Metro

Fake-cab blitz nabs Bronx pests

Dozens of fake cabdrivers in The Bronx were nailed for picking up passengers in unsafe, unlicensed and uninsured cars, officials said yesterday.

Five vehicles were seized and 44 summonses were issued this summer after residents in Pelham Bay complained that a surge of cabs at the No. 6 train terminal were causing congestion and endangering pedestrians and other motorists.

“We had cabs lining up at the curb and blocking traffic, cabs honking at people on the sidewalk, and cabs cutting in front of other cars to pick up street hails,” said Bronx Councilman James Vacca. “It was a dangerous situation.”

Many of the cars were picking up passengers who hailed them from the street, a practice only lawfully permitted for yellow taxis.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission requires all livery cabs to display special decals on rear windows indicating that they are licensed.