WARWICK -- State regulators will consider a new minimum charge for livery cabs, limousines and other cars classified as "public motor vehicles" after objections were raised to setting the price floor at $40 per trip.
The state Division of Public Utilities and Carriers has opened a new docket to determine whether to maintain or lower the $40 minimum charge that was set to go into effect Nov. 11 after a nine-month rulemaking process that also created standards for the industry.
The division suspended enforcement of the new minimum charge after four car companies filed suit in Superior Court seeking to have it overturned. They argued that it is too high and would unfairly limit their business.
The companies -- L.C. Taxi, Rainbow Sedans, Corporate Limousine Services and Dewey's Transportation -- agreed to withdraw their case if the division opened a new docket.
Michael F. Horan, the Pawtucket attorney who is representing the companies, said that they have not discussed an alternative price floor.
"Our immediate concern was the $40 figure," he said.