The Region - News from Dec. 14, 1986

Two taxi companies filed a legal challenge against a 10-month-old enforcement program designed to keep non-licensed cab operators out of the city of Los Angeles. Metro Checker Cab and Blue and Yellow Cab said in a Superior Court lawsuit that the so-called “Cabscam” program constitutes illegal entrapment because it encourages cab drivers to break the law. Under the program, city employees telephone cab companies not licensed to operate in the city, then arrest drivers who show up. At least seven drivers have been prosecuted under the program, which City Atty. James K. Hahn said is designed to ensure that cabs do not operate within the city unless they have undergone strict licensing requirements. Superior Court Judge Jack M. Newman declined to issue a restraining order blocking the enforcement program, but scheduled a Jan. 14 hearing on the suit.