The safety part I get, though to be honest, if a state/area has inspections (other than emissions) for all road going vehicles, it would seem to negate this aspect to a large degree. And for what it is worth, I think it should. A vehicle is either safe to transport goods and lives on the roadways, or it is not. It doesn't really matter if money is involved (hah! "doesn't matter if money is involved", I crack myself up!).

As to the price gouging? I've never understood how/why that's the governments business. Certainly there are industries and fields where it is needed, but taxis seem to be an area where the market really ought to be able to handle their own. Post the prices on the side, and let the customer choose. They won't all go sky high. Someone will come along and undercut.

So, yeah, I guess I don't understand why taxis are as regulated as they are in NY.

MV