City Denies Permit to Logan Shuttle

The Cambridge Licensing Commission on Tuesday again denied a request by a Boston-based shuttle service to provide transportation between Cambridge and Logan Airport.

The proposal would have allowed US Shuttle to make regular trips between Cambridge hotels and the airport without paying the $85,000 medallion fee local hackneys are charged.

Currently, residents wanting to use US Shuttle must make a telephone reservation. The company is prohibited from offering a fixed schedule of runs throughout the city.

The vehement opposition of Cambridge cabbies played a large role in the proposal's defeat.

Taxi drivers said US Shuttle would siphon away large-fare trips and leave them with only small routes between neighborhoods.

"Airport fares supplement the runs you do around the city," said taxi driver James P. Henry. "It really helps you with expenses."

Henry estimated that he usually collects $60 from three trips to the airport each day--the equivalent of about 12 trips from Harvard Square to Central Square.

An aide to Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio criticized US Shuttle for "raiding the cab stands."

"They just want to come in and not be subjected to any of the rules other cabs have to follow," said the aide, who requested anonymity. "It's really an unlevel playing field."

The proposal was previously denied by the Cambridge License Commission last December. But US Shuttle appealed the decision to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), which ordered the city to hold another hearing on the matter.

Although the licensing commission has twice rejected the request, the final decision will be made by the DPU this summer.

The Cambridge City Council also has previously opposed US Shuttle's request and is expected to pass a similar resolution at its next meeting, on May 27, according to Mayor Sheila T. Russell.

"I hate to give [cab drivers] a kick in the teeth by letting this other service come in here when they're trying to make a go of it," Russell said. , from page 1

Councillors Francis H. Duehay '55 and Henrietta A. Davis, however, said they want to see a cost-benefit analysis of the airport shuttle proposal.

"I do know that very often, you call a cab and you can't get one," Davis said. "So maybe there's room for more cabs." Henry, 39, said the plan would disproportionately affect employment among minorities. About 85 percent of Cambridge's 900 taxi drivers are non-white, he said.

Henry singled Duehay for criticism, calling the 13-term incumbent "a guy who protected white rent-controlled tenants for 20 years."

"Now there's a minority issue and he's driving them out of the city," said Henry, who is white

Councillors Francis H. Duehay '55 and Henrietta A. Davis, however, said they want to see a cost-benefit analysis of the airport shuttle proposal.

"I do know that very often, you call a cab and you can't get one," Davis said. "So maybe there's room for more cabs." Henry, 39, said the plan would disproportionately affect employment among minorities. About 85 percent of Cambridge's 900 taxi drivers are non-white, he said.

Henry singled Duehay for criticism, calling the 13-term incumbent "a guy who protected white rent-controlled tenants for 20 years."

"Now there's a minority issue and he's driving them out of the city," said Henry, who is white