News In Brief

Hay, mac, like the tie?

Those tarnished cabbies of the Diamond Cab Company will begin wearing neckties next week. Despite some grumbling from the drivers, company owner Tony Borras said he will insist on the new dress code for all 65 of his cabbies.

''We need to change the image of the taxicab driver,'' he said. ''I'm telling them they . . . provide an important service to the community and it's about time they get the respect and recognition they deserve.'' The new ''clean-cut image'' is part of a general cleanup for his company, Mr. Borras said. He bought a new vacuum cleaner and car-wash machine - for the cabs.