JANUARYJULY 20102016 •• TAXITAXI INSIDERINSIDER •• PAGEPAGE 11

INSIDER VOL. 17, NO. 1 “The Voice of the NYC Transportation Industry.” JAN. 2016

Letters Page 2, 4, 16 and 30 • EDITORIAL Insider News By David Pollack Page 5 and 21 • Looking Back Taxi Attorney Medallion transfers under this administration are crazy. What will this year bring? By Michael Spevack are the most infrequent that anyone can recall. The New York City Department of Transporta- Page 7 Therefore, the city cannot auction the final 1600 tion has gone crazy by adding No Left Turn signs • wheelchair accessible medallions, part in the most ridiculous places like 57th of 2000 original wheelchair accessible Street and 3rd Avenue. These new signs Commissioner’s Corner medallions mandated to be auctioned throughout the central business district By Meera Joshi off by Governor Cuomo. cause havoc and more traffic than ever. Page 15 All through 2015, career drivers Once again, nobody from NYCDOT en- • have been reporting the heaviest traf- gaged the taxi industry for input prior to fic that anyone living can remember in changing the traffic patterns for worse. If It’s Either Sadness or Euphoria Manhattan and at the airports. It takes DOT is so dam smart, why is the average By Larry Fisher more time to service passengers in the speed of the M66 bus 3 miles per hour? Page 17 central business district, and getting to, The President of the national associa- • and coming from the airports in over two tion, TLPA (Taxi, Limousine and Para- hours in now the norm. This equates into Transit Association) made this statement Medallion Agents less money in taxi drivers’ pockets. on the Taxi Dave broadcasting from Las Vegas: Starts on Page 18 City Councilman Renoso, an avid biker, intro- “The issue of Uber and Lyft and the other TNCs • duced a bill allowing for bicyclists not to stop at that exist have really consumed my presidency. Quotable Quotes red lights or stop signs! And you thought the tolls (Continued on Page 6) Page 30 • UBER-CORRUPTION? IATR Annual Conference New Taxi Service Threatens Good-Paying US Jobs By Matthew Daus While Enriching A Few Insiders Page 24 and 25 Uber, with Goldman Sachs and other Wall Street • insiders as investors, including the Chicago Mayor’s Black Car Fund Holiday Party brother, Ari Emanuel, is putting at risk thousands of Page 26 & 36 jobs nationwide while the taxi industry undergoes a game-changing transformation. • Last week I was in Moscow, invited there by the NYC Economy Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia (AGM), an Page 27 and 32 organization founded by young patriotic Russians. • They have made an effort to reach out to progressive communities around the world, even protesting in Hotel List (Continued on Page 8) Page 28 and 30 • Events and More TAXI DAVE’S Starts on Page 29 • Insider Directory RADIO SHOW Page 33 WOR-710AM • 8:00 – 9:00 PM EVERY SUNDAY! PAGE 2 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 JULY 2010 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 1 LETTERS INSIDER Medallion Owners in this man’s shoes and how the heck would my mom and the rest of us survive De Blasio need to step up Publisher & Dear Taxi Dave, to the plate now and start fi ghting for us the little The City of New York sells taxi medallions to guy here! I know I’ll try to do my part on Twitter Editor-in-Chief hapless individuals and then does nothing to protect and Facebook and Daily New voicers! those buyers from illegal competition. I believe that Christine David Pollack all these individuals should get together and fi le a class action suit and force the city to buy back those overprized now worthless medallions. These Please Bring Coyne people fi nd themselves between a rock and hard place, they can’t sell, lease or pay the mortgage on To Justice! these taxi medallions. The Mafi a should run the taxi medallion sales, at least they protect you from any competition. Virgilio Carballo Columnists Bronx, N.Y. Matthew Daus, Esq. Tony Falese Taxi Stand Occupied! Larry Fisher Ira Goldstein, Esq. Bob Mackle, Esq. Abe Mittleman Alan Plafker Michael Spevack, Esq. Layout & Graphics Dragonfl y Graphics LLC Dear Taxi Dave, 8:17 pm on 12/07/15 at west 53rd Street (between 6th %26 7th Avenues) by the Hilton Hotel. Abul Asad Khan Dear Taxi David, Taxi Insider Anthony J Coyne, badge # 929953 of 17th 14 Alexander Drive Imposter precinct should not be the law or above the law. Please do something to bring him justice. I’m Washingtonville, NY 10992 attaching two pictures of Coyne. First picture is on 12/23/2015 at 1:26 am at southwest corner of Phone: (718) 706-TAXI(8294) Lexington Avenue and Easr 50th Street (Coyne — entering his vehicle, supervisor’s suv after issuing summons(es) to the taxi driver). Second picture is E-mail:[email protected] on 12/23/2015 at 1:43 am at southeast corner of Lexington Avenue and East 40th Street just pulled over a taxi. Sincerely, Copyright © 2016 by TAXI INSIDER. All Abul Asad Khan rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part therof may be reproduced, copied, The Fraud of Uber! or transmitted in any form, electronic or Dear Taxi Dave, To Taxi Dave, mechanical including photocopying, mi- This guy was in the west Village last thursday in I have been a business owner, investor, and inde- crofi lming, recording or by any information the afternoon hours. He had an illuminated Taxi sign pendent contractor (IC) for 20+ years. I was lured into retrieving system without the express written on his dashboard and will turn it off and on whenever the Uber scam by their recruiters and offi ce employees. permission of the publishers. The copyright he saw a prospective passenger. “Buy an Uber Black limo and make $3000-4000/ is extended to the design and text created Georgi week. We have $35 minimum fares, reimburse for for advertisements. This publication will tolls, and you keep 75%”. not be responsible for errors in advertise- It’s Time To Step Up for I ran out and bought a $40K Lexus just like all ment beyond the cost of the space occupied the other drivers. Verbal contracts are legal in Texas. by the error. Bylined articles represent the The Little Guy Fraud is fraud everywhere. They are certainly guilty of sole opinion of the writer and are not neces- Hi Dave, violating IC laws. They set your fares, prohibit tipping, sarily in accordance with the views of TAXI As always, we listened to your show last block your phone from contact with client, threaten INSIDER. night. This one really was too much. termination if you don’t work enough or complain, This Publication reserves the right to I felt so bad for I think the caller’s name was Helen etc. An IC can’t be told what to do or when to do it. limit or refuse advertising it deems objec- talking about her husband who is 93 yrs old & in They must be independent…..Uber is more control- tionable. the hospital. He’s still so worried about his wife, on ling than most employers. This is minor stuff. TAXI INSIDER is published monthly at how they are going to make ends meet because of The Uber model is all about fraud, breach of a subscription rate of $48.00 per year. this mess that Bloomberg & old man Sachs created. contract, and creating illegal leverage on drivers and Something has to give here. I was picturing my father (Continued on Page 4) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 3

Life is full of risks! Are you protected? Without the proper insurance protection you could be financially devastated. The insurance experts atMEMBER BROKERAGE SERVICE, LLC, will help protect you from these unforeseen hazards AND save you money in the process. We offer you flexible and affordable terms with NO broker fees.

• Automobile Insurance • Life & Health Insurance • Homeowners & Renters Insurance • Business Insurance • Disability Insurance • Workers Compensation & DBL • Long-Term Care Insurance

For more information, call MBS at (718) 523-1300 or stop by our office.MBS is a member of the Professional Insurance Agents Association.

139-30 Queens Blvd., INSURANCE Briarwood, NY 11435 Phone: (718) 523-1300 Fax: (718) 526-1205 A Melrose Credit Union Service Organization www.memberbrokerage.com PAGE 4 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 into the other tube and was backed up past Van Dam Street. Nobody arranged the cones properly allowing for traffi c to use three lanes instead of two. LETTERS Taxi Dave Ehail Dear Taxi Dave, (Continued from Page 2) “Remember when you need to ehail use a yellow therefore the market. They are cheating you which the taxi business in NYC, Bloomberg made that cab.” That is what every taxi driver should be tell- is illegal according to antitrust legislation. They very clearly for New Yorkers when he told Gene ing their customers. Also, drivers need more of an INTENTIONALLY tell the same lies (and send Freedman he is going to destroy the taxi business. incentive to use e-hail. Maybe drivers can receive $5 out recruiters to do same) to create an oversupply One of Bloomberg’s ideas was putting in bike lanes, dollars bonuses for each e-qqhail during rush hour. of drivers expecting to get paid. This creates lower the 2nd idea was thru streets, 3rd - drivers must That might get more drivers on the road with yel- fares for the client, growing commissions for Uber, turn right or left on the green arrows. Doing all the low and really eat into Uber’s core. We need more and diminishing income for all of their drivers. The above has slowed down the traffi c including buses attractive screens for drivers so they enjoy using the competition has NO chance!!! UNLESS you refuse to a titles pace. ehail with navigation. to pay your drivers….like Uber. Bloomberg told New Yorkers there are not enough Hasan Their website claimed a fully utilized car would taxis to serve the public and then made sure Uber , Lyft, generate $100,000/year. Radio advertisements say VIA and Get apps illegally competed with yellows. Hi Taxi Dave, (today!) “if you want to make $500/day…that’s up I’m not a traffi c engineer, but I know a lot better than How are you? to you”! They create duress and haste with their DOT traffi c engineers because I drive in traffi c all There are lots of ehail happening with decline of FRAUDULENT enticements that you don’t care about day, or should I say crawl all day? credit card. If the app can’t make sure the payment who anything but the $3-4,000/week ($200K/year+) and Charbel could. Last time I lost one fare because of that. the plan (suggest by Uber) to buy more cars! More Thank you. income!! It is all a lie. They know they will fl ood the Mahabub Sujon market. I had to go to the offi ce to register as their Is This Legal? website wouldn’t let me enroll. The employee did Tourists all the work. I never saw an employment/contractor Dear Taxi Dave, agreement. At $3-4,000/week…I just want to work If you are visiting our beautiful city for the holi- just like the other 10,000 Uber drivers (last count)! days, welcome! If you are new to NYC, hello! Now Then you taste reality. You will get a couple rides that salutations are done, let’s again go over what a day. 5 hour waits for clients at IAH (Bush airport) you won’t read in your travel guide: that sometimes go to Kingwood for $35!!! It is all 1) Yes, NYC is a vertical site to see. If you want a scam. My income was about what my expenses to look at the architecture, MOVE TO THE SLOW were. Uber demanded Uber Black drivers accept LANE on the sidewalk. Some of us have places to Uber Select clients (half-fare), reduced minimum go. fares to $15, eliminate toll reimbursement, increase 2) Don’t wait until you are in front of the turnstile their commission (25 to 28%), etc. Not once did they to look for your Metrocard. I just missed my damn tell the drivers what was coming. All bad. Dear Taxi Dave, train. However, FRAUD is illegal. Conviction for fraud A police car at the 96th St. transversal driving 3) Well, if you stand with your wife and children comes with TREBLE DAMAGES (3 times actual). and stopping against traffi c fl ow. Your friends give at the entrance & exit of the subway to look at your Breach of contract. Improper termination. Violation out tickets every day, even Dec 24th. map, why are you surprised that your 4-year old got of IC laws (minimal in comparison). Lawsuits fl ying Belated Merry Xmas cabbies. bowled over? Ya’ll are in the way. at them from all directions. What goes around comes Xxxxxx 4) I have nothing to say to the parents that let their around. Uber is on the run. They know what is coming. kid sit on the subway fl oor because she was “tired” Why else are they spending so freely on lobbyists??? Where Is Everybody? and there were no more seats. Good luck treating That’s where their money is going. Lobbyists buying whatever she caught for the rest of your holiday. temporary infl uence with lawmakers. Don’t feel bad Todd when Florida and Ohio support Uber just know they got a payoff from lobbyists. Temporary!!!! Uber has cheated too many people. We are com- You Can Refuse A Fare ing together to bring a halt to their scams. They will remain the Walmart of transportation but with a sul- At LGA! lied reputation and criminal record. It won’t be cool Dear Taxi Dave, riding with transportation terrorists. Bernie Madoff is At United terminal taxi stand on 12/05/2015 an angel compared to the despicable tactics of Uber. at 6:45 pm the fi rst taxi on line 7A79 refused a Uber is a Ponzi only they get you to put the money female passenger with a child to go to the Bronx into a vehicle for their use to generate obscene profi ts (730 Grand Concourse). I was the second taxi and valuations. (3W15) on line and the dispatcher, Keith L. gave Don’t just whine. Collect names of every Uber me that Bronx fare and the fi rst taxi got another driver you and your family and your friends and your fare. I asked the dispatcher how come that driver employees know and send them to me. Ask for proof. got another fare after refusing a passenger? Emails. I have tons. Uber is so ignorant that they The dispatcher told me let me do my job! actually put things in emails. Get busy! The future Is that dispatcher’s job to protect the rules or of your industry and companies is at stake. break the rules? Hit them hard and SOON! Sincerely, Best regards, Abul Asad Khan Dale R. McFarland President Uber Has Ruined It! [email protected] Dear Taxi Dave, There is no money out there, experienced drivers Buses are hurting and worried about their livelihoods, ex- Dear Readers, actly like the taxi prophets have said!!! , Uber has Hello Taxi Dave, Recently I was driving through r he Midtown tunnel I recently read the article about the buses in put out too many cars,!!! Uber’s lack of experienced eastbound into Queens and in the Westbound lane, has caused all involved to make less money, except the 5 Boroughs and how slow they are running. only six vehicles came in the other direction during my They are running behind schedules because of of course for Uber !!! Entire tunnel trip. Could this be a day with no traffi c Michael Simon the bunch of idiots making decisions at the NY- coming into Manhattan I thought? When I got to the CDOT. Traffi c in NYC is designed to destroy Queens side of the Tunnel, traffi c was totally diverted (Continued on Page 16) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 5 Insider News URGENT! ATTENTION MEDALLION OWNERS BUYING ACCESSIBLE TAXIS!

