METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

San Diego cab drivers critical of body odor test

For years, inspectors with the San Diego Regional Airport Authority run down their checklist for each cabbie, which includes proof of insurance, functioning windshield wipers, adequate tire treads, good brakes. Drivers are graded pass, fail or needs fixing. Anyone who flunks the smell test is told to change before picking up another customer.

September 12, 2014
San Diego cab drivers critical of body odor test

San Diego International Airport

1 min to read


San Diego International Airport

SAN DIEGO — Body odor is among 52 criteria that officials at San Diego International Airport use to judge taxi drivers. Cabbies say that smacks of prejudice and discrimination, the Associated Press reported.


For years, inspectors with the San Diego Regional Airport Authority run down their checklist for each cabbie, which includes proof of insurance, functioning windshield wipers, adequate tire treads, good brakes. Drivers are graded pass, fail or needs fixing. Anyone who flunks the smell test is told to change before picking up another customer, according to the report.

Ad Loading...

For the full story, click here.

More Paratransit

transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
AMF Bruns' new headquarters and parking lot.
Paratransitby StaffApril 28, 2026

Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Production Hub [Photos]

Step inside AMF Bruns of America’s 41,000-square-foot facility in Stow, Ohio, where expanded manufacturing capacity, modernized operations, and a focus on next-generation mobility solutions are shaping the company’s growth in accessible transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Exterior image of AMF Bruns' new facility in Ohio.
Paratransitby StaffApril 22, 2026

AMF Bruns Opens New Ohio Headquarters, Expands U.S. Manufacturing Footprint

With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.

Read More →
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
paratransit bus
SponsoredMarch 16, 2026

Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets

What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.

Read More →
A next-generation HART paratransit SUV.
Paratransitby StaffMarch 3, 2026

Florida's HART Launch First Next-Generation Paratransit Vehicles into Service

The new HARTPlus SUVs — 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility models — represent a significant step toward modernizing mobility and enhancing service for paratransit riders throughout Hillsborough County.

Read More →
Webinar title over image of a transit van driving down the road
SponsoredFebruary 25, 2026

The Future of Paratransit: How to Thrive in an Uncertain Era

See how leading agencies integrate eligibility, operations, staffing, and rider access to protect service and public dollars.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →