Saratoga Springs is cracking down on phony rideshare drivers. 13Investigates first told you about this problem last year, and it’s happening again.

Now, the city is hoping to drive them out of town.

“If you are not connected to them on the app, don’t get in a car,” said Dillon Moran, Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Accounts.

These drivers aren’t with Uber or Lyft or even with a taxi company. However, they do impersonate rideshare drivers. They head over to the big crowds, offering rides for cash only or through mobile pay.

This problem started last summer. 13Investigates saw firsthand, during a ride along with police, the number of unlicensed drivers picking up customers.

“It wouldn’t be logical to assume that this problem will go away. Whether we’re talking about the track or Siro’s or horseshow or downtown Saratoga, people are leaving large gatherings at roughly the same time,” Moran said. “There are just simply not enough rides for everybody.”

What is gratifying for Moran are the new, strict policies enforced by public safety. More cameras, more law enforcement, and new signs.

“We’re going to be putting up some signage that’s going to say, ‘This area is under surveillance. If you’re caught with doing unregulated taxi service, you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll said they want to prevent the problem, not respond to it.

Some of Coll’s staff and Saratoga Springs Police ran a detail on Frank Sullivan Place and outside Siro’s. Two unlicensed drivers were arrested.

“Certainly, that’s the concern that if you’re getting into an unregulated taxi, will you be extorted for money, will you be extorted for personal relationships, will you be kidnapped, etc.,” Coll said.

Drivers need to register with Uber or Lyft to pick up customers in Saratoga Springs, or register as a taxi driver with the city. Customers will know if their taxi is the real deal if a tan-colored medallion is on the back of the car.