IF YOU HAVE A NON-RESTRICTED MEDALLION AND ARE BUYING AN ACCESSIBLE TAXI, YOU MUST BUY AN NV-200 ACCESSIBLE TAXI!*

*THE OTHER VEHICLES LISTED ON THE “VEHICLE APPROVED FOR SERVICE” LIST, IS ONLY FOR ACCESSIBLE MEDALLIONS AND THOSE OWNERS WHO WERE APPROVED FOR A WAIVER 120 DAYS BEFORE RETIREMENT OF THEIR TAXIS. New York City Taxi And Senator Avella And Assembly Limousine Commission Member Dendekker Announce Notice of Public Hearing and Opportunity to Comment on Proposed Rules The Signing Of Fines And What are we proposing? through the NYC rules Web site at Forfeitures Bill Into Law The Taxi and Limousine Commis- www.nyc.gov/nycrules. State Senator Tony Avella and quently signed by Governor Andrew sion (TLC) is considering amend- • By Speaking at the Hearings. Assembly Member Michael G. Cuomo on Tuesday, December 22nd, ing its rules to streamline renewal Anyone who wants to comment DenDekker held a press conference 2015. compliance deadlines; eliminate on the proposed rule at the public celebrating the passage of their “People who have had their traf- probationary licenses for drivers of hearings must sign up to speak. You Fines and Forfeitures bill, S.5046A/ fic violations dismissed and yet are for Taxicabs and For-Hire Vehicles; can sign up before either hearing by A7230A, into law. still being forced to pay additional lengthen license periods from two calling 212-676-1135. You can also When a traffi c or vehicle ticket has fees are nothing but victims of a to three years for all types of driver sign up in the hearing room before been issued to a person for a viola- legal shakedown. The fines that licenses; change specifications for the session begins on January 21, tion, there are usually accompanying New York State collects from the driver protection markings; remove 2016. You can speak for up to three administrative fees, fi nes, penalties, pockets of those who have wrongly the option of paying fines and settle- minutes. or forfeitures. In the event that the been issued violations are entirely ments in cash; require all license Is there a deadline to submit violation has been dismissed, how- unjustified. I am glad that Governor applicants to provide an e-mail written comments? ever, those additional fees remain and Cuomo agrees and has signed the address; and require all applicants Yes, you must submit written the very same people who have com- Fines and Forfeitures bill into law. whose driver’s license have been comments by January 20, 2016. mitted no wrong-doing are forced to New York will no longer be on the issued in other states to provide an Do you need assistance to par- pay regardless. list of States that squeeze middle abstract of their driving record from ticipate in the Hearings? As a result of the legislation, and working-class families with the other state. You must tell the Office of Legal municipalities will be prohib- undue fee’s for revenue,” said State When and where is the Hear- Affairs if you need a reasonable ac- ited from assessing and collecting Senator Tony Avella. ing? commodation of a disability at the these additional fees associated “The fact that hard-working The Commission will hold a public Hearing. You must tell us if you need with dismissed traffic and vehicle New Yorkers were being charged hearing, at which the public and in- a sign language interpreter. You can violations. In effect, people will administrative fees on dismissed terested parties are invited to submit tell us by mail at the address given no longer be subject to undue tickets is absolutely outrageous, comments and testimony on the pro- above. You may also tell us by tele- fines that linger even after they and I am very proud that we were posed rules, at 10:00 a.m. on January phone at 212-676-1135. You must tell have been found innocent of any able to pass this legislation remov- 21, 2016. This hearing will be held us by January 14, 2016. wrongdoing. ing that burden. I want to thank in the Commission’s public hearing Can I review the comments made Many states have been accused of Governor Cuomo for signing this room at 33 Beaver Street, New York, on the proposed rules? engaging in this practice to generate common-sense legislation, and New York on the 19th Floor. A few days after the hearing, a revenue and New Yorkers, too, have Senator Avella for introducing the How do I comment on the pro- transcript of the hearing and cop- been subject to this unjust practice. bill in the Senate. These are the posed rules? Anyone can comment ies of the written comments will be To address this issue, Senator Avella kind of important steps that we can on the proposed rules by: available to the public at the Office and Assembly Member DenDekker continue to take to protect all New • Mail of Legal Affairs. introduced S.5046A (A7230A), which Yorkers,” said Assembly Member You can mail written comments to What authorizes the Commis- passed both chambers and was subse- Michael G. DenDekker. the Taxi and Limousine Commission, sion to make this rule? Office of Legal Affairs, 33 Beaver Sections 1043 and 2303 of the City New York. For-Hire Vehicle, lengthen license Street – 22nd Floor, New York, New Charter and section 19-503 of the City What rules govern the rulemak- periods from two to three years for York 10004. Administrative Code authorize the ing process? all types of driver licenses, eliminate • Fax Commission to make these proposed The Commission must meet the probationary licenses for drivers You can fax written comments to rules. These proposed rules were requirements of Section 1043 of the of Taxicabs and For-Hire Vehicles, the Taxi and Limousine Commission, not included in the Commission’s City Charter when creating or chang- change specifications for driver pro- Office of Legal Affairs, at 212-676- regulatory agenda for this Fiscal Year ing rules. This notice is made accord- tection markings, remove the option 1102. because the need for these rules was ing to the requirements of Section of paying fines and settlements in • Email. not contemplated when the Commis- 1043(b) of the City Charter. cash, require all license applicants You can email written comments sion published the agenda. STATEMENT OF BASIS AND to provide an e-mail address, and to [email protected]. Where can I find the Commis- PURPOSE OF RULES require all applicants whose driver’s • Website sion’s rules? The TLC is amending its rules license have been issued in other You can submit comments to the The Commission’s rules are in to streamline renewal compliance states to provide an abstract of their Taxi and Limousine Commission title 35 of the Rules of the City of deadlines for drivers of Taxicabs and (Continued on Page 21) PAGE 6 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Looking Back something the lifelong politicians will certainly be against. He urge (Continued from Page 1) TAXI AND FOR-HIRE VEHICLE YOU to call your elected officials RELIEF STANDS It has been our number one issue and tell them that YOU want ethics DOT is not responsible regulating taxis. Taxis are regulated by the New York for the past year. We are certainly reform or you will not vote for them City Taxi and Limousine Commission. DOT does regulate taxi relief stands fighting for a level playing field, next time they run. Taxi relief stands allow drivers to park their vehicles for up to one hour. This and we believe they are providing I came close to hitting a bicyclist affords drivers the opportunity to leave their vehicles and take care of personal the same service as a taxicab and in who was traveling east in the west needs. Taxi relief stands should not be confused with taxi stands, which are most jurisdictions they are operating lane on 34th Street. I was driving locations where drivers can wait, in their cars, to pick up passengers. as an illegal taxicab not meeting the eastbound and I was turning onto The type column indicates if the relief stand is for taxis alone, or both taxis public safety requirements that are the street heading into the Midtown and For-Hire Vehicles (FHVs). Staten Island currently has no relief stands. out there.” Tunnel after being waved on by a In October, Gridlock Sam stated traffic agent! Even she did not notice BRONX that he would have arrested con- the bicyclist who had his earplugs TYPE LOCATION CROSS STREET struction workers who closed major inserted, heading the wrong way Taxi Jerome Ave. (E. Side) Eliot Pl. & E. 170th St. streets like 58th Street between Park against the light. Taxi Metropolitan Ave. (N. Side) Purdy St. & Red Oak Dr. Avenue and Lexington Avenue in the How do the Governors of New daytime, after Taxi Dave spoke of the York and New Jersey justify a $15 toll MANHATTAN EAST SIDE ABOVE 23RD STREET closure on the Taxi Dave Radio Show. on the George Washington bridge? Taxis E.77th St.(N. Side) First & Second Aves. The eastbound traffic caused by the Let’s not forget the $600,000,000.00 Taxis E. 86th St. (N. Side) Henderson Pl. & York Ave. closure, caused gridlock on second in discretionary funds earmarked for Taxis E. 78th Street (N. Side) Lexington & Third Ave. avenue and 59th Street thereby caus- both Governors Cuomo and Christie Taxis E. 78th St. (S. Side) Lexington & Third Ave. ing stopped traffic all the way back from the Port Authority. Besides Taxis & FHVs E. 29th St. (S. Side) Madison & Fifth Ave. to Van Dam Street in Long Island their multi billion dollar assets from Taxis E. 27th St. (N. Side) Park Ave. S. & Madison Ave. real estate and other tolls, at the GW Taxis & FHVs E.28th St. (N. Side) Park Av. S. & Lexington Ave. City and for five miles on the Long Taxis & FHVs Madison Ave. (W. Side) E. 26th & 27th St. Island Expressway! All of this caused Bridge alone, the Port Authority nets Taxis E. 26th Street (S. Side) Third & Second Aves. by jerks closing a major street in NETS $595,000,000.00! So the next the daytime. For the first time Grid- time you pay a $15 toll going into lock Sam said that TRAFFIC HAS Staten Island or into Manhattan, MANHATTAN WEST SIDE ABOVE 23RD STREET think about your Governors screwing Taxis W. 55th St. (S. Side) Tenth & Eleventh Aves. NEVER BEEN WORSE. Taxis & FHVs Sixth Ave. (W.Side) W. 55th & 56th Sts. This past year we have seen a you. Do you feel the love from your Taxis & FHVs Eighth Ave. (E. Side) W. 52nd & 53rd Sts. number of changes in the political Governors now? Taxis Broadway (E. Side) W. 48th & 47th Sts. machine in Albany without the legis- Callers from around the country Taxis Eighth Ave. (W. Side) W. 46th & 47th Sts. lature making any real ethics changes. have been calling into the Taxi Dave Taxis & FHVs Sixth Ave. (W. Side) W. 39th & 40th Sts. My suggestions in last month’s edi- Radio show expressing common Taxis & FHVs Sixth Ave. (W. Side) W. 38th & 39th Sts. tion are simply logical, but I leave problems they face, similar to those Taxis Broadway (E. Side) W. 43rd & 42nd Sts. the law making to the professionals. in New York city. Taxis Ninth Ave. (E. Side) W. 42nd & 41st Sts. After both Sheldon Silver and Dean The New York City Medallion Taxis West 39th St. (S. Side) Eighth & Ninth Aves. Skelos were convicted of corrup- Owner Driver Association (NYC- Taxis Ninth Ave. (E. Side) W. 30th & 29th Sts. tion, Senator Avella stated on the MODA) held numerous demonstra- Taxi Dave radio show that he will be tions including the front of the Taxi & MANHATTAN BELOW 23RD STREET introducing a comprehensive ethics Limousine Commission and march- Taxis E. 23rd St. First & Second Aves. bill which will include term limits, ing across the 59th Street Bridge. Taxis & FHVs Sixth Ave. (W. Side) W. 22nd & 23rd Sts. trading. Here’s what he told me: Taxis Third Ave. (W. Side) E. 14th & 15th Sts. UBER Corruption? Immediately after collecting the Taxis & FHVs Third Ave. (W. Side) E. 15th & 14th Sts. (Continued from Page 1) Taxis & FHVs Sixth Ave. (W. Side) W.13th & 14th Sts. medallion money from taxi operators Taxis Sixth Ave. (W. Side) Thompson & Grand Sts. front of the US Embassy in Moscow in New York City, then-Mayor and bil- Taxis & FHVs Canal St. (N. Side) E. Broadway & Essex St. against police impunity in murders lionaire Michael Bloomberg publicly Taxis Park Row (SE. Side) Ann & Beekman Sts. of unarmed Blacks. We had been ne- quarreled with a political connected Taxis & FHVs Fulton St. (S. Side) Broadway & Church St. gotiating dates for my trip there for businessman known as “The Taxi Taxis & FHVs South St. (N. Side) Old Slip & Broad St. about a year. I fi nally made the trip King,” Evgeny “Gene” Friedman. Ac- Taxis & FHVs Water St. (W. Side) Whitehall & Broad Sts. last week: my visit coinciding with cording to news reports, Bloomberg Taxis Whitehall St. (W. Side) South & State Sts, that of US Secretary of State John reportedly told Friedman that he Kerry. This unusual alignment of US was going to “destroy your f_cking BROOKLYN offi cialdom and a former Member of industry.” Taxis N. Sixth St. (N. Side) Berry St. & Wythe Ave. Congress made for enhanced media According to information provided Taxis Fourth Ave. (W. Side) Third & Sixth Sts. interest in my visit. to Business Insider by a witness to the n the process, I learned a lot about exchange, Bloomberg appeared to be QUEENS young Russians. But, for now, I want upset by the ‘Taxi King’s’ successful Taxis & FHVs 43rd Ave. (N. side) 11th & 12th Sts. to explore the focus of this article: legal attack on Bloomberg’s plans to Taxis 44th Rd. (N. Side) 21st & 11th Sts. what I learned about a controversial introduce reforms in the New York Taxis & FHVs Hunterspoint Ave. 27th & 30th Sts. business that has deep fi nancial ties taxi industry. Those reforms were Taxis 31st St. (W. Side) 34th & 35th Aves. to Wall Street insiders and Chicago to include the mandate that all taxis Taxis & FHVs 43rd Ave. 36th & 37th Sts. Mayor Rahm Emanuel. would be a special yellow design made Taxis 34th St. (W. Side) 37th & 38th Aves. On my return from Moscow, I especially by Nissan for the New York Taxis Skillman Ave. 37th & 36th Sts. landed at JFK airport, but had to make Mayor’s initiative, the Nissan NV 200. Taxis Queens Blvd. (S. Side) 50th & 51st Sts. my way quickly over to LaGuardia The deal with Nissan was reportedly Taxis Queens Blvd. 55th & 54th Sts. airport for the next leg of my journey. worth one billion dollars. Dubbed Taxis & FHVs 45th Ave. (S. side) Jackson Ave. & 23rd St. That is when I chanced upon a con- by Mayor Bloomberg as the “Taxi of Taxis & FHVs Pearson St. (W. Side) Jackson Ave. & dead end versation with my taxi driver who was Tomorrow,” it just so happened that my Taxis 49th St. Newtown Rd & Northern Blvd. fi ghting mad about what he believed dash from JFK to LaGuardia was in Taxis 55th St. Queens Blvd & Roosevelt Ave. was an acute injustice that violated the that very Nissan model that is neither Taxis Van Dam St. Queens Blvd & Skillman Ave. compact between taxi companies that electric nor hybrid. Taxis & FHVs 36th St. Skillman & 43rd Aves. pay more than one million dollars for My driver was angry because he Don’t risk a summons trying to fi nd a Relief Stand on the list permission to operate, called a “medal- had worked hard and paid the fee for that the TLC web site provides. Texting or searching on-line lion,” in exchange for protection and the medallion and then the Mayor regulation by the City. The political tale while in your cab is against the law. Keep this list in your taxi undercut the value of the medallion he spun to me reeked of what seemed to by allowing Uber drivers to operate for future use! be a type of illegal Wall Street insider (Continued on Page 8) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 7 quickly if you speed or talk on your so please call me at 212.754.1011 to The Taxi Attorney cell phone while driving. Basically, discuss such a matter. Also, if you get any moving violation now puts you a settlement offer for 6 points in 15 Hello everybody, I hope that you and best of all, knows the truth about in jeopardy. Call me at 212.754.1011 months on your DMV license from are working hard and making good what is happening in your Industry. if you want to discuss your DMV or TLC, I might be able to help you get money. This month I Moreover, he has the TLC tickets. such a summons dismissed, so please want to talk about nine highest rated show on Also, please note that I will do an contact me at 212.754.1011 to discuss topics. radio in his time slot in excellent job advocating for you at a such a situation. It is good that TLC First, I have moved the NYC Metro area! So, fair and reasonable price, and I have is working with driver a little bit my office to Queens please tune in to listen. been doing this business for 20 years now on settlements and not simply again in order to better Fifth, remember to now and really know what I am do- taking drivers off the road for DMV help drivers. My new bring me your DMV ing. Please call me at 212.754.1011 points. I think this new policy makes office is in Rego Park, and TLC tickets. It is or 866.LAW.MIKE to discuss your sense and will keep the roads safe Queens. It is close to important to fight all DMV or TLC problem. while balancing the need for driv- the two airports and your DMV (issued by Seventh, TLC is now offering to ers to be able to work in real world just about a 10 minute NYPD) and TLC tickets. settle critical driver summonses even circumstances. drive from TLC in Long Be careful. Don’t skimp if you are eligible to be revoked by Eighth, if you receive a pink sum- Island City. Also, there on the lawyer only to lose TLC for having more than 10 points mons, please call me at 212.754.1011 is meter parking avail- your license later. Please in 15 months on your DMV abstract. to discuss it. able and a parking lot in the building fight every yellow or pink ticket you The terms of the settlement are that Mr. Spevack thanks you for read- in case you are in a rush to see me. receive from NYPD and every TLC you must take a special class at taxi ing this article which is for enter- My new address is 97-77 Queens ticket you receive. If you are uncer- school and you must pay $1000 fine tainment purposes only and does Blvd., Suite 1120, Rego Park, NY tain whether to use an attorney for a and come off the road for 6 months not constitute legal advice. For legal 11374. I am in an office suite with particular ticket, please come see me but this is better than getting revoked. advice, contact Mr. Spevack.http:// Crosstown Companies, a large real and I will tell you, no charge, if the Even if you get such an offer there are www.trafficticketnyc.com . estate firm, so PLEASE CALL ME ticket has points and you do or do not things that can be done to help you See his advertisement on page 38 TO ARRANGE AN APPOINT- need an attorney or representative for even more then the settlement offer of this issue. MENT BEFORE COMING OVER a particular summons. TO THE OFFICE! Also, PLEASE Sixth, please take the defensive CALL ME AT 212.754.1011 WHEN driver course every 18 months. Do YOU REACH SECURITY IN THE not wait three years to take the DDC LOBBY AND I WILL MEET YOU class that takes points off of your NYS AT THE ELEVATOR DOOR ON THE driver’s license. Please take the course 11th Floor to guide you to my office. every 18 months so if TLC sends you a I look forward to serving your needs letter to suspend or revoke your Hack and requirements from my new and or TLC license you will have taken improved office space. Hope to see the class before you get such TLC Photo By David Pollack you there! letter. Now TLC is allowing you to Second, I am working with a take a course which takes 3 points off prestigious and reasonably priced your DMV record according to TLC bankruptcy firm in case you need calculations after you get a letter from to file for Chapter 7, 13 or 11 of the TLC saying you have a suspension or United States Bankruptcy Code. I revocation coming to you. Also, if you understand the Industry and am glad get found guilty of a DMV summons to try to save your assets or liquidate it may be best to take a DDC course your assets as the case may be if you AFTER the guilty fi nding at TVB or need that type of service. A basic in other NYS traffi c courts. Chapter 13 which will generally allow Moreover, there is a persistent vio- you to keep your home and car etc. lator course available to reduce TLC is around $6500 for lawyer’s fees. points which are now being combined Chapter 11s are more and Chapter 7, with DMV points and can result in when you liquidate your assets, are your losing your TLC license very less. If you need this type of service or if you are considering it, I am glad to talk to you about it and you may contact me at my office during busi- ness hours at 212.754.1011 or 866. LAW.MIKE or 866.529.6453. Third, if you are arrested and you possess a TLC license, it is impera- tive that you hire the best criminal attorney that you can afford and maybe one that you cannot afford. I suggest that you borrow money to pay the attorney. This is so because TLC will hold your license until the criminal case is finished and the TLC will take it permanently from you if the criminal matters is NOT resolved to the TLC’s satisfaction. I work with a very high quality criminal attorney who can speed up criminal matters and obtains excellent results, so please call me at 212.754.1011 if you get arrested. Fourth, please listen to the Taxi Dave radio show on 710 am WOR, on Sunday evenings between 8pm and 9pm. David Pollack is the host. He is smart, entertaining, informative PAGE 8 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 UBER Corruption? website claims that its drivers make Then, my driver dropped what of the city taxi regulations. The paper good money, work on their own sched- was a bombshell to me: Chicago concludes that the relationship makes (Continued from Page 6) ule, outside of an offi ce and without Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s brother, Ari it hard for the mayor to appear to be in the city in any vehicle. He railed a boss. Indians and Chinese investors Emanuel, head of William Morris acting solely in the city’s interest. that overnight, the value of his medal- have joined forces to back Ola, Uber’s Endeavor talent agency, was an Uber Even worse, in 2012, a city employee lion had dropped precipitously and competition in India. The stakes are big investor. So, I decided to investigate. was reassigned after she informed the due to the Uber competition, he was with Ola having raised approximately And sure enough, it turns out that public in a tweet that the Uber drivers facing eviction from his home due $670 million between 2012 and mid- the William Morris Endeavor talent were not licensed. By 2014, Mayor to decreased business and increased 2015 before the Chinese investment. In agency owns an investment in Uber. Emanuel’s ordinance was adopted al- price competition. He claimed that his mid-November 2015, Ola announced According to the Chicago Sun Times, lowing Uber to legally operate in the situation was mirrored by thousands another fundraising success of an ad- the company spokesperson confi rmed city where taxi medallions cost over of other New York City taxi drivers ditional $500 million that included that the Uber investment was made $350,000. and that overnight a middle class job investment from the Chinese Uber about three months after Uber began An investigation by the City of Port- had become one out of which barely competitor, Didi Kuaidi. operating in Chicago. Moreover, the land and reported by Bloomberg news a modest living could be eked. The struggle in Australia is chron- Sun Times reports that Uber investors shows how taxis become displaced by Indeed, Uber has made interna- icled on Facebook here. One Aussie also include Amazon’s billionaire Jeff Uber. Meanwhile, in New York City, tional headlines recently. Available in taxi owner even reportedly bragged on Bezos and Goldman Sachs. my driver reported to me that current 68 countries according to its website, social media about attacking an Uber Chicago taxi drivers contend that New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is Uber faces a frontal challenge from driver and recommended that others the relationship between Uber and the trying to sort out the mess left behind competitors in India and China. Uber’s follow his action. Mayor’s brother is an outrage because by his predecessor. But in July 2015, the Washington Postreported, “Uber mows down Bill de Blasio.” The MANHATTAN POLICE PRECINCTS Post article also says that driver-less Precinct Address Direct line 1 Precinct 16 Ericsson Place 1-212-334-0611 Police Precincts cars could soon replace Uber drivers. It ends by acknowledging that while 5 Precinct 19 Elizabeth Street 1-212-334-0711 In New York City Uber was smashing Bill de Blasio’s 6 Precinct 233 West 10 Street 1-212-741-4811 efforts to slow down its penetration 7 Precinct 19 1/2 Pitt Street 1-212-477-7311 Taxi Insider Info of the New York City market, it also 9 Precinct 130321 AvenueEast 5th C Street 1-212-477-7811 was crushing the dreams of “a lot of 10 Precinct 230 West 20th Street 1-212-741-8211 71 Precinct 421 Empire Boulevard 1-718-735-0511 hardworking cab drivers.” 13 Precinct 230 East 21st Street 1-212-477-7411 72 Precinct 830 4th Avenue 1-718-965-6311 So, what does this mean to me? Midtown South Precinct Somehow, it seems unseemly that 73 Precinct 1470 East New York Avenue 1-718-495-5411 MSP 357 West 35th Street 1-212-239-9811 billionaire and millionaire mayors can 75 Precinct 1000 Sutter Avenue 1-718-827-3511 17 Precinct 167 East 51st Street 1-212-826-3211 use their money and political power to 76 Precinct 191 Union Street 1-718-834-3211 Midtown North Precinct cost the jobs of hard working middle 77 Precinct 127 Utica Avenue 1-718-735-0611 MNP 306 West 54th Street 1-212-767-8400 class taxi drivers without some kind 78 Precinct 65 6th Avenue 1-718-636-6411 of alternative training opportunities 19 Precinct 153 East 67th Street 1-212-452-0600 79 Precinct 263 Tompkins Avenue 1-718-636-6611 or something to ease the losses of the 20 Precinct 120 West 82nd Street 1-212-580-6411 81 Precinct 30 Ralph Avenue 1-718-574-0411 losers while the winners seem to be Central Park Precinct 83 Precinct 480 Knickerbocker Avenue 1-718-574-1605 playing insider profi t games. 86th St & Transverse Road 1-212-570-4820 84 Precinct 301 Gold Street 1-718-875-6811 Last week, I wrote about how 23 Precinct 162 East 102nd Street 1-212-860-6411 88 Precinct 298 Classon Avenue 1-718-636-6511 those powerful enough to make US 24 Precinct 151 West 100th Street 1-212-678-1811 90 Precinct 211 Union Avenue 1-718-963-5311 policy on Haiti are turning it into a 25 Precinct 120 East 119th Street 1-212-860-6511 vassal state; what I stumbled on two 94 Precinct 100 Meserole Avenue 1-718-383-3879 26 Precinct 520 West 126th Street 1-212-678-1311 days ago, upon my return to the US, is how a similar situation is brewing 28 Precinct 2271-89 8th Avenue 1-212-678-1611 QUEENS POLICE PRECINCTS 30 Precinct 451 West 151st Street 1-212-690-8811 in cities all across the United States Precinct Address Direct line while millions of dollars in profi ts are 32 Precinct 250 West 135th Street 1-212-690-6311 100 Precinct 92-24 Rockaway Beach Blvd. 1-718-318-4200 on the table and hundreds of thousands 33 Precinct 2207 Amsterdam Avenue 1-212-927-3200 101 Precinct 16-12 Mott Avenue 1-718-868-3400 of jobs are at stake. 34 Precinct 4295 Broadway 1-212-927-9711 102 Precinct 87-34 118th Street 1-718-805-3200 In the current US neoliberal system, the winners are the few on the inside BRONX POLICE PRECINCTS 103 Precinct 168-02 P.O. Edwaard Byrne Ave. 1-718-657-8181 104 Precinct 64-02 Catalpa Avenue 1-718-386-3004 and the losers are all of the rest of us. Precinct Address Direct line This is especially true while the taxi 105 Precinct 92-08 222nd Street 1-718-776-9090 40 Precinct 257 Alexander Avenue 1-718-402-2270 industry undergoes a game-changing 106 Precinct 103-53 101st Street 1-718-845-2211 41 Precinct 1035 Longwood Avenue 1-718-542-4771 transformation. 107 Precinct 71-01 Parsons Boulevard 1-718-969-5100 42 Precinct 830 Washington Avenue 1-718-402-3887 After serving in the Georgia Leg- 108 Precinct 5-47 50th Avenue 1-718-784-5411 43 Precinct 900 Fteley Avenue 1-718-542-0888 islature, in 1992, Cynthia McKinney 109 Precinct 37-05 Union Street 1-718-321-2250 44 Precinct 2 East 289th Street 1-718-590-5511 won a seat in the US House of Repre- 110 Precinct 94-41 43rd Avenue 1-718-476-9311 45 Precinct 2877 Barkley Avenue 1-718-822-5411 sentatives. She was the fi rst African- 111 Precinct 45-06 215th Street 1-718-279-5200 American woman from Georgia in 46 Precinct 2120 Ryer Avenue 1-718-220-5211 112 Precinct 68-40 Austin Street 1-718-520-9311 the US Congress. In 2005, McKinney 47 Precinct 4111 Laconia Avenue 1-718-920-1211 113 Precinct 167-02 Baisley Boulevard 1-718-712-7733 was a vocal critic of the government’s 48 Precinct 450 Cross Bronx Expressway 1-718-299-3900 114 Precinct 34-16 Astoria Boulevard 1-718-626-9311 response to Hurricane Katrina and was 49 Precinct 2121 Eastchester Road 1-718-918-2000 115 Precinct 92-15 Northern Boulevard 1-718-533-2002 the fi rst member of Congress to fi le ar- 50 Precinct 3450 Kingsbridge Avenue 1-718-543-5700 ticles of impeachment against George 52 Precinct 3016 Webster Avenue 1-718-220-5811 W. Bush. In 2008, Cynthia McKinney STATEN ISLAND POLICE PRECINCTS won the Green Party nomination for BROOKLYN POLICE PRECINCTS Precinct Address Direct line the US presidency. Precinct Address Direct line 120 Precinct 78 Richmond Terrace 1-718-876-8500 60 Precinct 2951 West 8th Street 1-718-946-3311 122 Precinct 2320 Hylan Boulevard 1-718-667-2211 61 Precinct 2575 Coney Island Avenue 1-718-627-6611 123 Precinct 116 Main Street 1-718-948-9311 62 Precinct 1925 Bath Avenue 1-718-236-2611 63 Precinct 1844 Brooklyn Avenue 1-718-258-4411 66 Precinct 5822 16th Avenue 1-718-851-5611 Questions? Comments? 67 Precinct 2820 Snyder Avenue 1-718-287-3211 E-Mail Taxi Insider at 68 Precinct 333 65th Street 1-718-439-4211 69 Precinct 9720 Foster Avenue 1-718-257-6211 [email protected] 70 Precinct 154 Lawrence Avenue 1-718-851-5511 JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 9

