The Denver Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau has formed a committee of 23 organizations and individuals to oversee an in-depth analysis of the state's taxicab industry.

It also has hired expert Ray Mundy, who heads the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Missouri at St. Louis, to conduct the study.

The committee consists of various stakeholders involved with the taxi business, from state and city officials to cab companies and hotel representatives. It also includes a group of drivers pushing to ease regulations on the industry, as well as a representative for disabled passengers.

The bureau announced in May it would spearhead the study amid concerns over poor service and lack of competition.

"We really put a broad representation of people together, including those pushing for deregulation in the past and those that don't think the answer is deregulation," said Bill Mitchell, the bureau's director of government and community affairs. "This is not just a short-term fix. We're taking a long-term, structural view. No study like this has ever been done on the cab industry in Denver."

It has taken longer than some observers wanted to develop the committee and hire a consultant. But the bureau said its main concern is to address the issue thoroughly, not quickly.

"There was a lot of pressure to do something right away and get the train going down the tracks as soon as possible," Mitchell said. "I felt it was important to slow it down and do our due diligence."

Some legislators and other groups have been lobbying for changes to the state's cab industry, which is governed by stiff regulations that make it difficult for new companies to enter the market. Disabled residents, people living in lower income neighborhoods and others looking to take short trips also complain that it's difficult for them to get cabs.

The issue has taken on increased importance ahead of next year's Democratic National Convention.

The study will look to identify what works and what doesn't work with the current system, incorporating perspectives from consumers, businesses, cab companies, drivers and visitors.

"We'll start with why we are regulating and what's best for the public interest," said Mundy, who has conducted similar studies in other cities. "We'll then analyze what we've got here and take a look at how the service is perceived by the local community."

Mundy estimates the study will take six months. The bureau is still working out specifics on how much Mundy will receive, but it has a budget of $100,000. Denver's cab companies are funding the study.

Abdi Buni, president of the group of drivers pushing for regulatory changes, said he's comfortable the study will offer an independent assessment of the situation.

"It is my understanding that all of us are trying to find out what is good for Denver," Buni said. "We've been promised that this study will be neutral."

The study will involve

• Sending out "mystery shoppers" to test cab service.

• Analyzing data from taxi companies to determine which areas of the metro region receive poor service, based on whether calls are picked up and how long it takes cabs to get there.

• Surveying all the major hotels, motels, social--service agencies and other businesses and organizations.

• Running simulations to determine the number of cabs needed at Denver International Airport.

walshc@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2744