Oregon Public Broadcasting

This week, Portland's tightening restrictions on Town Car drivers who've been nibbling at the edges of the taxi cab business.

Fares from downtown to the Portland airport are set at $50, but cab drivers have complained recently that Town Car drivers aren't playing by the rules.

Frank DuFay runs Portland's Private-for-Hire Transportation Program.

Frank DuFay: "They're supposed to be charging $50 for a fare to the airport, and they're also supposed to have a reservation ahead of time. Often what'll happen is they're cruising around  acting like taxis, and they'll offer a cheaper fare."

DuFay says it's just a handful of rogue Town Car drivers breaking the law, and that this is a common problem in big cities.

The city suspects some drivers may also be enlisting hotel doormen, offering kickbacks to those who will steer hotel customers their way.

The Town Car drivers have until Tuesday to submit logs of their fares to the city. DuFay hopes to catch offenders by monitoring the records.