Saratoga Police Warn of Illegal Rides During Busy Track Season

Make Sure The Car is Legit

Track season is heating up in Saratoga Springs, and we haven't even reached some of the biggest crowds of the summer.

Between the Saratoga Race Course, upcoming SPAC shows like Luke Bryan and Parker McCollum, as well as the Travers Stakes, thousands will be looking for rides around the Spa City.

Saratoga Springs Police are reminding visitors to make sure the car they're getting into is legitimate.

A car with an Uber sticker in the window

Three Drivers Caught Operating Without a License

According to the department, numerous complaints have been received about unlicensed taxi drivers and rideshare operators attempting to bypass rideshare apps.
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The police department conducted an enforcement detail and ultimately cited three people for allegedly operating without a required Saratoga Springs taxi medallion.

They say that one of those drivers was also allegedly displaying a fictitious vehicle inspection sticker and received additional citations.

Police say another driver was registered with a rideshare app but allegedly offered rides for cash outside of the app.

SPAC Facebook Page

Before Getting Into a Rideshare

Saratoga Police recommend four steps before getting into a rideshare:

• STOP – Know the safety features available through your app.
• ASK – Ask the driver, "What's my name?" If they don't know, don't get in.
• MATCH – Make sure the vehicle and license plate match what's shown in your app.
• INFORM – Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to arrive.

For traditional taxis, the SSPD says to look for a current Saratoga Springs medallion, a TAXI roof light, a unique cab ID number, and signage identifying the operator.

Police say enforcement will continue throughout the remainder of the summer.