I have been riding in taxicabs for the last two weeks — a different cab each time. And neither had meters. They just randomly give you a price. Is that legal?

“All taxicabs operating in the city must be equipped with taximeters, and taximeters in all taxicabs shall be fastened in front of the passengers, visible to them at all times day and night,” reads Section 22-33 of the city code.

“Such taximeters shall be operated mechanically, driven either from the transmission or from one of the front wheels by a flexible and permanently attached driving mechanism. They shall be sealed at all points and connections which, if manipulated, would affect their correct reading and recording.”

The ordinance says meters must have flags, which indicate when a cab is employed — raised when idle, lowered when working. Section 22-31 lists the following rates for cab fare in Lake Charles:

“A charge of no more than $4.00 for the first mile or fraction thereof for one passenger.”

“A charge of no more than $0.50 for each additional one-quarter mile or fraction thereof for one passenger.”

“$1.00 extra for each additional passenger.”

“For each minute while waiting, when requested by the passenger, a charge of no more than $0.50 per minute or $30.00 per hour.”

“A rate of 80 per cent of the fare otherwise chargeable on a distance computation using the distances and appropriate fares stated above may be charged to passengers who are residents of the city who employ a taxicab to travel to or from their residence and their place of work two or more times per week.”

The agreement must be signed by the driver and the passenger and must be filed with the city.

“It shall be unlawful for any person to ask, demand or collect any rate of fare other than those as provided …,” reads the provision.

“Every taxicab operated under this article shall have a rate card posted on the inside of the taxicab in full view of all the passengers of said taxicab and enclosed in a frame with a transparent cover showing the rate authorized to be charged by this article.”

Matt Young, a city spokesman, said all cab drivers must have valid permits and occupational licenses and must display their permit, or CPNC, numbers.

“It is not recommended that anyone enter a taxicab without first observing its permit number on the vehicle,” Young wrote in an email.

He said people can report violations of the taxi ordinance to the occupational license office at 491-1442. 

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Online: www.cityoflakecharles.com.

Lights now on timer at sports complex

I live near the Lake Street sports complex. When the complex was originally opened it was stated that there would be no lights near Lake Street. This is a nice complex, and the soccer fields are open to everyone.

With taxes at an all-time high I’m wondering how they find the funds to pay for the lights left on all night by the inconsiderate people who just drive up, turn the lights on and then drive off, leaving them on all night.

They have been left on days at a time. I have complained to the administration there, but nothing has changed. Who do I contact about this?

“The district rectified the problem by installing a timer for the lights,” said Kip Texada, Ward 3 Recreation executive director.

For more information on district facilities, or to pass along concerns, call the main office at 990-0112.

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Online: www.lcward3recreation.com.

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The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com.