How the Boston Police Department Regulates Taxis and Other For-Hire Vehicles

Updated

The Boston Police Department (BPD) regulates all taxis, sight-seeing automobiles, horse-drawn carriages, and pedi-cabs in the City of Boston. On police.boston.gov, this function is presented through a dedicated Hackney/Taxi section, which the site describes as covering "all Taxis, Sight-seeing Automobiles, Horse and Carriages, and Pedi-cabs in the City of Boston," with a "Click here for more..." link to the detailed information.

What the BPD Hackney/Taxi Unit Covers

The site groups four vehicle types under BPD oversight:

Vehicle type Regulated by BPD per site
Taxis (hackney carriages) Yes
Sight-seeing automobiles Yes
Horse and carriages Yes
Pedi-cabs Yes

The term "hackney" is the traditional label for a for-hire passenger vehicle, which is why the section is titled "Hackney / Taxi."

Where to Find the Details

The homepage entry for Hackney/Taxi is a gateway rather than the full rulebook. To go further:

  1. Open police.boston.gov.
  2. Locate the Hackney / Taxi block on the homepage.
  3. Select the "Click here for more..." link to reach the dedicated page.

The site does not publish licensing fees, application forms, or vehicle requirements directly on the homepage, so the linked section is the place to check for current specifics. Because the department notes it is still adding features to its new website, confirm any requirement on the linked page rather than relying on the summary text.

City of Boston Licensing Context

BPD's role here is regulatory oversight of for-hire vehicles operating in Boston. The site frames this within the department's broader mission of community policing and quality of life in the city's neighborhoods. For licensing status, complaints, or eligibility questions, use the Hackney/Taxi section as the starting point and follow the contact routes listed there.

Related BPD Resources

If your question is adjacent to vehicle regulation, the same site offers:

  • Public Records Request – request BPD records, with media requests submitted in writing to [email protected].
  • Data & Transparency Hub – dashboards with the latest crime statistics.
  • CrimeStoppers – 1-800-494-TIPS (8477), or text "TIP" to CRIME (27463); message and data rates may apply.
  • BPDnews Feed – public safety alerts and department updates.

For taxi and for-hire vehicle regulation specifically, start with the Hackney/Taxi section on police.boston.gov and use its "more" link for the operative rules and contacts.