Broward taxi fleet trains for trouble on the road

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Broward County's taxi fleet is being trained to watch for trouble when they're on the road.

The Broward Sheriff's Office is joining forces with Yellow Cab and the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association to launch the training program on Friday from Port Everglades.

A sheriff's office statement says the port was chosen because it's the world's busiest cruise passenger port and is a major hub for cargo and fuel, all combining to make it a potential target for terrorism. The port also sees a high volume of taxis and limos.

Trained drivers will have a Transportation on Patrol, or TOP, sticker on their car and will call in emergencies.

The program is modeled after a similar initiative in Denver and will be expanded beyond Port Everglades in coming months.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)