Uppkar Thind ext. 3110 PAGE 10 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 NEW YORK STREET HAIL LIVERY . . . RIGHT OFF THE ASSEMBLY LINE

Designed specifically to serve the disability community and built from the ground up, the MV-1 is the mobility solution that provides greater accessibility, comfort and unsurpassed durability. The MV-1 passes all FMVSS crash- worthiness tests without exemptions, as required for any new vehicle. • Purpose-built—not a conversion • Reduced maintenance and operating costs SPECIAL SHL PRICE • Increased safety, durability and reliability * • Meets ADA guidelines $39,500 • TLC approved INCLUDES TLC-APPROVED GREEN PAINT • Universal access for up to five passengers, including a wheelchair • Integrated side-entry ramp stores under the floor • Front-row wheelchair seating with Q’Straint securement system • Greater fuel savings with factory-installed CNG option • Produced by Mobility Ventures, a new wholly-owned subsidiary of AM General

www.mv-1.us (877) 681-3678 [email protected]

* Special offer for limited time. See dealer for details. All features subject to change. JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 11 PAGE 12 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 ALL BORO FUNDING, LLC FREEDOM OF FUNDING Take Advantage Of Our Low Interest Rates As Our Customer We’ll Ensure The Best Service

• Competitive Rates • We Can Lend More For Your Medallion • Quick Closings • Second Mortgages Available • Car Loans ALL BORO FUNDING, LLC Freedom of Funding 330 McGuinness Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11222 (718) 349-8448

Tired Of Driving For Someone Else? Change Your Life Now And Let Us Help You Climb The Ladder Of Success In The NYC Taxi Industry.

Prepare Now For The Medallion Auction Next Month And Let Us Prequalify You! Buy A Mini-Fleet Or Buy An Individual Medallion.

Need Help With Paperwork? We Do It For You & With You!

Need A Medallion Loan? We Help You Get It!

Need Insurance? We Get You The Industries Best!

WE WILL HELP YOU QUALIFY TO BID FOR ONE OF THE NEW MEDALLIONS THAT ARE GOING TO BE AUCTIONED BY THE CITY OF NEW YORK. Come In Now So You Can Become A Medallion Owner Too! One Stop Auction Shopping For All Your Auction Needs! Mystic Brokerage Inc. 330 McGuiness Blvd. • Brooklyn, NY 11222 718-349-7610 • Fax: 718-349-7615 JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 13 PAGE 14 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 yp Hereford Insurance Company Established 1982 • Licensed by the New York State Insurance Department 36-01 43rd Avenue, LIC, NY 11101 • Tel: 718-361-9191 • Fax: 718-361-6243

Driving• Keep an emergency During survival & kit Afterin your vehicle. a Snowstorm DEFENSIVE DRIVING • The following items should be stored in your vehicle before winter weather sets in: COURSE SCHEDULE (A). Several Warm Blankets, Small Shovel, Sand and/or Kitty Litter, Classes will be offered the following Saturdays: Safety Flares, Flashlight and Extra Batteries, Jumper Cables, a Red Flag or Cloth, February 27, 2016 (B)Warm Socks, Extra Pair of Gloves or Mittens, Warm Hat or Cap, Extra Sweaters or Shirts April 30, 2016 (C)Spare Ice Scraper, Charged Cell Phone Battery (D)Several Chocolate or High Energy Food Bars June 25, 2015 • Leave early and expect any trip to take twice as long as normal. • Plan your route to avoid steep grades and lightly-traveled roads. August 27, 2016 • Slow down. Slick pavement means reduced traction and loss of control All Hereford insured will receive the course at no cost: on snow or ice. Under these conditions, there’s no way the posted speed limit is a safe speed. Classes will be held in the third floor event room at: • Increase following distance. It can take from three to ten times farther to stop HEREFORD INSURANCE COMPANY on winter-slick pavement than on a dry road. The “2 second rule” for safe follow- 36-01 43RD AVENUE, LIC, NEW YORK 11101 ing distance must be increased accordingly to avoid “rear ender” accidents. Our classes are recognized by: • Stop gradually by “pumping” or “squeezing” your brakes and use your • Taxi and Limousine Commission for required license renewals. transmission to slow the car. Never slam on the brakes when on ice. • Department of Motor Vehicles for the Point Reduction. • Do not rush to pick up a radio or prearranged passenger. Give ETA’S that you can realistically keep. • Insurance carriers for rate reduction. • Remember your safety and the safety of your passengers are of utmost ALL CLASSES BEGIN AT 9:00A.M., AND END AT 3:00P.M. importance. Reservations Are Necessary. • In the days after a Snowstorm use caution when you are outside your All drivers must provide proof of Insurance. vehicle and assisting passengers. Not only use caution on slippery sidewalks For additional information please contact: but be on the alert for ice melting and falling from high rise buildings • Remember children and teenagers often throw snowballs at taxis and BERTRAM MERLING - Loss Control Coordinator vehicles for hire as a prank. Do not stop and respond to the offenders as the 718-361-9191 EXT. 7235 situation could escalate into a more serious incident. [email protected] JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 15 Commissioner’s Corner Attorney General’s Stepdaughter By Meera Joshi nounced a license modification that Held Over Disputed Taxi Fare we call the Med/FHV license, which allows its holder to drive yellow me- U.S. Attorney General Loretta he drove her to a Brooklyn police dallion taxicabs as well as the vehicle Lynch’s stepdaughter was briefly station. types driven by holders of the For- detained at a police station after an After it was determined she owed Hire Vehicle (FHV) license. Medal- argument with an Uber taxi driver him about $20, she said she had no lion drivers are receiving the Med/ over an unpaid fare, police said cash or credit cards on her, police said. FHV license at both initial licensure Monday. She was detained for about a half-hour and renewal, and longtime current Kia Absalom, 21, was riding in in a cell while her boyfriend came to FHV drivers have the opportunity to the car on Dec. 28. She believed her pay the fare, they said. After she paid, hold a Med/FHV license through a fare was automatically paid through she was released, and police said her testing procedure that will be avail- the Uber ride-hailing app, as is the arrest number was voided. able early in 2016. While this license practice with most of the cars avail- She was not fingerprinted or accomplishes the goal of increasing able on Uber, police said. booked, police said. mobility between sectors, and giv- But the driver was signed up for the Messages left with the attorney ing drivers new and better earning UberT service, through which riders general’s office and Absalom weren’t I’m writing this column as Cha- opportunities, it will also ease some can pay with cash or credit cards but immediately returned Monday. San nukah comes to a close, but before of the TLC’s administrative burden. not through the app. Francisco-based Uber declined to Christmas and Kwanzaa, so I hope Click here for all the details: http:// “I asked her to pay me,” taxi comment. that everyone reading this has al- www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/ driver Hassan Almaweri told the Police said they were reviewing ready or will soon be enjoying their pdf/industry_notice_15_59.pdf. Daily News. “She said, ‘No, I paid what happened. celebrations to the max. So, what’s I know I’ve also mentioned this in by the app.’” Reprinted with permission from going on with this weather? While several columns, but while we’re dis- The two argued over the fare, and Associated Press. the unseasonably warm weather cussing processes that make people’s has been very cooperative in terms lives easier, I just want to remind ev- of folks getting out and about, I’m eryone that the TLC no longer accepts Kindly Patronize sure there are lots of taxi and FHV walk-in license applicants without an drivers out there wishing for a cold appointment. Details are available at: Our snap to come along….my fingers are http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/down- crossed for you! loads/pdf/industry_notice_15_41.pdf So, since we last spoke, we’ve suc- (en español - http://www.nyc.gov/ Advertisers cessfully concluded the accessibility html/tlc/downloads/pdf/industry_no- drawings for medallions with sched- tice_15_41_spanish.pdf). Check Out the uled vehicle retirements through the As everyone who reads this col- year 2022. This was a herculean task umn knows, the TLC has been work- from an organizational level, but we ing very hard over the last few years Dirctory on Page 32 are now on-track and on-mission to to offer our licensee and applicant reach our goal of a 50% wheelchair customers more and more on-line accessible taxicab fleet by the year transactions -- more time with your 2020. I’d like to thank all of the families or on the road – less time medallion owners and operators who, waiting on lines at the TLC! Today, NYS DMV Point System at one point or another over the next people can use our on-line LARS Speeding (mph over posted limit) few years will be active participants system to plead guilty and pay in making New York City the most summons(es), make a license renewal 1to10...3points accessible taxi fleet in the nation. In payment, apply for a new license, pay all the hoopla over the logistics and various fees, or update their personal 11 to 20 . . 4 points economics of taking this from concept information online – and it’s been 21 to 30 . . 6 points to reality, I think that sometimes we working incredibly well, thanks to the lose perspective of just how historic TLC’s dedicated tech geniuses and 31 to 40 . . 8 points an achievement this is, but let me as- the licensees and applicants who’ve sure you all, the eyes of the world are wisely been using it. Now that it’s More than 40 . . 11 points on the New York City taxi industry, been going so well for so long, it’s Reckless Driving ....5points and our accomplishments continue almost time to complete the transition to impress. to all on-line transactions. We antici- Failure to stop for a School Bus .5points Speaking of accessibility, we’ve pate that, as of April 2016, we’ll be discussed this before, but it bears requiring that all driver renewals will Following too closely (tailgating) 4 points repeating! By the time you read be taking place on-line, and through Inadequate Brakes ..4points this, it’s possible that New Year’s e-mail/mail quickly and conveniently. Day may have already passed, so We’ll have updates about this over (while driving employer's vehicle)2 points it’s very important everyone knows the next few months, so keep an eye that on January 1, 2016, the Taxi on the web site. Failing to Yield Right-Of-Way...3points Improvement Fund (TIF) – made up On behalf of all the hardworking Violation Involving Traffic Signal, of the 30-cent surcharge that driv- men and women who serve you at ers have collected from passengers the TLC – allow me to thank you for Stop Sign, or Yield Sign ...3points since January 1, 2015 – will go live another great year of service to the with its mechanism for delivering millions of New Yorkers and visitors Railroad Crossing Violation3 points payments to wheelchair accessible who rely on you to get where they Improper Passing or Lane Use ..3points vehicle owners and drivers. To need to go, rain or shine, snow or prepare for this, we ask that owners sleet, hot or cold. It’s a difficult job, Leaving scene of an incident involving property “Call Sunny Save Money” and drivers update their information no matter which sector you’re in, but & with us. Take a moment and visit there’s a reason why New York City’s damage or injury to an animal .. 3points the LARS (License Applications, taxi and for-hire industries are known Safety restraint violation involving person Renewals and Summonses) web page and respected the world over – and at https://www1.nyc.gov/lars/ for all you’re it. I’d like to wish you and under 16 .3points the details on how to update quickly your families all a very happy, healthy Any other moving violation 2 points and easily. and prosperous holiday season and On November 30, the TLC an- New Year! Note: Speeding when speed not indicated is 3 points PAGE 16 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 1. There must be a hybrid option for accessible vehicles 2. Every for-hire and taxi vehicle, without exception must be an accessible vehicle. LETTERS The for-hire vehicles may not like it. But, there can’t be one segment of the industry that’s required to be ac- cessible while another is not. The people who need the service should not be (Continued from Page 4) denied. Housing Scam army of WACKOS! How long will it take for common sense to pre- ...And many so-called industry ‘leaders’ are falling Dear Taxi Dave, vail? for it! The term “affordable housing” is bulls- Abe Mittleman Do you want 53,000+ EXPERIENCED DRIVERS -t. A $40 million dollar mansion is “afford- for yellow cabs on the road - or do you want untrained able housing” to someone that can afford it. Uber REJECTS fl ooding in and destroying the last shred Nobody’s Making Money! What ever happened to “low income housing” and of ‘street cred’ that we have left?! Dear Taxi Dave, “middle income” housing? This affordable bullsh-- is That is wrong and even worse it is dumb! Everyone is in a bad mood. Either there are fewer a scam for developers to make more and politicians MH customers or too many Ubers, Before Uber, cabs to look good while helping the developers. would be faring better. Cab drivers cannot earn a liv- Welcome to New York City. ing with unlimited vehicles on the road. Before Uber, Richard N. Think About This the TLC was doing its job. Medallion values were Dear Taxi Dave, high, drivers were making great money and the city Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Macy’s profi ts are down 30%due to the Trump was making money. All were happy, but they made boycott. (Since they said they would stop the sale of Dear Taxi Dave, a mistake. There were not enough cabs during rush Trump stuff). This was due to what Trump said about A few drivers (...like ME !! ) are a little irked about hour. They weren’t able to fi gure that out or didn’t immigrants, not due to traffi c as you said on last week’s FLOODING the industry with 30,000 NEW GYPSIE want to. In any case they paid the consequences, it’s radio show. CAB DRIVERS versus getting the EXISTING IN- time to regret and go backBefore Uber. Avner Haleah VENTORY of current taxi drivers back on t he road. TaxiMike Currently - there are 53,000 taxi drivers for a mere 14,000 cabs. And about 30,000 of THEM don’t Traffi c? E-hail want to drive! Dear Taxi Dave, Dear Taxi Dave, ..and we’re going to BAIL OUT the ‘Taxi and FAKE Today is December 30th. In Manhattan, traffi c is The ehail belongs to the taxi, period. The public LIMO Commission’ with ‘rookie’ , inexperienced GYP- light and everybody is empty. taxi is a regulated vehicle that must have standards for SIE CAB DRIVERS because TLC is fi nally feeling the Mike the public good. If the public wants to ehail a luxury heat over the REAL TAXI DRIVER SHORTAGE ?!? car, it has to be at a luxury rate. There is no other way. ...and we’re going to LOWER our industry stan- Either you kill the driver’s ability to make a living, dards during the so-called ‘Vision Zero’ safety hoopla Accessible Taxis Dear Taxi Dave, or you give riders luxury at standard rates! ...for the SHORT-TERM! The government needs to step up to the plate. THAT is what UBER WANTS - because the yellow There is only one solution to the Accessible Di- lemma That’s what it’s supposed to do. cab drivers are now MUCH BETTER than THEIR small (Continued on Page 30)

