being allowed to
operate. These include:

 

passing criminal record checks

being over 21

passing a driving test.

being assessed as fit and proper

 

Insurance:

Each Vehicle Operated by Atlanta Airport Transportation is insured
with commercial liability insurance. In the event of an accident. You
will  have your medical bills paid. This may not be true with other
bargain transportation services.

 

Child  Safety:

 

Every  child's parents in the sate of Georgia is required to use car
seat or booster safety seat to protect their child from injury in a motor
vehicle crash. Atlanta Taxi or Atlanta Airport Shuttle Service for you and
your child will not be provided unless you use the proper equipment
for your child.

 

Georgia Law:

 

Now, the battle to protect Georgia's children on the road is about to
get a boost from changes in State Law that go into effect as of July 1
st . Under the new law children under age six will be required to be
in a car seat or booster seat  appropriate for their height and weight
and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The new law
also requires children under six to ride in the rear seat.

Taxi Safety Tips

Plan ahead before you go out. Making decisions before you go out is
always much safer especially if you are going to be drinking.

 

Always try to book your taxi cab or private hire vehicle in advance with
an operator that you or a friend uses regularly.

 

Ask the firm to quote you a price for the cab journey over the phone,
so you can put aside enough money.

 

When booking a taxi, wherever possible, ask for the cab driver’s
name,car number, make and colour of car.

 

Always keep at least 3 numbers for reputable taxi or private hire
vehicle operators in your mobile phone.

 

Take a separate list of reliable taxi operators in your handbag or
pocket (or even shoe or bra) in case you lose your cell phone.

 

Do not approach a car you think is your taxi, they should approach you.

 

When they arrive ask them the booking name and destination. SAY
“Who are you for?” – NOT “are you the taxi for ****?”)

 

Ask to see the driver’s ID. Check it is from the company you ordered
the cab from.

 

Don’t get into a private hire vehicle you haven’t ordered.

 

Sit in the back of the cab – behind the driver. If there is a group of you
going to different destinations remember the last person to get out is
at most risk – this person should sit behind the driver at the outset.

 

Don’t chat to the taxi driver. If you do talk, keep to general topics and
don’t give any personal information about yourself.

 

If you are worried, frightened or think you might be in danger call 911
immediately.

 

Ask the taxi driver to wait until you are safely in the house – they won’t
mind. If you feel safe, they know you will use them more often.

http://www.atlanta-airport-transportation.com/Passenger_Safety.html