Condition of cabs an embarrassment

"BOSTON'S cab conundrum" is an embarrassment. Why do we Bostonians have to suffer dirty, cramped taxis? Why do we put up with unsafe drivers chatting on their cellphones? Why must we endure rude drivers who are often ignorant of the streets in our small city's core? To be fair, we have clean taxis with pleasant, knowledgeable drivers, but too few.

I have no objection to a fare hike, especially given the cost of fuel and cab drivers should earn a fair living. But as Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis considers such, he should not only think of the rights of the drivers and taxi owners, but of the traveling public and the image our taxis project to the visitors of Boston, remembering that with all the efforts made to promote our city, the first Boston "experience" most travelers have is our sorry taxi service.

MARGARET CATING
Boston