By Appointment Only

* At Beaver Street ONLY! JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 17 This App Is A Great Way To Avoid It’s Either Sadness or Euphoria By Larry Fisher, Loan Department Supervisor Uber’s Surge Pricing In NYC MELROSE Credit Union Last weekend, I found myself in a I thought I’d have to suck it up and Billy Joel’s “Summer Valley hasn’t learned yet. familiar situation: It was after midnight, pay a ridiculous amount of money to Highland Falls” contains Drive yellow, buy yellow I was far from my apartment, and I get home. But a friend I was with sug- lyrics that are appropri- and support yellow. It is wanted to go home and go to sleep. gested I try the app Way2Ride, which ate to what we, the yel- the best bet for the future I was in an area of Brooklyn where I’d never heard of until then. low cab industry, has of ground transportation I couldn’t just walk outside and hail So I downloaded it, signed up, and experienced over the last in NYC. And when the a cab, so I opened Lyft to try to get a got home by paying a normal cab fair. eighteen to twenty-four passenger wants to go to ride home. But demand for cars was No surge pricing. months. Looking back, Queens at 5 pm, don’t give off the charts, so “Primetime” pricing And because of Way2Ride, I don’t medallion prices were him or her a hard time. Do was in effect, meaning prices were think I’ll ever pay for surge pricing at all-time highs. Lease your job, just take them. exorbitantly high. again. payments to owners were With all due respect to I opened Uber, and it was surging Reprinted with permission from also at all-time highs with Billy Joel, the lyric to to nearly twice the normal rate. Tech Insider. spirited competition among fl eets for Summer Highland Falls. medallions. Interest rates, which have “They say that these are not the best remained low, also were at historic lows. of times What You Should Know About Clearly, these were the best of times. But they’re the only times I’ve ever And now, as the industry has sur- known Returning a Leased Car vived this unprecedented illegal attack And I believe there is a time for By Mike Marinelli on our exclusive rights, it is time for us meditation Just because you lease a vehicle, who do Lease Return Inspectors. to bounce back. In a big way. It is time In cathedrals of our own you still have to take care of it. The They walk around the vehicle either for our elected leaders to see that they Now I have seen that sad surrender wrong perception is “the car’s not with or without you. YOU SHOULD have wrought nothing but pain for all in my lover’s eyes mine, I don’t have to care of it.” WALK AROUND THE VEHICLE segments of the ground transportation And I can only stand apart and sym- You must maintain it so when you WITH THE RETURN INSPEC- industry. It is time for all to see that if pathize give it back, it looks presentable TOR AND GET A RECEIPT! Do it is to be allowed that an additional For we are always what our situa- and can be resold. What people do not give anybody the key until you 20-30,000 taxis roam our city’s streets, tions hand us not realize is when they lease a car do the walk-around and get that blocking traffic, parking illegally, It’s either sadness or euphoria they have a lease agreement. And in receipt. If you do not, they may using cell phones while driving, that that lease agreement it clearly states look for chargeable items when you disaster will befall the public in many So we’ll argue and we’ll compromise and varies from auto manufacturer, leave. A 3 inch scratch on a fender forms. Mainly, emergency vehicles And realize that nothing’s ever dealer to dealer what they allow for or bottom of bumper that you did will go nowhere fast, so good luck to changed normal wear and tear. Some car not see, could mean repainting that the sick and needy. Drivers who’ve For all our mutual experience manufacturers allow anything the entire part. Walk around the car with been conned into thinking that buying Our separate conclusions are the size of a quarter as normal wear the person and get a receipt showing a $50,000 vehicle is the smart fi nancial same and tear like a door-ding. They will exactly what is evident, whether it is move for the taxi business must deal Now we are forced to recognize our pass it through and will not charge a private inspector or somebody from with Uber X prices, Uberpool and the inhumanity you for it. Other companies allow the dealership, you will have a copy potentiality of rate drops and Uber fees Our reason coexists with our insanity the size of a dime for normal wear of the receipt, and it will clearly say rising. Without a medallion to backstop But we choose between reality and and tear. Anything bigger they will what is chargeable and what is not. If or anchor their business model, there madness charge you for. you do not have this proof, they may will be limited ability to replace their It’s either sadness or euphoria This is really important: keep the keep your security deposit. If you are cars. There will be limited continuity lease agreement in the glove box and told they cannot do the inspection in Uber’s model unless they fi nance the How thoughtlessly we dissipate our read it with the salesman so there until tomorrow, take a smart phone vehicles themselves. Lastly, the corrup- energies is a clear communication between video of the vehicle. tion of the politicians and the media Perhaps we don’t fulfi ll each other’s yourself and the salesman as far Mike Marinelli has 35 Years must be investigated. The daily outrages fantasies as what they are going to accept as experience in auto body business. are plain to see. The illegal pick-ups, And as we stand upon the ledges of normal wear and tear. You do this Circle Collision Center, 1 Orchard the newspaper columns beating up on our lives because when bringing the car back, Street, Nanuet, NY 10954. 845 the yellows while extolling the virtues With our respective similarities some dealers have their own people 623-7507 of Uber are but a couple that come to It’s either sadness or euphoria” mind. While it has become obvious to many Uber drivers who have returned to yellow that Uber is a master con INDEPENDENT game intended to enrich the Silicon Valley oligarchs at the expense of the OWNER driver, the political class only sees opportunity in the form of campaign Looking For A Driver contributions. So, as we look ahead, it is fair to For A 2014 Nissan MV 200 say that we have survived. Better days are ahead for us. Uber’s arrogance will Handicap Accessible cause it to fall of its own weight. Treat your workers well and they will treat Negotiable Deal your business well, a lesson that Silicon Call Eddie At Taxi Humor! 718-707-0072 Arriving at the airport, Jim grabbed his suitcase off the luggage carousel and headed outside to hail a taxi. First Three Shifts 1/2 Price! A taxi promptly picked him up and they were on there way. Twenty minutes into the ride Jim had a question for the taxi driver, “Excuse Listen to Podcasts of me sir” said Jim tapping the driver on the shoulder. “AHHHH HHH” screamed the taxi driver swerving the taxi across three The Taxi Dave Show and Read lanes of traffi c fi nally stopping the car on the opposite shoulder. “What the heck was that all about?” demanded Jim thoroughly shaken. Taxi Insider on-line @ “I’m sorry,” said the taxi driver, wiping his brow, “this is my fi rst day on NYCTAXINEWS.COM the job, I’ve been driving a hearse for the last fi fty years!” PAGE 18 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 A0255 A0293 Current Medallion Agents Kim Cab Leasing Corp. NYC Taxi Network Inc. A0002 A0202 3864a Flatlands Avenue 801 Metropolitan Avenue Ann Service Corp All Taxi Management Inc Brooklyn, NY 11234 Brooklyn, NY 11211 142 West 21 Street 41-25 36 Street (718) 252-8300 (718) 388-8800 NY, NY 10011 LIC, NY 11101 (212) 929-3676 (718) 361-0055 A0257 A0301 Argon Management Corp. Napasei Management Corp. A0003 A0204 13-20 Jackson Avenue 607 West 47 Street Cab Management Corp B. Taxi Management Inc. LIC, NY 11101 New York, NY 10036 27-34 Jackson Avenue 314 West 53 Street (718) 482-0715 (646) 641-8307 LIC, NY 11101 NY, NY 10019 (718) 937-8668 (212) 957-0033 A0259 A0307 Mc Guinness Management Corp Taxifl eet Management LLC A0011 A0206 330 Mc Guinness Boulevard 54-11 Queens Boulevard J & I Maintenance Corp. AJB Taxi Management Inc. Bklyn, NY 11222 Woodside, NY 11377 341 Bergen Street 662 10 Avenue (718) 389-4483 (718) 779-5000 Brooklyn, NY 11217 NY, NY 10036 (718) 858-3502 (212) 956-3177 A0263 A0308 Steinway Express Mgmt. Corp. Taxifl eet Management LLC. A0013 A0213 36-06 Steinway Street 34-14 31 Street Team Systems Corp. J T L Management Inc. LIC, NY 11101 LIC, NY 11106 30-17 40 Avenue 36-16 Skillman Avenue (718) 361-1647 (718) 361-6363 LIC, NY 11101 LIC, NY 11101 (718) 786-0643 (718) 392-7000 A0267 A0312 2000 Management Inc. Gotham Yellow LLC. A0014 A0217 1817 Coney Island Avenue 75 Canal Street West Midtown Operating Corp. Medallion Maintenance Inc. Bklyn, NY 11230 Bronx, NY 10451 42-50 24 Street 11-38 44 Road (718) 336-6565 (718) 993-8100 LIC, NY 11101 LIC, NY 11101 (718) 937-2080 (718) 472-9000 A0272 A0313 Malcolm Management Corp. Northwestern Management Corp. A0015 A0224 374 FourtH Avenue 35-11 43 Avenue 2nd Floor 55 Stan Operating Corp S & R Medallion Corp. Brooklyn, NY 11215 LIC, NY 11101 45-16 Vernon Boulevard 625 West 51 Street (718) 222-4040 (718) 482-8181 LIC, NY 11101 New York, NY 10019 (718) 786-5811 (212) 957-9200 A0275 A0314 Avenue M Management Corp. L.I.C. Taxi Management Inc. A0017 A0225 1500 Mcdonald Avenue 37-28 30 Street 521 West 21st St Management Corp. Style Management Co. Brooklyn, NY 11230 LIC, NY 11101 415 West 127 Street 514 West 44 Street (718) 627-7097 (718) 361-0063 New York, NY 10027 New York, NY 10036 (212) 665-4900 (212) 279-3166 A0280 A0319 Eddie’s Management Corp. The Bridge Group Of NYC Inc. A0020 A0232 40-08 24 Street 35-11 43 Avenue Downtown Taxi Management LLC Wailing Management Inc. LIC, NY 11101 LIC, NY 11101 330 Butler Street 31-08 Northern Boulevard (718) 707-0072 (718) 786-6594 Brooklyn, NY 11217 LIC, NY 11101 (718) 435-0660 (718) 472-1800 A0281 A0320 Awesome Management Inc. Executive Owners Holding Corp. A0102 A0234 520 West 44 Street 21-03 44 Avenue Susan Maintenance Corp Woodside Management Inc. New York, NY 10036 LIC, NY 11101 374 4th Avenue 49-13 Roosevelt Avenue (212) 967-7577 (718) 784-9292 Bklyn, NY 11215 Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 222-4040 (718) 899-9369 A0282 A0322 Yellow Cab Sls Jet Management Corp. NYC Interboro Management Inc. A0105 A0236 22-05 43 Avenue 36-02 21 Street Utica Taxi Center Inc. D & J Management Of Queens Inc. LIC, NY 11101 LIC, NY 11106 465 Utica Avenue 34-14 64 Street (718) 752-9097 (718) 392-0250 Bklyn, NY 11203 Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 774-9767 (718) 458-6609 A0289 A0323 Boulevard Taxi Leasing Inc. Yellow Cab Crescent Mgmt. LLC A0110 A0246 32-56 49 Street 22-05 43 Avenue Winners Garage Inc. 28 Street Management, Inc. LIC, NY 11103 LIC, NY 11101 34-14 64 Street 313 10 Avenue (718) 932-3312 (718) 752-9097 Woodside, NY 11377 NY, NY 10001 (718) 458-7000 (212) 244-6553 A0290 A0324 United Taxi Mgmt. Group, Inc. AstoRia Taxi Leasing Corp. A0113 A0249 43-10 39 Street 32-56 49 Street Checker Management Corp. On Our Way Management Corp. LIC, NY 11104 LIC, NY 11103 22-10 Jackson Avenue 6814 5 Avenue (718) 392-4600 (718) 932-3312 LIC, NY 11101 Bklyn, NY 11220 (718) 361-6300 (718) 833-8125 A0292 A0325 City Transport Mgmt Arthur Cab Leasing Corp. A0201 A0253 54-18 Broadway 25-11 41 Avenue Green Apple Management Corp. Queens Medallion Leasing Inc. Woodside, NY 11377 LIC, NY 11101 34-20 31 Street 21-03 44 Avenue (718) 507-4840 (718) 392-3013 LIC, NY 11106 LIC, NY 11101 (718) 361-5555 (718) 784-9292 (Continued on Page 34) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 19 Emanuel’s ordinance was adopted ies all across the United States while Uber-Corruption? allowing Uber to legally operate in millions of dollars in profits are on New taxi service threatens good-paying the city where taxi medallions cost the table and hundreds of thousands over $350,000. of jobs are at stake. US jobs while enriching a few insiders An investigation by the City of In the current US neoliberal sys- Uber, with Goldman Sachs and row,” it just so happened that my Portland and reported by Bloomberg tem, the winners are the few on the other Wall Street insiders as inves- dash from JFK to LaGuardia was in news shows how taxis become dis- inside and the losers are all of the rest tors, including the Chicago Mayor’s that very Nissan model that is neither placed by Uber. Meanwhile, in New of us. This is especially true while brother, Ari Emanuel, is putting at electric nor hybrid. York City, my driver reported to me the taxi industry undergoes a game- risk thousands of jobs nationwide My driver was angry because he that current New York City Mayor changing transformation. while the taxi industry undergoes a had worked hard and paid the fee for Bill de Blasio is trying to sort out the After serving in the Georgia game-changing transformation. the medallion and then the Mayor mess left behind by his predecessor. Legislature, in 1992, Cynthia McK- Last week I was in Moscow, in- undercut the value of the medallion But in July 2015, the Washington inney won a seat in the US House of vited there by the Anti-Globalization by allowing Uber drivers to operate in Postreported, “Uber mows down Representatives. She was the first Movement of Russia (AGM), an orga- the city in any vehicle. He railed that Bill de Blasio.” The Post article African-American woman from nization founded by young patriotic overnight, the value of his medallion also says that driver-less cars could Georgia in the US Congress. In 2005, Russians. They have made an effort to had dropped precipitously and due to soon replace Uber drivers. It ends by McKinney was a vocal critic of the reach out to progressive communities the Uber competition, he was facing acknowledging that while Uber was government’s response to Hurricane around the world, even protesting in eviction from his home due to de- smashing Bill de Blasio’s efforts to Katrina and was the first member of front of the US Embassy in Moscow creased business and increased price slow down its penetration of the New Congress to file articles of impeach- against police impunity in murders competition. He claimed that his York City market, it also was crushing ment against George W. Bush. In of unarmed Blacks. We had been situation was mirrored by thousands the dreams of “a lot of hardworking 2008, Cynthia McKinney won the negotiating dates for my trip there for of other New York City taxi drivers cab drivers.” Green Party nomination for the US about a year. I finally made the trip and that overnight a middle class job So, what does this mean to me? presidency. last week: my visit coinciding with had become one out of which barely Somehow, it seems unseemly that that of US Secretary of State John a modest living could be eked. billionaire and millionaire mayors Kerry. This unusual alignment of US Indeed, Uber has made interna- can use their money and political officialdom and a former Member of tional headlines recently. Available power to cost the jobs of hard work- Congress made for enhanced media in 68 countries according to its ing middle class taxi drivers without interest in my visit. website, Uber faces a frontal chal- some kind of alternative training n the process, I learned a lot about lenge from competitors in India and opportunities or something to ease young Russians. But, for now, I want China. Uber’s website claims that the losses of the losers while the to explore the focus of this article: its drivers make good money, work winners seem to be playing insider what I learned about a controversial on their own schedule, outside of an profit games. business that has deep financial ties office and without a boss. Indians and Last week, I wrote about how those to Wall Street insiders and Chicago Chinese investors have joined forces powerful enough to make US policy Mayor Rahm Emanuel. to back Ola, Uber’s competition in on Haiti are turning it into a vassal On my return from Moscow, I India. The stakes are big with Ola state; what I stumbled on two days landed at JFK airport, but had to make having raised approximately $670 ago, upon my return to the US, is how my way quickly over to LaGuardia million between 2012 and mid-2015 a similar situation is brewing in cit- airport for the next leg of my jour- before the Chinese investment. In ney. That is when I chanced upon mid-November 2015, Ola announced a conversation with my taxi driver another fundraising success of an OLDEE who was fighting mad about what additional $500 million that included he believed was an acute injustice investment from the Chinese Uber that violated the compact between competitor, Didi Kuaidi. Taxi Instruments taxi companies that pay more than The struggle in Australia is chron- A Name You Can Trust Since Your Grandfather Drove a Cab! one million dollars for permission icled on Facebook here. One Aussie to operate, called a “medallion,” in taxi owner even reportedly bragged exchange for protection and regula- on social media about attacking an Taxicab Owners: tion by the City. The political tale he Uber driver and recommended that spun to me reeked of what seemed to others follow his action. Need a meter? be a type of illegal Wall Street insider Then, my driver dropped what trading. Here’s what he told me: was a bombshell to me: Chicago Need advertising? Immediately after collecting the Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s brother, Ari medallion money from taxi opera- Emanuel, head of William Morris tors in New York City, then-Mayor Endeavor talent agency, was an Uber Need a GPS System? and billionaire Michael Bloomberg investor. So, I decided to investigate. publicly quarreled with a political And sure enough, it turns out that Need Roof-lights? connected businessman known as the William Morris Endeavor talent “The Taxi King,” Evgeny “Gene” agency owns an investment in Uber. Need Security Cameras? Friedman. According to news reports, According to the Chicago Sun Times, Bloomberg reportedly told Friedman the company spokesperson confirmed Need a partition? that he was going to “destroy your that the Uber investment was made f_cking industry.” about three months after Uber began Need Upholstery? According to information pro- operating in Chicago. Moreover, the vided to Business Insider by a witness Sun Times reports that Uber investors Need a Checker Cab? to the exchange, Bloomberg appeared also include Amazon’s billionaire Jeff to be upset by the ‘Taxi King’s’ suc- Bezos and Goldman Sachs. cessful legal attack on Bloomberg’s Chicago taxi drivers contend that OLDEE DOES IT ALL! plans to introduce reforms in the New the relationship between Uber and the From Taxi Security to Advertising York taxi industry. Those reforms Mayor’s brother is an outrage because were to include the mandate that of the city taxi regulations. The paper all taxis would be a special yellow concludes that the relationship makes Phone 718 482-6533 / Fax 718 - 482-7144 design made especially by Nissan it hard for the mayor to appear to be for the New York Mayor’s initiative, acting solely in the city’s interest. 9-11 40th Avenue • LIC, New York 11101 the Nissan NV 200. The deal with Even worse, in 2012, a city employee Open: Nissan was reportedly worth one was reassigned after she informed the Monday to Fridays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm billion dollars. Dubbed by Mayor public in a tweet that the Uber drivers Bloomberg as the “Taxi of Tomor- were not licensed. By 2014, Mayor Saturdays 9:00 am -1:00 pm PAGE 20 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Embassies, Consolates and Phone: 848 1100 Phone: +1 (212) 223 4545 Canadian Consulate in New Dominican Consulate in New Missions in NYC York, Consulate General of Canada York, Consulate General of The 1251 Ave. of the Americas Afghani Consulate in New York, Bangladesh to the United Nations Dominican Republic 1501 Broad- Phone: (212) 596 1628 360 Lexington Ave 11th Floor 212- 820 2nd Avenue, 4th Floor way Suite 410,

972-2276 Offi ce Hours: Monday- Phone: 212-867-3434 Phone: (212) 768-2480 Chilean Consulate in New York, Friday: 9am-3pm Permanent Mission of Chile to the Barbadian Consulate in New Ecuadorian Consulate in New United Nations 885 Second Ave.; Albanian Consulate in New York York, Consulate General of Barba- York, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 40 fl oor 156 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1210 dos in New York, United States 800 600 Phone: (917) 322- 6800 Phone: 12122557381 Second Avenue, 2nd Floor Phone: (+1) (212) 867-8435 Egyptian Consulate in New York, Chilean Consulate in New York, Albanian Consulate in New York, Consulate of Egypt 1110 Second Consulate General of Chile in New United States Permanent Mission of Belarusian Consulate in New Avenue, Suite # 201 York, 866 the Republic of Albania in UN 320 York, Consulate General of the East 79th Street Republic of Belarus in New York, Estonian Consulate in New York, United Nations Plaza , Suite 601 Phone: 1212 2492059 USA 708 Third Avenue, 20th Floor Consulate General of Estonia 3 Dag Phone: (1-212) 682-5392 (1st Avenue & 48th Street) Hammarskjold Plaza Suite 6B, 305 Phone: (212) 980-3366 / 980- Embassy of Andorra/Permanent East 47th St 3504/ 355-0612 Mission to the UN, 2 United Nations Belgian Consulate in New York,

