Border officials in Southern California are cracking down on "wildcatters,” the people and businesses that sell rides to Los Angeles at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, the two area border crossings in the San Diego area.
The officials say the wildcatters are doing business without transportation permits, reports
NBC San Diego.
The Transportation Border Council, which launched the anti-wildcatter campaign Wednesday, say the illegal shuttle drivers use their personal vehicles and quote lower prices to customers, which puts them at an unfair advantage because they cannot promise an insured or well-trained driver.
"If you're on the street with a vehicle that has an unlicensed driver or doesn't have proper permitting or hasn't been properly vetted by the authorities than you're at risk,” said Jason Wells of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce.
Police want to remind people that legal shuttles sell tickets out of ticket booths and use company vehicles bearing both company logos and license numbers.
Wildcatters face a fine of at least $350 and possible jail time.
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