Taxi drivers in Alaska’s largest city are prepared for a change to the city code that governs their operations, but aren't giving ideas proposed at an Anchorage Assembly work session Monday a free ride. The final work session that took place Monday afternoon was the last opportunity for Assembly members to justify any amendments made to the hotly contested taxi ordinance, which has been 19 months in the making. “Is it perfect? Probably not,” said municipal transportation inspector Eric Musser. “Does it put measures on the table to really improve the delivery of service? It does a lot.” Cab driver Azdren Poshka says this week’s upcoming vote on the ordinance could change everything. “I just hope they don't screw the whole business up, because we obviously work very hard to get where we've gotten,” Poshka said. “It's not easy to get permits. We have to work seven days a week, 12 hours a day, which a normal person doesn't do that.” The Assembly met to consider alterations to Title 11 -- better known as the taxicab ordinance, a complicated topic that could have repercussions across the board. “All the efforts, including these amendments, are designed for the most part to help in that endeavor and ensure we get reasonable and quality service to those who call for it,” Musser said. A total of 13 amendments were introduced -- focusing on topics as diverse as fare increases and greater taxi access for underserved communities. “The focus is to get service in those communities that aren't being served, where it's the rural communities or disability community,” said Assembly member Amy Demboski. For those behind the wheel the proposed changes, including outfitting taxis with internal cameras, are all about one thing. “Safety is our No. 1 key -- the cameras, if they're installed, they should be installed the proper way,” Poshka said. “Obviously it's good for our safety, the passengers’ safety.” While Poshka supports adding cameras to cabs, he says it must be done in a way that doesn't invade drivers’ privacy. “If the cameras are installed they should be connected to the relay, so every time the meter goes on, boom, camera starts recording -- meter goes off, the camera cuts off,” Poshka said. On Tuesday night, the Assembly will vote on all of Monday's proposed amendments, as well as the final measure for the taxicab ordinance.
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