Plaza, 25th fl r Phone: 212-750- Consulate General of Belgium in Fijian Consulate in New York, Chinese Consulate in New 8064 New York, USA 1065 Avenue of York, The Permanent Mission of Fiji to the the Americas, 22nd fl oor Chinese Consulate General 520 United Nations 630 Third Avenue Angolan Consulate, Permanent Phone: (212) 586-5110 12th Ave. 7th Floor Mission of the Republic of Angola Phone: 001-212-2449456 to the United Nations 125 E. 73rd Belgian Consulate in New York, Finnish Consulate in New York, Street Phone: 212 8615656 Permanent Mission of Belgium to Comoran Embassy in New York Consulate General of Finland 866 the United Nations in New York, City, Embassy of the Federal and United Nations Plaza Suite 250 Angolan Consulate, Consulate United States One Dag Hammar- Islamic Republic of Comoros 420 General of Angola 866 United Na- skjöld Plaza 885 Second Avenue, E. 50th Street French Consulate in New York, tions Plaza East 48th Street, 5th 41st Floor Phone: 212-972-8010 Consulate General of France 934 fl oor Phone: +1/212/378 6300 Fifth Avenue Phone: (1 212) 980 9615/16 Costa Rican Consulate in New Belizean Consulate in New York, York, Consulate General of Costa General Consulate of Georgia, Antiguan & Barbudan Consulate Permanent Mission of Belize to the Rica in New York 225 West 34 Street 144, East 44 th St., 5 th Floor in New York Consulate General of United Nations 675 Third Avenue, Penn Plaza Building, Suite 1202, Antigua and Barbuda in New York Suite 1911 Phone: (212) 509-3066 German Consulate, United 305 East 47th Street, 6th Floor Phone: (1-212) 986-1240 States al of the Federal Republic Phone: 212-541-4117 Croatian Consulate in New York, of Germany 871 United Nations Beninese Consulate in New Permanent Mission of the Republic Plaza (1st Avenue between 48th Argentinian Consulate in New York, Permanent Mission of the of Croatia to the United Nations, 820 and 49th Street) York, Consulate General of Argen- Republic of Benin to the United Second Avenue, 19th Fl. tina in New York, United States 12 Nations 125 East 38th Street Phone: 001 212 986 1585 Ghanaian Consulate, Ghana West 56th Street Phone: (212) 684-1339 Permanent Mission to the UN, 19 Phone: (212) 603-0400 Croatian Consulate in New York, East 47th Street Phone: 212 832 Botswana Consulate in New Consulate General of the Republic 1300 Australian Consulate in New York, Botswana Permanent Mission of Croatia in the United States of York, Australian Consulate-General to the U.N., New York, 154 East America, 369 Lexington Avenue Greek Consulate Consulate 150 East 42nd Street, 34th fl oor 46th Street Phone: +1 212 599 3066 General of Greece 69 East 79th Phone: (212) 351 6500 Phone: (212) 8892277 Street Cuban Consulate in New York, (212) 988-5500 Austrian Consulate in New Brazilian Consulate in New York, Chancellery of the Republic of Cuba York, Consulate General of Austria Brazilian Consulate General in New to the United Nations 315 Lexington Greenlandic Consulate, Royal in New York, United States 31 East York 1185 Avenue of the Americas Avenue 38th Street Danish Consulate General, One 69th Street (Sixth Avenue) 21st Floor Phone: 689 7215, 689 9308 Dag Hammarskjold Plaza 885 Sec- Phone: (+1) (212) 737 64 00 Phone: (917) 777-7777 ond Avenue, 18th Floor Cypriot Consulate in New York, Bahamian Consulate in New Bruneian Consulate in New Consulate General of the Republic Grenadian, Consulate General York, Consul General of the Baha- York, Bruneian Permanent Mission of Cyprus 13, East 40th Street, 5th of Grenada mas in New York City, USA 231-East in New York, United States 771 Floor Phone: 212 599- 0301 46th Street First Avenue Phone: + 1 212 6866016/17 Phone: (212) 421-6925 Phone: 1 (212) 697 3465 Guatemalan Consulate 276 Park Czech Consulate in New York, Avenue Bahraini Consulate in New York, Bulgarian Consulate in New Consulate General of the Czech Re- Phone: (212) 686-3837 Permanent Mission of the Kingdom York, Consulate General of the Re- public 321 East 73rd Str., (between of Bahrain to the United Nations 866 public of Bulgaria, New York, USA 1st and 2nd Avenue). Guyanese Consulate Gener- Second Avenue 14th fl oors 121 East 62nd Street Phone: (646)422-3344 al 370 7th Avenue 4th Floor Seven Phone: (212) 223-6200 Phone: (212) 935 4646 Penn Plaza Czech Consulate in New Bangladeshi Consulate in New Cambodian Consulate in New York, Permanent Mission of the Haitian Consulate 271 Madison York, Consulate General of Bangla- York, Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN 1109- Ave. 5th Floor, Between 39th and desh in New York, USA 211 East Kingdom of Cambodia to the United 1111 Madison Avenue, (Madison 40th Streets 43rd Street, Suite 50 Nations 327 East 58th Street and 83rd St.). Phone: 212-697-9767 Phone: (212) 599 6767, (212) Phone: 646 981 4001 599 6850 Canadian Consulate in New Honduran Consulate 144 West York, The Permanent Mission of Danish Consulate in New York, 37th Street, 3rd Floor Bangladeshi Consulate in New Canada to the United Nations, 1 Royal Danish Consulate Gen- York, The Permanent Mission of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, eral One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Hungarian Consulate Gen- 885 Second Avenue, 18th Floor (Continued on Page 22) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 21 Insider News (Continued from Page 5) censes for Drivers. ment. cants to Provide an E-mail Ad- driving record from the other state. Upon reviewing the probationary The stickers inform passengers dress. Together, these rule changes will license program, TLC concluded that that assaulting a driver is punishable The proposed rule requires that all reduce significantly the regulatory it is of limited utility relative to the by up to 25 years in prison. vehicle and driver license applicants, burden on taxi drivers. administrative burdens it imposes This proposed rule will alter the including renewal applicants, file an Streamlining Renewal Compli- on drivers and TLC. For example, dimensions and design of these stick- e-mail address with the TLC. Only ance Deadlines for Driver Licenses. in July 2015 TLC reviewed renewal ers to make them more noticeable, and FHV vehicle owners are currently In addition to continuous DMV applications from 6,062 probation- will provide for an optional sticker required to provide an e-mail address. and criminal record monitoring and ary licensees and only one was designed that may be placed outside Requiring all licensees to file e-mail annual drug testing, each time a driver disqualified from renewal based on of the vehicle to further communi- addresses with the TLC will ensure is up for a license renewal there are probationary license criteria. In the cate that TLC-licensed drivers are additional means of contacting licens- several requirements he or she must first eleven months of 2015, only 65 protected by the law. ees are available to TLC, enabling satisfy and TLC must review to ensure probationary licensees—of the tens Removing the Option of Paying better and easier communication of that the driver is fit to remain licensed. of thousands reviewed—were not in Cash. important licensing information. To allow drivers sufficient time to renewed based on the probationary In order to streamline TLC opera- Out of State Driver’s License satisfy these renewal requirements, license review criteria. tions and help reduce wait times at Abstracts. the TLC mails the renewal applica- Since TLC has many other pro- TLC’s facilities, the proposed rules Finally, the proposed rule will tion package to licensees 90 to 120 grams in place that continually will remove the option of paying require all TLC driver license appli- days prior to the expiration date of monitor licensees and ensure they fines and settlements in cash. The cants that possess a driver’s license the license. remain fit for licensure, the proba- TLC currently accepts payment in issued by a state other than New York While drivers can complete some tionary period is unnecessary. These cash for fines and settlements. With to submit an abstract of his or her requirements shortly after receiving programs include: (1) ongoing DMV many other payment options avail- driving record from his or her state of the renewal application, others can- record and serious crash monitoring able, including online payment by residence. This is currently required not be completed until the driver is (which trigger license suspensions credit/debit card and e-check and of all Taxi Driver license applicants no more than 30 or 60 days away and revocations under the Criti- inperson payment by credit cards, and the rule will extend that require- from his or her license expiration cal Driver program and other local PIN-less debit cards, bank or certi- ment to all driver license applicants to date. In particular, the short 30-day laws); (2) TLC violation monitoring fied checks, and corporate checks, ensure that all TLC licensed drivers, window for some requirements makes (which triggers license suspensions the TLC believes it is feasible to not just those driving taxis, have a it harder for drivers to complete all and revocations under the Persistent eliminate the exposure to drivers history of safe driving prior to TLC requirements on time and for TLC to Violator program);, (3) criminal and employees associated with cash licensure. review the completed application and record monitoring through the New payment and transition to an entirely These rules are authorized by Sec- return a renewal license to the driver York State Division of Criminal Jus- cashless payment system. tion 2303 of the Charter and Sections before the license expires. tice (which triggers a Fitness Review Requiring All License Appli- 19-503 of the Administrative Code. The proposed rule creates a uni- process); and (4) annual drug testing. form 90-day window for completing In addition, any action, including all renewal requirements. Drivers but not limited to many specifically AREN RIEDMAN have frequently and specifically re- listed in TLC’s Rules, that calls into K A. F ATTORNEYS quested that the TLC align the time question a driver’s ability to safely PRESIDENT ATTORNEY AT LAW IN OFFICE periods of these requirements, and interact with the public prompts a Association of WHO PRACTICE: the TLC believes this streamlined Fitness Hearing that can result in Motor Vehicle Trial (212) 213-2145 PERSONAL INJURY compliance deadline process will revocation of the driver’s license. The Attorneys MATRIMONIAL FLUENT IN better enable renewing applicants TLC has and will continue to moni- ALL MOVING VIOLATIONS REAL ESTATE LAW FRENCH to meet their driver license renewal tor licensee behavior and to remove ALL MOVING COMMERCIAL deadlines unsafe drivers from the road through THROUGHOUT IMMIGRATION Streamlining and Extending the all available means. Whether a driver Driver License Cycle. has been on the road for two months VIOLATIONS Currently, qualified Drivers of or twenty years, if the driver does not NEW YORK STATE Taxicabs and For-Hire Vehicles are meet TLC’s standards, TLC has the Speeding; Red Lights; Traffic Signs first issued one-year probationary necessary tools to suspend or revoke licenses and thereafter are issued two- the license and prevent the driver from SUSPENSIONS & WARRANTS LIFTED year licenses. Drivers of Paratransits transporting the public. and Commuter Vans do not receive Protecting Licensed Drivers. CRIMINALLY RELATED MATTERS one-year probationary licenses and On October 22, 2014, the City are issued twoyear licenses at initial Council passed Local Law 55 of 2014, Driving While Intoxicated (DWI); licensure. The Administrative Code otherwise known as the Driver Pro- of the City of New York (Adminis- tection Act, which requires that signs Reckless Driving; trative Code), §19-505(g) states that be placed in the rear compartments driver licenses may be issued for of taxicabs and for hire-vehicles in- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation terms up to three years. forming passengers of penalties for These proposed rules create a assaulting drivers. standard three-year license term for This law was designed to address SAFETY HEARINGS all drivers. The TLC believes that the unfortunate reality that driving a RD increasing the license term from two taxi or livery vehicle can be dangerous Throughout30 East New33 Street York State to three years will result in greater work. Mayor de Blasio signed the bill 4TH Floor convenience for drivers because they on November 5, 2014, and it went would need to go through the steps into effect on May 4, 2015. 404New Park York, Avenue NY 10016 South associated with renewing a license To comply with this law, the TLC less frequently. The three-year term amended its rules on March 19, 2015 EMAIL:New [email protected] York, NY 10016 also aligns the renewal process with so that each licensed vehicle, except between 28th and 29th Streets the defensive driving course require- for black cars and luxury limousines, WEBSITE: www.NewYorkTraffi cLawyer.com ment, which drivers must satisfy is required to display a mandatory — We Accept Credit Cards — (718) 979-5360 every three years. “Taxi and Livery Driver Protection” Fluent in French and Spanish Eliminating Probationary Li- sticker in its rear passenger compart- PAGE 22 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Embassies.... Micronesian Consulate Perma- United Nations Plaza, 4th Floor nent Mission of the Federated States Thai Consulate, The Royal Thai (Continued from Page 20) of Micronesia to the United Nations Russian Consulate, Permanent Consulate-General 351 East 52nd eral 223 East 52nd 820 Second Avenue, #17A Mission of the Russian Federation Street 136 East 67 Street Togolese Consulate, Permanent Icelandic Consulate General Monegasque Consulate, Consul- Mission of Togo 112 East 40st of Iceland 800 3rd Avenue, 36th ate General of Monaco... Chancery Russian Consulate 9 East 91 Street, 1st Floor fl oor Indian Consulate 3 East 64th : 565 Fifth Avenue - 23rd Floor Street Street (Between 5th and Madison Turkish Consulate General of Avenues) Moroccan Consulate, Consulate Rwandan Consulate, Permanent Turkey 821 United Nations Plaza, General of Morocco 10 East 40th Mission of Rwanda 124 East 39th 7th Fl. Indonesian Consulate General Street, 24th. fl oor Street 5 East 68th Street Turkmen Consulate, Permanent Mission Of Morocco To The U.N. Sammarinese Consulate, Per- Mission of Turkmenistan 866 Irish Consulate, Permanent Mis- 866 Second Avenue 6 Th Floor manent Mission of San Marino 327 United Nations Plaza, #424 sion of Ireland, 1 Dag Hammarskjold East 50th Street Plaza, 885 Second Avenue, 19th Mozambican Consulate, Perma- Tuvaluan Consulate, Permanent Floor nent Mission of Mozambique 420 Sammarinese Consulate, Con- Mission of Tuvalu 800 Second Av- East 50th Street sulate General of San Marino 186 enue, #400 B Israeli Consulate General 800 Lehrer Avenue, Elmont, 11003 Second Avenue, 13th Floor Myanmar Consulate, Consulate Ugandan Consulate, Permanent General of Myanmar 10 East 77th Senegalese Embassy, Consul- Mission of Uganda 336 East 45th Italian Consulate General, 690 Street ate General of Senegal, 4 West Street Park Avenue 125th Street, 2nd fl oor Nauruan Consulate, Permanent Ukrainian Consulate of Ukraine Jamaican Consulate-Gener- Mission of the Republic of Nauru Seychelles Embassy Suite 400, 240 East, 49th Street al 767 Third Avenue, 2nd and 3rd 800 2nd Avenue, #400-A 4th fl oor, 800 Second Avenue Floors Emirati Consulate, Permanent Nepalese Consulate, Permanent Singaporean Consulate, Per- Mission of the United Arab Emirates Japanese Consulate Gen- Mission of Nepal 820 Second Av- manent Mission of Singapore 231 747 Third Avenue, 36th Floor eral 299 Park Avenue enue, 17th Floor East 51st Street British Consulate-General 845 Kazakhstani Consulate Gen- (Netherlands) Dutch Consulate Slovak Consulate, Slovak Re- Third Avenue eral 535 Fifth Avenue, 19 Floor General of Netherlands 1 Rock- public 801 Second Avenue, 12th efeller Plaza, 11th fl oor, Floor Uruguayan Permanent Mission Kuwaiti Consulate, Permanent of Uruguay 866 United Nations Mission 321 East 44th Street Permanent Mission of the King- Slovenian Permanent Mission Plaza, Suite 322 dom of the Netherlands 235 East 600 Third Avenue, 24th Floor Kyrgyzstani Consulate, Per- 45th Street, 16th Floor Uruguayan Consulate General manent Mission of the Kyrgyz Re- Solomon Islander Consulate, of Uruguay 420 Madison Ave., 6th public 866 United Nations Plaza, (New Zealand) Kiwi Consulate, Permanent Mission of Solomon fl oor Suite 477 New Zealand Consulate-General Islands 800 Second Avenue, Suite 222 East 41st St, Suite 2510 400L Uzbekistani Consulate-General Lao or Laotian Consulate 317 of Uzbekistan 801 Second Ave, East, 51st Street Nicaraguan Consulate General South African Consulate General 20th Floor 820 2nd Avenue, Suite 802 333 East 38th Street Latvian Consulate Permanent Ni-Vanuatu Consulate, Perma- Mission 333 East 50th Street Norwegian Consulate, Royal Korean Consulate, Permanent nent Mission of Vanuatu 800 East Norwegian Consulate General 825 Mission 335 East 45th Street Second Avenue Lebanese Consulate General 9 Third Avenue, 38th fl oor E. 76th St. Spanish Consulate of Spain 150 Vietnamese Consulate, Perma- Pakistani Consulate General of East 58th St., 30th fl oor nent Mission of the S.R. of Vietnam Liberian Consulate General 866 the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite United Nations Plaza, Suite 478 Pakistan House, 12 East 65th Swazi Consulate, Permanent 435 Street Mission of the Kingdom of Swazi- Libyan Consulate, Mission 309 land 408 East 50th Street Sahrawian, Sahraouian Consul- East 48th Street Permanent Mission of the Islamic ate 300 East 40th Street, #23X Republic of Pakistan 8 East 65th Swiss Consulate General of Malawian Consulate Mission 866 Street Switzerland 633 Third Avenue, Yemeni Consulate, Permanent United Nations Plaza, Suite 486 30th fl oor Mission of Yemen 413 East 51st Paraguayan Consulate General Street Malaysian Consulate 313 East of Paraguay 211 East 43 Street - Syrian Consulate, Permanent 43rd St. Suite 2101 Mission of the Syrian Arab Republic Zambian Consulate, Permanent 820 Second Avenue, 15th Floor Mission of Zambia 237 East 52nd Malian Consulate Permanent Philippine Consulate General Street Mission of Mali to the United Nations 556 Fifth Ave. Taiwanese Consulate, Taipei 111 East 69th Street Economic and Cultural Office Zimbabwean Consulate, Per- Poland - Permanent Mission of (TECO) 90 Park Avenue, 31st manent Mission of Zimbabwe 128 Marshallese Consulate Perma- Poland 9 East 66th Street Floor East 56th Street nent Mission of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations 800 Second Polish Consulate General of the NEED AN ATTORNEY? Avenue, 18th Floor Republic of Poland 233 Madison Avenue Mauritian Consulate Permanent SEE Mission of Mauritius 211 East 43rd Portuguese Consulate, Per- Street, 15th Floor manent Mission of Portugal 866 THE TAXI INSIDER Second Ave, 9th fl oor Mexican Consulate 27 East 39th. DIRECTORY ON Street Qatari Consulate, Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar 809 PAGE 33 JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 23 PAGE 24 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 IATR Annual Conferences nadian pride in the sport of ice hockey, regulatory approaches and compet- by holding our welcoming reception ing or diverse transit modes together Merci Beaucoup Montreal (for 2015) at the Montreal Forum. Our attendees under one planning and management faced-off in a shoot-out with a live roof. SFMTA, at this critical time in & Hello San Francisco (for 2016)! goalie, while sporting their favorite transportation history, is the perfect By Matthew W. Daus, Esq. & Mona Shah, Esq. hockey team jerseys on what used to host and case study for new and future This year brought another highly ments; autonomous and connected be the ice rink where the Montreal regulatory models. successful conference of the Inter- vehicles; as well as data privacy Canadians played for decades. Live This conference is expected to national Association of and security protections Montreal entertainment and cocktail center on high technology develop- Transportation Regulators and protocols. For the first events included an outstanding blues/ ments central to the evolution of 21st (IATR) in Montreal, Que- time, we had a well-received soul/rock performance by the Sylvie century taxicab and for-hire vehicle bec, Canada. The theme of IATR Conference App that Desgroseilliers quartet, and our grand services. Topics will include the re- the 2015 conference was was used to provide a pa- finale gala dinner at Cirque Éloize placement or metamorphosis of the “Regulatory Resiliency, Re- perless format to view the at the Gare Dalhouise, included taximeter, autonomous and connected newal and Regeneration.” speaker bios, presentations, performances by contortionists and vehicles, Vision Zero safety technol- Our 28th Annual Confer- events, and program. The acrobats. At our gala event, the IATR ogy developments, and on-board ence was one of the highest program can be viewed here: Board was pleased to present its an- diagnostics. The use of smartphone rated of all prior confer- http://www.utrc2.org/sites/ nual Regulator of the Year award to technology platforms, aggregation ences. In addition to the default/files/2015-IATR- Tina Paez of Houston, Texas, who services and integrated technology high attendance rate, the results of Conference-Program.pdf. The pa- has been a strong and influential solutions will be examined, and the our post-conference survey contained pers, PowerPoints, photos, and videos transportation regulator, originally most current developments shared some of the best ratings ever. Over of the conference can be viewed by introduced to the IATR via a scholar- with conference attendees. 94% of attendees reported that the members in good standing by visiting ship and who held the line on public The establishment of the City of San conference completely met and ex- www.iatr.global. safety by ensuring that TNC drivers Francisco involved mining for gold by ceeded expectations and was worth We were honored to welcome the undergo criminal background checks 49ers searching for riches and fortune the investment. Well over 82% of former Governor of the State of New via fingerprinting. The IATR Board as part of the Gold Rush. In the 21st attendees indicated that the enter- York, Hon. David A. Paterson, as our was also delighted to present its an- century, we have turned from mining for tainment, events, speakers, program keynote speaker, who discussed his nual International Driver of the Year iron ore gold, to theoretical Silicon Valley theme, and topics were very good, historic tenure, his approach and ac- award to David Tuffs, of Chicago, gold – the collection and use of data. To excellent or the “best ever.” complishments in the for-hire trans- Illinois, for his exemplary service this end, the 29th Annual Conference will Many people worked together to portation arena. Governor Paterson in providing wheelchair accessible focus extensively on open transportation make this conference so successful, also shared: his new activities and service to disabled passengers. It data platforms by government and the including our conference planning advocacy for clean air and accessible was a conference to remember and an private sector, and is expected to include committee, our supportive conference vehicles; safe, secure and efficient informative time was had by all. the IATR’s fi rst-ever Hack-A-Thon, hosts: Aref Salem, Linda Marchand, technologically based ground trans- IATR 2016 where technology experts will seek to Kim Thibault, and Marie-Hélène portation services; and the EB-5 im- 29TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE solve service issues or problems through Giguère of Montreal’s Taxi Bureau, migration program’s transportation SAN FRANCISCO, the analysis of SFMTA taxi and related as well as our conference planners Bi- funding initiatives. Other highlights CALIFORNIA data, in an exercise that will be shared anca Blag and Michelle Iadarola. In of the conference included: (1) the The City of San Francisco is the during the conference. addition, the IATR’s new partnership release of the final version of the birthplace of the technology transpor- The IATR’s international footprint with the United States Department of Model Regulations for Accessibil- tation movement, the home of Silicon continues to grow exponentially, as Transportation’s University Trans- ity: http://www.windelsmarx.com/ Valley and all things high-tech, and a the transportation technology disrup- portation Research Center (UTRC) resources/documents/IATR%20Ac- world leader in shared mobility, sus- tion movement knows no borders. The from the City University of New York, cessibility%20Model%20Regs%20 tainable transportation and mobility varied regulatory responses in other was on full display, where resources 12.11.15%20(11157211).pdf; (2) management. As the host of IATR’s parts of the world will be explored, were committed from the university review and discussion of the “One 29th Annual Conference, the San on TNC and other topics. IATR will to help plan, support and implement Standard for All” report by the City Francisco Metropolitan Transportation hold sessions that are dedicated to the conference. Our thanks go out University of New York on best prac- Agency (SFMTA) will serve as our hub, various continents and countries to to Dr. Camille Kamga, Nadia Aslam tices for driver criminal background showcasing its unique multi-modal highlight and focus on approaches and Tierra Fisher of the UTRC for checks: http://www.utrc2.org/sites/ transit management and regulatory ap- to regulation, including separate ses- their unwavering assistance. Of default/files/pubs/Background%20 proach. After almost fi ve (5) years of sions for Canadian, European, Asian course, we could never have had such Check%20Report.pdf; (3) the first- unprecedented smartphone transporta- and Australian regulators. an outstanding conference without ever Summit of Canadian Regulators tion technology disruptive events, IATR Finally, this conference will focus the support of our many sponsors to discuss transportation regulation regulators will return to the West Coast on the developing concept of shared who helped us with transportation, issues north of the border; and (4) the and Ground Zero of the Transportation mobility - in terms of environmentally booths/displays and participation in release of major regulatory reforms Network Company (TNC) genesis. sustainable modes of transportation our educational sessions. by Transport for London, announced The theme of IATR’s 29th An- - such as group riding or true ride- Our Montreal program sessions at our conference during the “Level- nual Conference is “21st Century sharing, bike sharing, car rentals, and addressed every current issue at both ing of the Playing Field” panel dis- Transportation Regulation – A Vision other integrated transit solutions that the high and granular levels, with cussion by Helen Chapman: https:// for Shared Mobility, Multi-Modal use multiple modes to provide more experts and peers looking behind and consultations.tfl.gov.uk/tph/private- Integration & Governance.” The efficient options, while plugging beyond the current state of affairs of hire-proposals/user_uploads/private- SFMTA, which has proven to be a service gaps. Leading academics, the technological disruption move- hire-proposals-sept-2015.pdf. successful experiment in the integra- experts and practitioners will share ment, while attempting to forecast IATR attendees were delighted tion of taxicab regulation into a larger information and knowledge about the fast approaching future. Topics to spend time in such a dynamic and agency that manages multiple transit how transportation professionals included pressing issues such as: exciting city as Montreal, where we modes, including buses, subways, are approaching 21st century multi- criminal background checks; insur- celebrated its unique culture, his- bicycles, and traffic management. A modal transit planning, and where ance coverage; wheelchair accessi- tory, and outstanding culinary and true transportation hybrid entity, the taxicabs, TNCs, limousines, and other bility; smartphone and related debit/ entertainment options. Among our SFMTA was ahead of the curve in for-hire vehicles fit in. credit payment processing; aggrega- networking and educational activi- terms of being ready for the sweeping Merci beaucoup Montreal, and tor and related technology develop- ties, we experienced - first-hand - Ca- technology changes that have brought let’s get ready for San Francisco! JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 25 IATR Annual Conferences

