COLUMBIA, MO. -- Columbia City Council Members have approved an extension of their taxi stand pilot project until December.

That’s when city leaders plan to re-evaluate the program again.

The pilot program forces cab drivers to pick up their customers in designated areas in Downtown Columbia between the hours of 9 p.m and 2:30 a.m. from Thursday nights to Sunday mornings.

Taxi stand supporters said the designated areas have reduced traffic congestion when the bars close in Downtown Columbia.

Police officers told council members that the taxi stands help prevent accidents involving pedestrians on downtown streets.

Right now, Columbia has 5 taxi stands.