Volunteer Cab driver Solomon Bitu suspended after commission finds meter and receipt violations

The Metropolitan Transportation Licensing Commission on March 17 found Volunteer Cab driver Solomon Bitu in violation of two Metropolitan Code provisions after a disciplinary hearing prompted by a complaint from passenger Dwayne Brown. Commissioners concluded Bitu charged a flat fee instead of running the meter and provided a receipt that listed a different cab company.

Chair opened the hearing and read the affidavit and supporting materials from the complainant into the record. Under oath, Solomon Bitu described stopping for a passenger downtown when a rideshare driver was delayed, negotiating a $35 cash fare and handing the passenger a handwritten receipt because his vehicle printer was not working. Bitu said negotiated fares had occurred ‘‘sometimes’’ during busy periods and that he had driven in Nashville for many years.

Commissioners focused on two violations: the requirement that taxi fares be charged by meter and the requirement that, upon request, drivers provide a receipt that lists the taxicab company and other identifying information. As Chair stated during the hearing: "They should only be charging what the meter says." Staff confirmed there were no prior complaints in the commission's files for the driver dating back to 2009 and that the company had suspended him for one week and offered the passenger a refund.

After discussion about balancing specific and general deterrence and the role of companies in ensuring compliance, Commissioner Rogers moved to discipline the driver with a one-week suspension (to be credited as time served) and a six-month probationary period beginning the day of the meeting; another commissioner seconded. The motion carried by voice vote and the chair announced the sanctions and explained that probation would subject the driver to harsher penalties if further complaints arise during the six-month period.

Company representatives and staff told the commission they had already suspended the driver, offered the refund and will work to ensure drivers have working receipt equipment. A Volunteer Cab board member said the company provides receipts at the office and sometimes drivers ‘‘borrow’’ receipts in the field when they run out; commissioners pushed staff and company representatives to ensure drivers have sufficient receipts or smart-meter devices to prevent future compliance issues.

The commission recorded the disciplinary action and directed staff to continue outreach and enforcement with taxi operators. The hearing record includes Mr. Brown's affidavit and photographs of the handwritten receipt and vehicle that were entered into the commission packet.