IATR President Matt Daus delivers welcoming remarks at the 2015 Montreal IATR IATR Board Chair Tom Drischler (left) and IATR President Matt Daus (right). conference, sporting an IATR hockey jersey.

The IATR Board of Directors and Conference team, a Championship team of (Left to Right) Tom Drischler (IATR Board Chair, Los Angeles), former New York State regulators, left to right, Joe Mora (Miami), Linda Marchand (Montreal conference Governor David Paterson (New York), and Matt Daus (IATR President, New York). host), James Bisson (Ontario), Matt Daus (IATR President, New York), Michel Trudel (former IATR President, Montreal), Tom Drischler (IATR Board Chair, Los Angeles), Helen Chapman (London), Jenny Teo (Singapore).

IATR Driver of the Year David Tuffs of Chicago (second from right) is joined by, left to right, Felix Shtayner (Head of Public Vehicle Operations at Chicago Medallion Former 2014 IATR Regulator of the Year (far left) Carlton Thomas of Austin, Texas, Management Co.), Rupal Bupat (Chicago regulator), Tom Drischler (IATR Board helps present the 2015 Regulator of the Year Award to Tina Paez of Houston, Texas Chair, New York), Mohamed Darwish Al Qamzi (Abu Dhabi regulator), and Matt (second from right). Daus (IATR President, New York). TAXI DAVE’S RADIO SHOW WOR-710AM 8:00 – 9:00 PM EVERY SUNDAY! PAGE 26 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Your Medallion Headquarters ! LOMTO Generation Brokerage, Inc. TAXI and BLACK CAR INSURANCE SPECIALISTS ——And Medallion Transfer, Inc. Licensed TLC Broker #R0018 · Insuring the For Hire Industry - Taxi & Black Car · Providing You Service the Way It Should Be - FAST & COURTEOUS · Convenient Mid-Town Location - Hack Stand In Front of Office · Medallion Sales, Leasing, and Financing · Over 25 Years of Industry Experience

435 West 45th Street (Between 9th & 10 th Avenues) New York, N.Y. 10036 Phone: 212 582-5721 Fax: 212 582-5722 Lou Bakalar Jon Goldbetter

The New York Black Car Fund Held Its Annual Holiday Party in December

(Continued on Page 36) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 27 Average Gas Prices NYC ECONOMY As of January 7, 2016 New York Regular Mid Premium Diesel Transit Ridership Current $2.308 $2.584 $2.772 $2.895 Total ridership on MTA subways, trains, and buses in October 2015 was 245.4 Week Ago $2.326 $2.596 $2.785 $2.916 million, down 1.72% from October 2014. Subway ridership in October 2015 was Month Ago $2.414 $2.689 $2.885 $3.025 160.0 million, down 0.10% from October 2014. Source: Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Year Ago $2.740 $2.992 $3.139 $3.711 • New York metro area residents donated, on average, $1,669 in 2014, up 17% Air Traffi c in infl ation-adjusted dollars from 2004. Those in the top 20% income bracket In October 2015, 10.8 million passengers fl ew into and out of the region’s donated an average of $3,966 or 2.3% of their income, while those in the bot- airports, an increase of 8.4% from October 2014. 3.6 million passengers traveled tom bracket donated 4.9% of their income3. Nationally, 5.75% of Americans with international air carriers in October 2015, a 5.3% increase from October volunteer on any given day, but that number rises to 8% in December. The Bureau 2014. Domestic air carriers accounted for 7.1 million passengers, a 10.0% of Labor Statistics estimates the value of an hour of volunteering to contribute increase from October 2014. $23.07 to the economy. Assuming that those who volunteer will do so for two Source: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. hours, this means that extra volunteering in December will contribute $8.73 million into the New York City economy4. After a brief decline during the recession, grants from foundations are now at an all-time high, totaling almost Broadway Ticket Sales $10 billion in 2013, up from $7.2 billion in 20105 (See Figure II). Total Broadway attendance was approximately 1,102,200 during the four weeks ending Nov. 29, 2015, up 2.9% from the same period last year. Broadway revenues during this period were about $115.9 million, up 0.9% from last year. Source: The Broadway League Note: Gross revenue and attendance fi gures may not include all shows. Hotel Occupancy In October 2015, the average daily hotel room rate was $361, a 0.3% decrease from October 2014. Hotel occupancy was 92.1% in October 2015, down slightly from 93.0% in October 2014. The average occupancy rate decreased the most in hotels charging over $500 per night, decreasing by 5.9% from October of last year. Source: PKF Consulting. Employment Private sector jobs in New York City rose by 12,600 in November 2015 fol- lowing October 2015 gains of 11,050 jobs. Government jobs in the city also rose, resulting in a net overall increase of 13,000 jobs between October and November 2015. Construction had the largest month-to-month growth, adding 3,700 jobs. Since November 2014, private sector employment has risen by 103,100 jobs or 2.8%. This compares to the national growth rate of 2.2%. New York City’s unemployment rate held constant from last month at 4.8%.

Charitable Giving • In total, NY-based organizations received $3.1 billion worth of grants in As the headquarters of many of the world’s largest foundations, New York State 2012 from the largest 1000 foundations. Grants to Health and Education orga- ranks fi rst in the nation in total charitable giving dollars from major foundations. nizations lead the pack, with each sector receiving almost $700 million (see New York based foundations gave almost $10 billion in grants in 2013 – 18% Figure III). Health was also the fastest growing subject area, with 133% growth of the nation’s total and equal to the sum of 34 other states combined1. In addi- since 2004. Religion, the Environment, and Arts and Culture grew the least at tion, fi ve of the nation’s 20 largest foundations are based in New York City (see 8%, 14%, and 23% respectively6. Figure I). Foundations, Advocacy Groups, and Civic and Social Organizations employ over 38,000 New Yorkers2.

(Continued on Page 32) PAGE 28 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016

Chelsea Lodge Hotel Flatotel International Hotel 318 W 20th Street 135 W 52nd Street TAXI INSIDER between 8th & 9th Avenues between 6th & 7th Avenues

MANHATTAN HOTEL LIST !!! Chelsea Savoy Hotel Giraffe Hotel 204 W 23rd Street 365 Park Avenue South at 26th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues Dear Readers of TaxiInsider, Gramercy Park Hotel Drivers always tell me that they cannot know the location of every hotel in Chelsea Star Hotel 2 Lexington Avenue at 21st Street Manhattan. A lot of work went into the list of Manhattan Hotels below. Drivers, 300 W 30th Street at 8th Avenue please send Taxi Insider any corrections or additional hotels not mentioned. Grand Hyatt New York Hotel Clarion Park Ave. Hotel Park Avenue & 42nd street Also, when you are finished reading this issue of Taxi Insider, do not throw this 429 Park Avenue South at newspaper in the garbage, give it to another taxi driver ! Thank you ! 29th Street Grand Union Hotel 34 E 32nd Street 60 Thompson Street Arlington Hotel Best Western Seaport Inn Hotel Comfort Inn Central Park Hotel between Park & Madison Avenues Between Broome and Spring Streets 18 W 25th Street at 5th Avenue 33 Peck Slip at Front Street 31 W 71st Street between Central Park West & Columbus Ave. (Hampshire Hotel) 414 Inn Avalon Hotel Broadway Plaza Hotel Quality Times Square Hotel 414 W. 46th Street 16 E 32nd Street 1155 Broadway at 27th Street Comfort Inn Manhattan Hotel 157 W 47th Street between 9th & 10th Avenues between Madison & 5th Avenues 42 W 35th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues Bryant Park Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenue Affi nia 50 Suites Beacon Hotel 40 W 40th Street Hampton Inn 155 E 50th Street at 3rd Avenue 2130 Broadway at 75th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues Comfort Inn Midtown Hotel Times Square Hotel 129 W 46th Street 851 8th Avenue at 51st Street Affi nia Dumont Beekman Tower Hotel Carlton New York Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues 150 E 24th Street 3 Mitchell Place 88 Madison Avenue at 29th Street Hampton Inn SoHo between 3rd & Lexington Avenues 49th Street & 1st Ave. Comfort Inn New York Hotel 54 Watts St Carlyle Hotel 442 W 36th Street (near Varick St) Affi nia Manhattan Hotel Belvedere Hotel 35 E 76th Street between 10th & Dyer Avenues (formerly the Southgate Tower Hotel) 319 W 48th Street between Madison & 5th Avenues Helmsley Carlton House Hotel 371 Seventh Avenue at 31st Street between 8th & 9th Avenues Courtyard Manhattan 5th Avenue 680 Madison Ave Carnegie Suites Hotel 3 E 40th Street between 61st & 62nd Sts. Algonquin Hotel Benjamin Hotel 229 W 58th Street between Madison & 5th Avenues 59 W 44th Street 125 E 50th Street at York Avenue between 7th & 8th Avenues Helmsley Middletowne Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenues Courtyard Midtown East Hotel 148 E 48th Street Bentley Hotel Casablanca Hotel 866 3rd Avenue between Lexington & Park Aves. Americana Inn Hotel 500 E 62nd Street at York Avenue 147 W 43rd Street between 51st & 52nd Streets 69 W 38th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues Helmsley Park Lane Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenues Best Western Courtyard Times Square Hotel 36 Central Park South Convention Center Hotel Chambers Hotel 114 W 40th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues Ameritania Hotel 522 W 38th Street 15 W 56th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues 230 W 54th Street at Broadway between 10th & 11th Avenues between 5th & 6th Avenues Hilton Garden Inn Time Square Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel 790 8th Avenue Amsterdam Court Hotel Best Western Hospitality House Hotel Chandler 1605 Broadway between 48th & 49th Streets 226 W 54th Street at Broadway 145 E 49th Street 12 E 31st Street off 5th Avenue between 49th & 50th Streets between 7th & 8th Avenues between 3rd & Lexington Avenues Hilton New York Hotel Chelsea Hotel Crowne Plaza UN Hotel 1335 6th Avenue Amsterdam Inn Hotel Best Western President Hotel 222 W 23rd Street 304 E 42nd Street between 53rd & 54th Streets 340 Amsterdam Avenue 234 W 48th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues between 1st & 2nd Avenues at W 76th St. between 7th & 8th Avenues Hilton Times Square Hotel Doubletree Times Square Hotel 234 W 42nd Street Photo by David Pollack 1568 Broadway between 7th & 8th Avenues between 47th & 48th Streets Holiday Inn Drake Swissotel Hotel Downtown Hotel 440 Park Avenue at 56th Street 138 Lafayette Street between Howard & Canal Streets Eastgate Tower Suites Hotel 222 E 39th Street Holiday Inn Martinique Hotel between 2nd & 3rd Avenues Broadway & W 32nd Street

Edison Hotel Holiday Inn Midtown Hotel 228 W 47th Street 440 W 57th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues between 9th & 10th Avenues

Elysee Hotel Holiday Inn Wall Street Hotel 60 E 54th Street 15 Gold Street at Platt Street between Park & Madison Avenues Hudson Hotel Embassy Suites Hotel 356 W 58th Street 102 North End Ave. Between 8th & 9th Avenues World Financial Center, Manhattan Inter-Continental Barclay Hotel Fairfi eld Inn & Suites Chelsea- 111 E 48th Street 116 W. 28th St between Lexington (near 6th Ave) Park Avenues

Four Points Manhattan SoHo- Iroquois Hotel 66 Charlton St. 49 W 44th Street (near Spring St) between 5th & 6th Avenues

Fairfi eld Inn & Suites Times Square JW Marriott Millennium 330 W. 40th St 160 Central Park South (near 9th Ave) between 6th & 7th Avenues.

Fair fi eld Inn & Suites Fifth Avenue Kitano Hotel 21 W. 37th St 66 Park Avenue at 37th Street

Four Points Sheraton Chelsea Hotel La Quinta Manhattan Hotel 160 W. 25th Street 17 W 32nd Street between 6th & 7th Avenues between 5th & 6th Avenues

Four Points Midtown Times Square Le Parker Meridien Hotel 326 W. 40th St (near 9th Ave) 118 W 57th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues Four Seasons Hotel 57 E 57th Street Lombardy Hotel between Park & Madison Aves. (Continued on Page 30) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 29 EVENTS AND MORE IN THE BIG APPLE Recommendations to passengers always increase the opportunity for a big tip! Here is is a listing that will help keep all taxi drivers in the loop on what's going on NYCNYC in New York City! Mention these events & promotions and watch the tips grow ! The Best Museums In NYC The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220 5th Ave in East Screw the Smithsonian, the Louvre, collection of modern and contemporary Harlem (212-534-1672, mcny.org) $10 the Prado and the Uffi zi Gallery. The art is nothing to sneeze at. suggested admission. best museums in the world are right And the last-but-not-least of these here in NYC, and there are about a most celebrated New York institutions million of them, boasting everything is the American Museum of Natural from 13th century folk art to curious History, where we presume gigantic sex positions and embalmed baby dinosaurs and the Ghost of Teddy kittens. It’s hard to suss out which of Roosevelt haunt the halls at night. You The Museum of The City of NY these are the best of the best, but we’ve don’t have to like science to appreciate MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW sorted out some of our favorites for these adorable penguins, but this mu- YORK: The MCNY’s been culling art, you. Leave yours—and your preferred seum touches every aspect of biology, photos and objects out of New York’s mummifying techniques—in the com- ecology and geology imaginable, and history since it was housed in Gracie ments, and be sure to check out our you can even take a trip into space at Mansion in the 1920s. And now they’ve list of some of the city’s lesser-known the Hayden Planetarium next door. The Morgan Library & Museum got a collection of about 750,00 artifacts museums, too. The Museum of Modern Art is MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSE- squirreled away in a landmarked man- located at 11 West 53rd Street in Mid- UM: J.P. Morgan may be better known sion at the northern tip of Museum Mile; town West (212- 708-9400, moma. for his fi nancial services empire, but it these include images made by 19th cen- org) $25 admission. The Metropolitan turns out he was a pretty prolifi c art and tury printmaking fi rm Currier and Ives, Museum of Art is located at 1000 5th manuscript collector, too. The Morgan classic Broadway theater scripts, and a Ave at Central Park (212) 535-7710, houses this collection, along with newer 12-room dollhouse that once belonged metmuseum.org) $25 recommended acquisitions, in its Midtown East space, to socialite Carrie Walter Stettheimer admission. The Whitney Museum of boasting everything from original Sir and features tiny doll-sized artworks by American Art is located at 945 Madison Walter Scott and Charles Dickens man- artists like Marcel Duchamp. MCNY Ave on the Upper East Side (212-570- uscripts, ancient Neo-Babylonian stone unleashes some of its collection through 3600, whitney.org) $20 admission. The cylinder seals, renowned Renaissance The Met ongoing and temporary exhibitions, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is artwork and Einstein’s “Fundamentals THE BIGGIES: MOMA, MET, like “Activist New York”, “City As A located at 1071 5th Ave on the Upper and Methods of the Theory of Relativ- WHITNEY, GUGGENHEIM & Canvas” and the erstwhile “The Greatest East Side (212-423-3500, guggenheim. ity.” Past and present exhibitions have AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATU- Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan, org) $22 admission. And the American included a look at The Little Prince RAL HISTORY: These fi ve museums 1811-2011.” Museum of Natural History is located (Continued on Page 42) include four internationally-renowned at 79th Street and Central Park West on art institutions and arguably the best the Upper West Side (212-769-5100, science museum in the world, and amnh.org) $22 suggested admission. though each one warrants its own sprawling encomium, their virtues have been extolled so often we’re clumping them together to save space for some Dragonfl y of the city’s other worthy destinations. Even without a mind-blowing special exhibit, The Met’s permanent collection is worth a fi ve hour visit alone, boast- Graphics llc. ing everything from Greek sculpture to modern Pop art; the Cloisters, which •Design and Print is also under the Met’s jurisdiction, The Frick features some of the most spectacular FRICK COLLECTION: The Met media experts. medieval and religious art in the coun- might have the city’s most famous col- try. MoMA’s (and its Queens satellite lection of art, but the Frick may have •Over 25 years PS1) permanent collection of modern the most elegant. The museum, housed and contemporary art is unparalleled, in the former home of art collector experience in and the special shows that migrate and former Andrew Carnegie partner through its galleries are nothing short Henry Clay Frick, boasts an elegant Graphics. of breathtaking. Past exhibitions have collection of primarily European art, focused on Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, including works by Johannes Vermeer, •Certifi ed Union Vincent Van Gogh and Rene Magritte, Francisco Goya, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Printers. and ne’er forget recent Drudge Siren Rembrandt van Rijn and François blog events like The Clock, Sleeping Boucher. And though the art itself is Tilda and the Rain Room. certainly a draw, it’s the presentation 4 Court Square As for The Whitney, well, that that draws you in here; much of the Long Island City, NY 11101 Upper East Side standby and famed collection on view remains arranged (718) 392-3460 Biennial holder is on its way to a new as it was during Frick’s lifetime, spread Fax (718) 786-5931 out through the mansion’s rooms, halls, home in the Meatpacking District at www.dragonfl ygraphics.info vestibules and galleries. Be sure to save the end of the year. But for now, it’s e-mail: dragonfl [email protected] worth stopping by the bizarre Marcel time for a lengthy visit to the museum’s Breuer bunker to see the museum’s mas- spectacular Garden Court, check out sive Jeff Koons retrospective, on view all the amazing clocks, and note that a through October 19th. And then there’s secret bowling alley, billiards room and the Guggenheim, whose Frank Lloyd woodshop lurk beneath all that art. Wright building itself is perhaps more The Frick is located at 1 East 70th famous and beautiful than some of the Street between 5th and Madison Aves artwork inside, though its compelling on the Upper East Side (212-288-0700, frick.org) $20 admission. PAGE 30 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Letters and choose prior to the 5pm shift change. The good outweighs the Quoteable (Continued from Page 16) bad is the public is the real victims We cannot treat unfairly a service of this policy required by a city. If we do, we are NYC Mitch creating a 2 tier unjust class society. A Quotes city must treat its workers fairly. The Met Shimon “I drive a cab here in Bloomfi eld not going to allow anything to distract Dear Taxi Dave, NJ. Many people by emails are try- from that. I’m not going to be a partner In front of the Metropolitan Mu- ing to tempt me to do Uber, but I think at Hilltop,’ Blake told Gotham Gazette, Harsh TLC Policy seum there is a man with a bullhorn about it and I say: I don’t want to put meaning Hilltop Public Solutions, the Dear Taxi Dave, announcing that Uber cars will take you lots of miles on my personal car, I don’t consulting fi rm. What I`ve noticed, is that due to anywhere in the city for $40. They park want to pay my own maintenance and • • • • • the TLC`S harsh refusal policies, my between 81st Street and 82nd Street. my insurance company tells me if they “Yes, I said it. As Kanye West would day drivers are forced to go off duty The people line up as yellow drivers found out they would drop me. My cab say, to paraphrase him, this administra- about 4pm. This harsh TLC policy get angry and the NYPD does NOTH- company takes care of all that, and if tion doesn’t care about minorities and has major unintended consequences, ING to stop this illegal solicitation or my car breaks down they give me a new black people.” the public be damned. Anyway, this parking illegally. one. So I don’t see how those idiots are Bertha Lewis, a former de Bla- policy must be loved by Uber. It`s far Weon Choi being tempted to take all these chances sio ally, blasting the mayor for his better for drivers to be able to pick Driver of 35 years with their own personal car. “ performance on promoting MWBE Rob – Bloomfi eld NJ. businesses. • • • • • • • • • • “I have no interest in being involved “I respect Star Wars’ place in the with politicians, because clearly they American cultural fi rmament, but it’s can’t get anything done.” never quite been my thing.” Kenneth Langone, Home Depot Inc. Mayor Bill de Blasio • • • • • • • • • • “It is not accurate that there is a “I actually do miss shoveling snow. culture of corruption in Albany.” This is a true statement. I miss all the Assemblyman Michael Blake after things that went with my previous saying down this: “‘I’ve decided that life,” the clear priority is and always has been de Blasio on the warm weather and the constituents of my district, and I’m missing his previous life.

