PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Parking Authority Board took a number of steps to reform the agency at its meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting began with lengthy public comments by council member Helen Gym, following up on a hearing last week about PPA finances.
“There are serious problems with the way the Parking Authority currently manages its finances and its contributions to the city and school district of Philadelphia,” she said.
One highlight was adjusting how far fares will be priced for city taxis.
The PPA conducted a six-month pilot project to allow passengers and drivers to agree on a fare through the app, ‘Curb.’
Taxi & Limousine Division Director Christine Kirlin says it was a success.
“Not a single complaint from the riding public and it was welcomed by the taxi drivers,” she said. “There was a 74% acceptance rate of these trips by the taxicab drivers.”
Kirlin adds the app proposes the fare based on historic and real time data. Either the passenger or the driver can decline the fare and use the meter, but she says drivers see an opportunity to get a bigger share of riders.
Board chair Beth Grossman says she’s committed to working with all city agencies, and looking for strengths and weaknesses.
“What can we improve and what is working?” she said. “In light of the fact that we have primarily a new board, it’s a nice time and opportunity to look at everything with a fresh eye.”
The Board has hired a new CFO. It also approved contracts with finance and HR consultants to review policies and make sure they meet the best practices in the industry.
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