NEW YORK—For anyone living in New York City, taking a taxi or some other sort of for-hire vehicle is a common occurrence—a part of the fabric of everyday life. And as such, most New Yorkers have a story about being cheated, scammed, overcharged, or made to feel a bit uneasy in relation to a taxi ride.
To help improve the oversight of for-hire vehicles in New York, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has proposed a new set of regulations called the For-Hire Vehicle Accountability Rules.
At a press conference on April 15, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers publicly endorsed the new rules.
“The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, its members and affiliates, work very hard with the TLC to create fair rules and regulations. These rules and regulations will not only protect the riding public, but will also protect the integrity of the base owners and drivers. The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers will continue to work with the TLC in furthering any improvement that may be needed in our industry; this is a monumental moment for our industry,” said Fernando Mateo spokesperson for the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers.
TLC Commissioner and chairman Matthew W. Daus highlighted the collaborative process that went into drafting the new rules, drawing from leaders in the for-hire vehicle industry. He said the common theme and common goal in drafting the new rules is increased passenger safety and improved service.
“It has been a gratifying experience to be able to work closely together with the leaders of our regulated For-Hire Vehicle industries to create a package of regulations rooted in safety and accountability that will enhance passenger safety and customer service and further professionalize their businesses,” said Daus at the Wednesday press conference.
Among the provisions contained in the For-Hire Vehicle Accountability Rules is a point based system that would keep a data base of driver infringements, a guarantee that fares quoted in advance to customers are firm and not subject to random inflation, better markings for for-hire vehicles so that customers can better identify cars licensed by the TLC, and a passenger bill of rights.
A public hearing on the proposed rules will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 9:30 a.m., at the TLC’s headquarters, 40 Rector Street, fifth floor, New York, N.Y. 10006.
To help improve the oversight of for-hire vehicles in New York, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has proposed a new set of regulations called the For-Hire Vehicle Accountability Rules.
At a press conference on April 15, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers publicly endorsed the new rules.
“The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, its members and affiliates, work very hard with the TLC to create fair rules and regulations. These rules and regulations will not only protect the riding public, but will also protect the integrity of the base owners and drivers. The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers will continue to work with the TLC in furthering any improvement that may be needed in our industry; this is a monumental moment for our industry,” said Fernando Mateo spokesperson for the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers.
TLC Commissioner and chairman Matthew W. Daus highlighted the collaborative process that went into drafting the new rules, drawing from leaders in the for-hire vehicle industry. He said the common theme and common goal in drafting the new rules is increased passenger safety and improved service.
“It has been a gratifying experience to be able to work closely together with the leaders of our regulated For-Hire Vehicle industries to create a package of regulations rooted in safety and accountability that will enhance passenger safety and customer service and further professionalize their businesses,” said Daus at the Wednesday press conference.
Among the provisions contained in the For-Hire Vehicle Accountability Rules is a point based system that would keep a data base of driver infringements, a guarantee that fares quoted in advance to customers are firm and not subject to random inflation, better markings for for-hire vehicles so that customers can better identify cars licensed by the TLC, and a passenger bill of rights.
A public hearing on the proposed rules will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 9:30 a.m., at the TLC’s headquarters, 40 Rector Street, fifth floor, New York, N.Y. 10006.