near Christy Street Ramada New Yorker Hotel Sofi tel Hotel Manhattan Hotel List Omni Berkshire Place Hotel 481 8th Avenue at 34th Street 45 W 44th Street 21 E 52nd Street Renaissance Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenues (Continued from Page 28) between Madison & 5th Avenue 714 7th Avenue at 48th Street 111 E 56th Street 569 Lexington Avenue at 51st Street SoHo Grand Hotel between Lexington & Michelangelo Hotel Paramount Hotel Regency Hotel 310 W Broadway Park Avenues 152 W 51st Street 235 W 46th Street 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street between Canal & Grand Streets between 6th & 7th Avenues between 7th & 8th Avenues Lucerne Hotel Roger Smith Hotel Solita SoHo Hotel 201 W 79th Street at Milford Plaza Hotel Park Central Hotel 501 Lexington Avenue at 47th Street 159 Grand St Amsterdam Avenue 270 W 45th Street at 8th Avenue 870 7th Avenue at 56th Street Roger Williams Hotel St. Regis Hotel Affi nia Gardens Suite Hotel Millenium Hilton Hotel Park Savoy Hotel 131 Madison Avenue at 31st Street 2 E 55th Street at 5th Avenue (formerly Lyden Gardens) 55 Church Street 158 E 58th Street 215 E 64th Street between Fulton & Day Streets between 6th & 7th Avenues Roosevelt Hotel Travel Inn Hotel between 2nd & 3rd Avenues 45 E 45th Street at Madison Avenue 515 W 42nd Street Millennium Broadway Hotel Park South Hotel between 7th & 8th Avenues Madison Hotel 145 W 44th Street 122 E 28th Street Salisbury Hotel 21 E 27th Street at Madison Avenue between 6th & 7th Aves between Lexington & Park Avenues 123 W 57th Street TriBeCa Grand Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues 2 6th Avenue Manhattan Broadway Hotel Millennium UN Plaza Hotel Peninsula Hotel between White & Walker Streets 273 W 38th Street 1 United Nations Plaza 700 5th Avenue at 55th Street San Carlos Hotel between 7th & 8th Avenues at 1st Avenue & 44th Street 150 E 50th Street Trump International Hotel Pennsylvania Hotel between 3rd & Lexington Avenues 1 Central Park West Manhattan Seaport Suites Hotel Morningside Inn Hotel 401 7th Avenue at Columbus Circle 219 Front Street 235 W 107th Street between 32nd & 33rd Streets Sheraton Manhattan Hotel between Pine & Wall Streets between Amsterdam Avenue 790 Seventh Avenue W Court Hotel & Broadway Pickwick Arms Hotel between 51st & 52nd Streets 130 E 39th Street Maritime Hotel 230 E 51st Street between Lexington & Park Avenues 363 W 16th Street at 9th Avenue Murray Hill East Suites Hotel between 2nd & 3rd Avenues Sheraton New York Hotel 149 E 39th Street 811 Seventh Avenue W New York Hotel Marriott Financial Center Hotel between 3rd & Lexington Avenues Pierre Hotel between 52nd & 53rd Streets 541 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street 85 West Street 2 E 61st Street at 5th Avenue between Albany & Carlisle Streets Murray Hill Inn Hotel Sheraton Russell Hotel W Tuscany Hotel 143 E 30th Street Plaza Hotel 45 Park Avenue at 37th Street 120 E 39th Street Marriott East Side Hotel between Lexington & Park Avenues 768 5th Avenue at Central Park South between Lexington & Park Avenues 525 Lexington Avenue Sherry Netherland Hotel between 48th & 49th Street Muse Hotel Plaza Athenee Hotel 781 5th Avenue at 59th Street Waldorf Astoria Hotel 130 W 46th Street 37 E 64th Street 301 Park Avenue Marriott Marquis Hotel between 6th & 7th Aves. between Madison & 5th Avenues Shoreham Hotel between 49th & 50th Streets 1535 Broadway at 44thStreet 33 W 55th Street Palace Hotel Radio City Suites Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenues Wall Street Inn Hotel Mayfair Hotel 455 Madison Avenue 142 W 49th Street 9 South William Street 242 W 49th Street between 50th & 51st Streets between 6th & 7th Avenues Signature Suites between Broad Street & Old Slip between 7th & 8th Avenues Greenwich Village Hotel Novotel Hotel Radisson Lexington Hotel 160 Bleecker Street Warwick Hotel Metro Hotel 226 W 52nd Street 511 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street between Thomson & Sullivan Sts. 65 W 54th Street at 6th Avenue 45 W 35th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues between 5th & 6th Avenues Ramada Inn Eastside Hotel Skyline Hotel Westin NEw York Grand Central Off SoHo Suites Hotel 161 Lexington Avenue at 30th Street 725 Tenth Avenue at 49th Street 212 E 42nd Street Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel 11 Rivington Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 31 THE TAXI DAVE SHOW Brought To You by Melrose Credit Union ATTENTION TAXI DRIVERS! If you missed Taxi Dave’s Radio Shows, You’ve Missed; Senator Jeff Klein Public Advocate Tish James Assemblyman Pichardo Senator Avella Congressman Rangel DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney City Council Majority Leader Jimmy Van Bramer, TLC Chairwoman Meera Joshi Gridlock Sam and more. WOR-710AM Sunday 8:00 – 9:00 PM PAGE 32 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Carpooling Makes A Comeback “Carpooling in the city is gaining popularity after a long decline, as new NYC ECONOMY for-hire apps make it easier for commuters to share a ride. Hundreds of thou- sands of New Yorkers are now skipping the subway, taxi or single-passenger ride-hailing apps. (Continued from Page 27) Via, which can fi t as many as eight people in its vehicles with destinations on the same route for a fl at rate, says its total completed rides reached more than 310,000 in October, up from 230,000 in August...Statistics provided by other carpooling services also show an increase in ridership in recent months, appar- ently bucking the stereotype of harried New Yorkers preferring to commute in solitude. Uber said it saw about a 20% increase in shared rides for its carpooling feature UberPOOL from October to November, from about 200,000 to 240,000. And according to a Lyft spokeswoman, requests for the companies’ carpooling feature, Lyft Line, grow by about 20% a month. Reprinted with permission from WSJ’s Zolan Kanno-Youngs. Gm Invests $500m In Lyft, Plans To Build Driverless Taxi Fleet Lyft, the ride-hailing app compet- mobility into many more markets, ap- ing with Uber, has confi rmed a $1 plications and product offerings,” said billion funding round led by a $500 Silvercar CEO, Luke Schneider. “It is million investment from General our goal to accelerate the expansion Motors. The two companies plan to of our successful airport business in develop an on-demand network of self- order to integrate these new mobility driving cars. Alibaba and Didi Kuaidi products into the market as soon as are among the other investors in the possible.” round. The latest investment report- Zipnosis, a virtual care platform edly values Lyft at $5.5 billion, more provider, has raised $17 million in than doubling its previous valuation Series A fi nancing led by Safeguard of $2.5 billion in March last year. Scientifi cs. Ascension Ventures and Dada, a China-based logistics mo- previous investors including Fairview bile app, has completed a $300 million Health Services, Hyde Park Venture Series D round of funding, according Partners, Arthur Ventures, Waterline to Chinese media reports. DST Global, Ventures and Omphalos Ventures, Sequoia Capital and other unnamed also participated. “Our platform is 1 Foundation Center (2013) investors all participated in the fund- designed to enable health systems 2 US Census County Business Patterns, 2013 ing round. The company is valued at to expand access to immediate care 3 BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey, 2014 more than $1 billion after this latest using their own clinicians,” said 4 BLS American Time Use Survey, 2014 round. Dada connects delivery work- Jon Pearce, co-founder and CEO 5 Foundation Center (2013). Figures in 2012 infl ation adjusted dollars. ers with people looking to fi ll short of Zipnosis. “With Zipnosis, health 6 Foundation Center (2012) distance delivery jobs, and operates systems have a unique opportunity 7 Only grants from Foundation Center top 1000 Foundations are tracked. in 40 Chinese cities. to care for more patients under their Car rental company Silvercar has own brand name and without adding Real Estate raised $28 million in Series C fund- staff. Patients are happier to be ‘seen’ In November 2015, the Manhattan Class A direct vacancy rate decreased ing led by German automaker Audi. sooner without having to step foot from 8.6% to 8.0%, and average rents ticked up from $78 to $79 per square Previous investors Austin Ventures outside their home or go to a waiting foot. The direct vacancy rate fell across all three major submarkets, with and Eduardo Saverin also participated room. We are grateful to Safeguard Midtown seeing the largest drop, from 8.3% in October to 7.6% in November. in this round. Audi and Silvercar will Scientifi cs, Ascension Ventures and Correspondingly, average rents in Midtown increased from $83 PSF to $85. work together to develop Audi Shared our existing seed investors for their Average rents held constant Downtown, and rose by $1 in Midtown South. Fleet, a solution for businesses look- confi dence in our team and technology, Though the Manhattan sublease vacancy rate fell (1.7% in October versus ing to provide transportation to their and for their support that will enable 1.3% in November), the associated rental rate fell by $11 PSF. employees on corporate campuses. us to expand the innovative access Source: Cushman & Wakefield. The investment will also be used by we provide to mainstream medicine Silvercar to expand to new markets. through our partnerships with health “Audi’s confi dence in Silvercar allows systems around the U.S.” Construction us to extend our reach even further, Reprinted with permission from For the twelve months ending September 2015: The number of building and bring forth the concept of shared RedHerring. projects (including new, additions, and alterations) that started construction in New York City was down 1.2% relative to the twelve month period end- ing September 2014. Planned space for such projects, however, was 87.3% HEALTH TIP higher than the same period in 2014, suggesting that building projects have become larger. The value associated with these projects was also up 77.2% Stay Healthy During over the period. 3,430 residential building projects began construction, a 3.2% increase from the twelve months ending in September 2014. These Cold and Flu Season starts contained 47,530 units, almost double the number from last year. Here is an important reminder of how something very basic can be so Source: McGraw Hill Construction Note: Based on latest available vitally important to our health. Infectious disease specialists recommend data. washing hands multiple times during the day, especially during the flu season, using soap and warm running water. If running water isn’t acces- sible, an alcohol-based hand hygiene product is the next best thing. NEED A TOW TRUCK? The 4 Principles of Hand Awareness: 1. WASH your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating. 2. DO NOT cough into your hands. SEE THE TAXI INSIDER 3. DO NOT sneeze into your hands. 4. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose, or mouth. DIRECTORY ON (The 4 Principles of Hand Awareness have been endorsed by the AMA and AAFP) PAGE 33 Use Purell in your taxis often! JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 33

LICENSED MV-1 Winners Garage LOANS/FINANCING REPRESENTATIVES (877) 681-3678 34-14 64th Street All Boro Funding, LLC AND ATTORNEYS Woodside, NY 11377 330 McGuinness Blvd. Tony Falese, Industry Rep. LEASE A TAXI (718) 458-7000 Brooklyn, NY 11222 TIXFIX Yellow Cab SLS JET Management TLC#110 (718) 349-8448 (718) 361-3081 22-05 43rd Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 LICENSED BROKERS TO Bay Ridge Federal Credit Union Michael Spevak, Esq. (718) 707-9667 BUY MEDALLIONS 1750 86th Street 160 E. 56TH Street • 7TH Floor TLC# A0282 Briarwood Transfer Services LLC Brooklyn, NY 11214 New York, NY 10022 @Melrose Credit Union Center (718) 680-2121 (212) 754-1011 All Taxi Management 139-30 queens Blvd. 41-25 36th Street Briarwood, NY 11435 LOMTO Karen Friedman, Esq. Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 658-9800 ext. 1019 Federal Credit Union 30 East 33rd Street • 4th Floor (718) 361-0055 TLC# R0057 50-24 Queens Boulevard New York, NY 10016 TLC#202 Woodside, New York 11377 (212) 213-2145 Chelsea Taxi Brokers (212) 947-3380 D&J Management of Queens 287 10th Avenue NYCDAC 34-14 64th Street NY, NY Montauk Credit Union 34-11 Queens Blvd. Woodside, NY 11377 (212) 947-9833 111 West 26th Street (Street Level) Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 458-6609 (212) 695-0601 New York, NY 10001 (718) 729-4700 TLC#236 TLC#R0004 (212) 989-5200

Colette Katz, Esq. Eddie’s Management Jericho Taxi Brokers Melrose Credit Union Law • DMV • Criminal TLC 40-08 24th Street 36-16 Skillman Avenue 139-30 Queens Boulevard [email protected] LIC, NY 11101 Long Island City, NY 11101 Briarwood, NY 11435 (917) 548-9907 (718) 707-0072 (718) 392-7000 (718) 658-9800 TLC#A0280 TLC#R0001 Rapid Funding ACCOUNTANTS 657 Tenth Avenue Action Tax Services JTL Management LOMTO Generation Brokerage NY, NY 10036 21-03 44th Avenue 36-16 Skillman Avenue 435 West 45th Street (212) 977-4083 LIC, NY 11101 Long Island City, NY 11101 New York, NY 10036 (718) 932-3737 (718) 392-7000 (212) 582-5721 TLC FACILITIES TLC#213 TLC#R0018 TLC Headquarters TOW TRUCK 33 Beaver Street, Mastermind Towing McGuinness Management Mystic Brokerage Inc. NY, NY 10006 24-Hour Towing Service 330 McGuinness Blvd. 330 McGuinness Blvd. (212) 676-10003 Reasonable Rates for TAXIS Brooklyn, NY 11222 Brooklyn, NY 11222 Call 718-926-0616 (718) 349-8448 (718) 349-7610 Licensing and Adjudications (888) SEND-1-TOW TLC#A0259 TLC#R0050 32-02 Queens Boulevard LIC, NY 11101 BUY A TAXI CAB On Our Way Management Corp. Pearland Transfer Corp. (212) 852-4636 Koeppel Nissan 6814 5th Avenue 36-01 43rd Avenue 74-15 Northern Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11220 LIC, NY 11101 Uniformed Services Bureau Flushing, NY 11372 (718) 833-8125 (718) 361-0033 24-55 BQE West (718) 898-7800 TLC# A0249 TLC#R0020 Woodside, NY 11377 (718) 267-4555 Hudson Toyota S & R Medallion Westway Medallion Sales 599 Route 440 625 West 51st Street 657 Tenth Avenue TAXI TECHNOLOGY Jersey City, NY New York, NY 10019 NY, NY 10036 VeriFone Transportation Systems (877) 422-0289 (212) 957-9200 (212) 977-4590 (d/b/a Taxitronic) TLC# A0224 TLC#R0039 37-01 21st Street Lees Toyota LIC, NY 11106 139-65 Queens Blvd. Taxifl eet Management LLC Friendly Group Ltd. (718) 752-1656 Jamaica, NY 11435 54-11 Queens Boulevard 287 10th Avenue (718) Woodside, NY 11377 New York, NY 10001 CMT (718) 779-5000 (212) 947-9833 (Creative Mobile Technologies) Manhattan Toyota TLC#307 11-51 47th Avenue 645 11th Avenue (corner of 47th St.) INSURANCE Long Island City, NY 11101 New York, NY 10036 Taxifl eet Management LLC COMPANIES FOR (718) 349-7700 (866) 462-3333 34-14 31st Street WORKER’S COMPENSATION: LIC, NY 11101 Hereford Insurance Company PRINT & GRAPHICS Plaza Toyota (718) 361-6363 36-01 43rd Avenue SERVICES 2721 Nostrand Avenue TLC#A0308 Long Island City, NY 11101 Dragonfl y Graphics LLC Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718) 361-9191 4 Court Square • 2nd Floor (347) 554-6215 Long Island City, NY 11101 (347) 554-6000 (718) 392-7042 PAGE 34 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Current Medallion (Continued from Page 19) A0326 Gotham Yellow LLC. 134-02 33 Avenue Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 993-8100

A0327 White And Blue Group Corp. 35-11 43 Avenue LIC, NY 11101 (718) 786-6594

A0329 NYC Taxi Group Inc. 876 Mcdonald Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11218 (718) 253-3501

A0330 Gn Taxi Fleet Corp. 1500 Mcdonald Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11230 (718) 627-7097

A0331 F & L Leasing Corp. 374 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 222-4040 A0332 Manhattan Checker Mgmt. Corp. 528 West 39 Street New York, NY 10018 (212) 868-0795

A0333 P & I Leasing Corp. 558 West 44 Street New York, NY 10036 (212) 695-1112

A0334 Yellow Dog Leasing Corp. 31-08 Northern Boulevard LIC, NY11101 (718) 472-1800

A0335 Sufi Medallion Inc. 13-11 44 Avenue LIC, NY 11101 (718) 392-2230

A0336 Taxi World Inc. 627 West 51 Street New York, NY 10019 (212) 265-4022 JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 35

LOG ON! www.PlazaToyota.com CALLING ALL CARS! WE DO FULL WHEELCHAIR CONVERSION AND ACCEPT TLC GRANT! New 2015 Avalon Livery Edition (Gas & Hybrid) 20152200 TOYOTA IsIs RightRight HereHere InIn Brooklyn!Brooklyn! WE ACCEPT AVALON THE GRANT! 4343 MPG CITY / 39 MPG HWY!HWY! LARGERLAR TRUNK SPACE FORFOR MOREMORE LUGGAGE! ATTRACTIVECTIVE GROUND CLEARANCE WE WILL ACCEPT YOUR PERSONAL NO CREDIT - BAD CREDIT VEHICLELE OR EVERYONE WILL BE APPROVEDPPROVED TAXI VEHICLE FINANCING AVAILABLE AS TRADE IN! 2015201201 20152012015 HIGHLANDER PRIUS HYBRID WEWE HAVE THE TOYOTA RIGHT FOR YOU! THE FIRST SSTEP?TEP? CALLCA 347-554-6000 or 347-554-6215 EMAIL: [email protected] FORF ALL YOUR TAXI & LIMO NEEDS!

