Many taxi companies in U.S. aren’t required to fix cabs after recalls

Many taxi companies in U.S. aren’t required to fix cabs after recalls

A review by the Center for Auto Safety found that the more than 35,000 cabs licensed in nine of the 10 U.S. cities with the most taxis are not required by their regulators to get safety recalls fixed before picking up passengers. The center is now calling for change, sending letters demanding taxi cab fleets be required to address all open safety recalls before they carry passengers. Kris Van Cleave reports.

Truth Analysis

Factual Accuracy
4/5
Bias Level
3/5
Analysis Summary:

The article is mostly accurate, focusing on a study by the Center for Auto Safety regarding taxi safety recalls. The main claim about taxi companies not being required to fix recalls in many major US cities is supported by multiple sources. However, the article presents a somewhat negative view of the taxi industry without offering counterarguments or perspectives from taxi companies or regulators, indicating a moderate bias.

Detailed Analysis:
  • Claim:** A review by the Center for Auto Safety found that the more than 35,000 cabs licensed in nine of the 10 U.S. cities with the most taxis are not required by their regulators to get safety recalls fixed before picking up passengers.
    • Verification Source #1: Supports this claim, stating "A review found cabs licensed in 9 of the 10 U.S. cities with the most taxis are not required to get safety recalls fixed."
    • Verification Source #2: Supports this claim, mentioning that only San Francisco requires cabs to be screened for recalls.
  • Claim:** The center is now calling for change, sending letters demanding taxi cab fleets be required to address all open safety recalls before they carry passengers.
  • This claim is implied by the overall context and the actions of the Center for Auto Safety, as reported in Verification Source #2. It is reasonable to assume this is their goal.
  • Implied Claim:** This situation poses a safety risk to passengers.
  • Verification Source #2: Supports this by stating, "There are no cosmetic recalls. Recalls are only done for safety reasons." This implies that unrepaired recalls represent a safety hazard.
  • Lack of Coverage:** The article does not provide specific details about the cities involved or the types of recalls that are frequently missed.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
  • Agreement:** Verification Source #1 and Verification Source #2 both confirm the core finding that many major US cities do not require taxi companies to fix safety recalls.
  • Agreement:** Verification Source #2 supports the implication that unrepaired recalls pose a safety risk.
  • Lack of Coverage:** None of the provided sources offer a counter-argument or perspective from taxi companies or city regulators.