FLEET SERVICE FROM FACTORY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS YAWAR SYED, FLEET MANAGER • 347-554-6215 or 347-554-6000 LOG ON! www.PlazaToyota.com Wholesale Discounts Percentage Discounts On Parts Available To All On All Services To Taxis! Taxi Companies!

Service Center is open on Sunday for Taxis

2721 Nostrand Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11210 Visit us online for more information www.PlazaToyota.com PAGE 36 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 The New York Black Car Fund Held Its Annual Holiday Party in December

John L. Acierno, President/CEO of the Executive Transportation Group (right); From left to right: Michael Swan, Marsh Consulting; Goldstein; Bob Bossert, Haroutunian (center); and Pasqualino “Pat” Russo, Special Counsel at Windels Consultant and Sharon Herschlag, Safety National. Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP.

Guest from Skyline Credit Ride (left); George Potter, President of Skyline Credit Roberta Pike, Pike & Pike PC (center), fl anked by Goldstein and David Pollack, Ride (center); and Michael Kordonsky. Melrose Credit Union.

Paul Danziger, CEO of Stitch This Print That (left); Mrs. Kordonsky (center) and Peter Sipperly (right) and his son. Pia Petersen. TAXI DAVE’S RADIO SHOW WOR-710AM 8:00 – 9:00 PM EVERY SUNDAY! JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 37 PAGE 38 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG DMV & TLC Summonses Michael Spevack Attorney-At-Law You Can Receive the Finest Representation At Reasonable Fees ! All TLC & DMV Problems G Customer Complaints• Moving Violations•• Wills House Closings Buying Or Selling A Business• Personal Injury Cases & Other Legal Work 212-754-1011Call For An Appointment: All Bankruptcy Matters Handled If you have been arrested, Including Chapter 11, 13 And 7. I can help you with TLC Call For Free Initial Consultation. and in Criminal Court. 97-77 Queens(212) Blvd. • Suite 1120 754-1011DON’T DELAY! th Call me now for the best representation. Rego Park,160 NY East 11374 56 Street, Floor 7I work • with NY, a top NY notch 10022Criminal Law Firm www.traffi c-summons.com to help you get out of trouble.

GGGGGGGGGGGGGG GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG GGGGGGGGGGGGGG JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 39

Immediate Immediate FH-1 FH-1

al Pro venient Loc Taxi & Limousine Specialists ci gr on at e 1.0 & 1.5 a C Visit io p m x n S i Million Liability w/ s the Pearland Insurance

S

optional Full Coverage

Office Conveniently

available for luxury

Liability, Physical Damage

Located Near You!

licensed cars.

& Workers Compensation Visit any one of our Pearland Offices Free Main Office: 36-01 43rd Avenue, Long Island City - (718) 361-0033 Parking FLUSHING BROOKLYN MANHATTAN BRONX BROOKLYN 135-23 Northern Blvd. 1043 Coney Island Ave. 4861 Broadway (@ 204 St.) 805 Melrose Ave. 1446 39th Street (718) 888-9555 (718) 421-6677 (212) 567-4100 (718) 665-4750 (718) 853-7392 Owned & Operated by The Greenbaum Family for over 45 Years

6 ConvenientIn 4 boroughs Locations !!!

Low Deposit! Best Deal In Town! Come And See Us To Get All The Details!

Be $975.00Your Own Boss! PAGE 40 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016

TAXI CAB OUTLET

NEW 2015 TOYOTA PRIUS V NEW 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

NEW 2015 TOYOTA CAMRY LE JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 41 September Book Signings Museums along Museum Mile El Museo del Barrio at 104th Street Museum of the City of New York at 103rd Street Jewish Museum at 92nd Street Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design at 91st Street National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts at 89th Street Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum at 88th Street Metropolitan Museum of Art from 82nd to 86th Streets Goethe House German Cultural Center at 82nd Street Other Museums Hoda Kotb, host of “The Today Show” The Museum of American Finance, the nation’s only independent public ... signing copies of Where They Belong Museum of American Finance, 48 Wall Street 1/5/16 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble African Burial Ground - corners of Duane and Elk Streets 86th & Lexington Avenue. New York, NY. American Folk Art Museum 45 W. 53rd St. 1/8/16 7:00 PM at Book Revue American Museum of Natural History 77th St Central Park West New York Avenue. Huntington, NY. Children’s Museum of the Arts 250 Lafayette St # A, 1/11/16 7:00 PM at Bookends Children’s Museum of the Arts East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ. Free Art Island Outpost Program at Governors Island Harbor Defense Museum - 230 Sheridan Loop, Brooklyn William Shatner, star of “Star Trek” Italian American Museum-155 Mulberry St signing copies of Kehila Kedosha Jania Museum-280 Broome St Leonard: My Fifty Year Friendship With a Remarkable Man Luxce Project 53 Stanton St 2/15/16 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble The Morgan Library and Museum-225 Madison Ave. Union Square. New York, NY. Museum of Chinese In America-211 Centre St Museum of Jewish Heritage- Holocaust Edmond J. Safra Plaza - 36 Battery Place Museum at FIT-Seventh Ave. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) 11 W 53rd St Museum of Modern Art Design-81 Spring St # A National Museum of the American Indian Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, 1 Bowling Green New Museum of Contemporary Art-235 Bowery New World Art Ctr-250 Lafayette St # 5 New York City Police Museum-100 Old Slip Poets House - Ten River Terrace Queens Museum of Art-49th Ave. and 111th St. Rubin Museum of Art-150 West 17th Street Skyscraper Museum - 39 Battery Place South Street Seaport Museum - 12 Fulton Street The Tenement Museum-108 Orchard St Whitney Museum of American Art-945 Madison Ave

Photo By David Pollack PAGE 42 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 The Best Museums In NYC commissioned subway station, and you crisis. You can marvel at a portion of can peek into a functional control room Keith Haring’s Pop Shop ceiling at (Continued from Page 29) to see the whole system at work. the admissions desk, or snap photos author Antoine Saint-Expurey, J.D. special stuff, though, this second largest The New York Transit Museum is of the statues of Abraham Lincoln and Salinger’s love letters, and fi rst edition museum in NYC has a massive perma- located at Boerum Place and Schermer- Frederick Douglass perched outside the works by modern masters like William nent collection, with noteworthy works horn Street in Brooklyn Heights, museum’s two entrances. Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Allen including Judy Chicago’s celebrated Brooklyn (718-694-1600, mta.info/ The New York Historical Society Ginsberg; book nerds will also appreci- feminist installation The Dinner Party, mta/museum). $7 admission. is located at 170 Central Park West ate Pierpont Morgan’s sublime library, Gilbert Stuart’s 1796 portrait of George at 77th Street on the Upper West Side which was restored to its 1906 glory a Washington (used on the $1 bill!) and (212-873-3400, nyhistory.org). few years ago. many, many mummies, which once gave The Morgan is located at 225 an acquaintance of my grandmother’s Madison Ave between 36th and 37th a rash back in the 1940s. Street in Midtown East (212-685-0008, The Brooklyn Museum is located at themorgan.org) $18 admission. 200 East Parkway at Washington Ave in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. (718- 638-5000, brooklynmuseum.org) $12 suggested admission.

New York Historical Society NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCI- ETY: When I was a child, there was an Lower East Side Tenement Museum exhibit in the basement of the New York LOWER EAST SIDE TENEMENT Historical Society dubbed “Kid City,” MUSEUM: This is another one for in which the museum had transformed the time travelers. This 19th century The Queens Museum West 82nd Street and Broadway into a fi ve-story tenement building housed QUEENS MUSEUM: The Queens tot-friendly version of its 1901 self. I around 7,000 immigrants from the Museum never gets enough love, and The Museum of Moving Image spent many hours there commandeering 1860s to the 1930s, and the Tene- that’s a real shame. The four-decade old a turn-of-the-century grocer’s market ment Museum’s restored the rooms art institution is a cultural gem, located THE MUSEUM OF MOVING IM- and forcing other children to make de- to mirror what they looked like from in a pavilion building built specifi cally AGE: You don’t have to be a fi lm buff to liveries to the neighboring horse goods the 1860s to the 1930s. Museum staff for the 1939 World’s Fair and used enjoy MoMI’s expansive special exhibi- store, and though “Kid City” has since provide guided tours of the rooms and briefl y as headquarters for the United tions on, say, The Muppets, or Breaking been replaced with a larger children’s businesses, which include a garment Nations General Assembly. Now, the Bad. But if you do love movies, this exhibition, I like to think it taught me workshop and a German saloon; there Queens Museum harbors a hefty col- Astoria museum is stuffed with all sorts a lot about New York’s history—what are even costumed staff members who lection of fi ne arts, Tiffany glass, and of memorabilia, interactive exhibitions nine-year-old knew Central Park didn’t take on the characters of the building’s collections stemming from the 1939 and and special programming that’ll tickle simply sprout fully-formed out of the former residents. Beyond the Orchard 1964 Worlds Fairs, the latter of which is your inner cinephile. MoMI’s ongoing ground? The NYHS underwent a major Street building, the museum provides currently on view as part of temporary exhibition, “Behind The Screen,” runs renovation a few years ago, and it’s walking tours of the neighborhood to exhibition Behind the Curtain: Collect- through the history of cinema, tackling since returned with some excellent remind you of what the LES was like ing the New York Fairs. everything from the earliest moving programming. before Max Fish moved in (and then But the museum’s best and most picture camera to makeup from Sex And There is, for instance, a show featur- out, and then back in again). famous offering is its Panorama of the The City. They also hold frequent fi lm ing 90 artworks by Madeline creator The Tenement Museum is located City of New York, a 9,335-square-foot screenings—all summer long, they’ve Ludwig Bemelmans; through the end at 103 Orchard Street between Broome model of the city’s fi ve boroughs that been continuously showing fi lms from of the month, the museum is showing and Delancey Streets on the Lower East was originally commissioned by Rob- the 1939 and 1964 Worlds Fairs, and re- work by street style photographer Bill Side (212) 982-8420, tenement.org). ert Moses for the 1964 World’s Fair. cent screening offerings have included Cunningham, and past exhibitions have $25 admission. Though the panorama hasn’t under- The Searchers, 2001: A Space Odyssey included works from the 1913 Armory Reprinted with permission from The gone a full-throttle update since 1992, and the original Godzilla. Stay tuned for Show and a look at the city’s AIDS Gothamist and Rebecca Fishbein. developments like Brooklyn Bridge their upcoming permanent Jim Henson Park and Citi Field have slowly gotten installation, planned for 2015. The 10 Best Art Galleries In NYC added over time thanks to the museum’s The Museum of the Moving Image “Adopt A Building” program, though it is located at 3601 35th Ave in Astoria, New York may have some of the fi n- rooms were on display here last year, seems Williamsburg’s condos have yet Queens (718-777-6888, movingimage. est museums in the world, but not all of and Doug Wheeler’s hypnotizing, white- the city’s best art is hidden behind a $20 to receive treatment in miniature. us). $12 admission. light saturated “infi nity environment” The Queens Museum is located at entrance fee. Works by renowned artists took center stage in 2012. The gallery’s the New York City Building in Flushing and lesser-known locals line the walls and also hosted work by mainstream names hang from the ceilings of galleries small Meadows Corona Park (718-592-9700, like Jeff Koons and Richard Serra. Up and large, and visitors can often peruse queensmuseum.org) $8 suggested next, look for works by Diana Thater, them for no fee, often with a glass of wine admission. Mamma Andersson, Al Taylor and Jan in hand (if it’s a Thursday or sometimes Schoonhoven. Friday). Here are a few of our favorite David Zwirner is located at 525 West galleries around town; as always, leave 19th Street in Chelsea (212-727-2070, yours in the comments. davidzwirner.com). They have a second New York Transit Museum DAVID ZWIRNER GALLERY NEWYORK TRANSIT MUSEUM: gallery at 537 West 20th Street between Visiting the New York Transit Museum 10th and 11th Avenue. is a bit like traveling back in time. GAGOSIAN GALLERY The nation’s only museum dedicated to public transportation, the NYTM boasts an astonishing collection of MTA The Brooklyn Museum memorabilia, not the least of which is BROOKLYN MUSEUM: The its collection of antique subway cars, Brooklyn Museum has really been on a complete with antique ads that predate roll this century with a series of block- Dr. Zizmor. You can also peruse an buster exhibits, including 2008’s stellar extensive collection of subway tokens German ex-pat David Zwirner opened Takashi Murakami show, 2012’s Keith (ah, memories of watching my bus fare up his gallery in 1993, relocating from Haring exhibition, last year’s innovative roll under a car...) and fare collectors, SoHo to Chelsea in 2002. The exhibitions Jean Paul Gaultier show, “Ai Weiwei: and for the young and young at heart, hosted at his current large space are often Gagosian’s a major name in the global gallery scene, with locations in According to What?” which is on view there’s a child-sized taxi cab, trolley car wildly popular, as the long lines attest. Los Angeles (where the fi rst Gagosian until August 10th, and a site-specifi c and bus to play on. It’s also noteworthy Infi nity seems like something of a theme piece by street artist Swoon. Beyond the that the museum is located inside a de- here— Yayoi Kusama’s popular infi nity (Continued on Page 44) JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 43 Events For You and Your Passengers in The Big Apple Broadway Shows Off Broadway Shows

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO HUGHIE 2 ACROSS: A NEW COMEDY OF NEWSical LOVE AND MURDER Booth Theatre CROSSWORDS AND ROMANCE Kirk Theatre Walter Kerr Theatre 222 West 45th Street St. Luke’s Theatre 410 West 42nd Street 218 West 48th Street 308 West 46th Street JERSEY BOYS PERFECT CRIME ALADDIN August Wilson Theater 39 STEPS Snapple Theatre Center New Amsterdam Theatre 245 West 52nd Street Union Square Theatre 210 West 50th Street 214 West 42nd Street 100 East 17th Street KINKY BOOTS SAM EATON’S ALLEGIANCE Al Hirshfi eld Theater AVENUE Q THE QUANTUM EYE Longacre Theatre 203 West 45th Street New World Stages MENTALISM & MAGIC SHOW 220 West 48th Street 340 West 50th Street Theatre 80 LES MISERABLES 80 St. Marks Place AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Imperial Theatre Palace Theatre 249 West 45th Street BLACK ANGELS OVER 1564 Broadway TUSKEGEE SEX TIPS FOR STRAIGHT LONG DAY’S JOURNEY Actors Temple Theatre WOMEN FROM A GAY MAN AMERICAN PSYCHO INTO NIGHT 339 West 47th Street The 777 Theatre Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre American Airlines Theatre 777 Eighth Avenue 236 West 45th Street 227 West 42nd Street BLUE MAN GROUP Astor Plae Theatre SISTAS: A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE LORD OF THE DANCE: 424 Lafayette Street THE MUSICAL Lyceun Theatre DANGEROUS GAMES St. Lukes Theatre 149 West 45th Street Lyric Theatre CLEVER LITTLE LIES 308 West 46th Street 214 West 43rd Street Westside Theatre BEAUTIFUL 407 West 43rd Street SMART PEOPLE THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL MATILDA THE MUSICAL Second Stage Theatre Stephen Sondheim Theatre Shubert Theater DADDY LONG LEGS 305 West 43rd Street 124 West 43rd Street 225 West 44th Street Davenport Theatre 354 West 45th Street SMOKEFALL BLACKBIRD MISERY Lucille Lortel Theatre Belasco Theatre Broadhurst Theatre DRUNK SHAKESPEARE 121 Christopher Street 111 West 44th Street 235 West 44th Street The Lounge at Roy Arias Theatre 300 West 43rd Street STOMP BRIGHT STAR NOISES OFF Orpheum Theatre Cort Theatre American Airlines Theatre FUERZA BRUTA 126 Second Avenue 138 West 48th Street 227 West 42nd Street The Daryl Roth Theatre CHICAGO ON YOUR FEET! 101 East 15th Street TAPPIN’ THRU LIFE Ambassador Theatre THE STORY OF EMILIO AND New Wold Stages 219 West 49th Street GLORIA ESTEFAN FULL HOUSE! THE MUSICAL! 340 West 50th Street Marquis Theatre Theatre 80 CHINA DOLL 1535 Broadway 80 St. Marks Place THE BERENSTAIN BEARS Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theatre 236 West 45th Street OUR MOTHER’S BRIEF AFFAIR GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW 5 West 63rd Street Samuel J. Friedman Theatre New World Stages CIRQUE DU SOLEIL 261 West 47th Street 340 West 55th Street THE FANTASTICKS PARAMOUR Snapple Theater Center Lyric Theatre SCHOOL OF ROCK IT’S JUST SEX 210 West 50th Street 214 West 43rd Street Winter Garden Theatre Actors Temple Theatre 1634 Broadway 339 West 47th Street THE GABRIELS: ELECTION DAMES AT SEA YEAR IN THE LIFE OF ONE Helen Hayes Theatre SHE LOVES ME MONDAY NIGHT MAGIC FAMILY, PLAY ONE: HUNGRY 240 West 44th Street Studio 54 Theatre 80 The Public Theater 254 West 54th Street 80 Saint Marks Place 425 Lafayette Street ECLIPSED Golden Theatre SHUFFLE ALONG, or THE MOTHER COURAGE AND HER THE GREATEST PIRATE 252 West 45th Street MAKING OF THE MUSICAL CHILDREN HOLIDAY SPECTACULARRRR! SENSATION OF 1921 AND ALL Classic Stage Company Theatre 54 FIDDLER ON THE ROOF THAT FOLLOWED 136 East 13th Street 244 West 54th Street Broadway Theatre Music Box Theatre 1681 Broadway 239 West 45th Street MY BIG GAY ITALIAN FUNERAL THE JACKIE MASON MUSICAL FINDING NEVERLAND SOMETHING ROTTEN St. Luke’s Theatre St. Luke’s Theatre Lunt-Fontanne Theatre St. James Theatre 308 West 46th Street 308 West 46th Street 205 West 46th Street 246 West 44th Street MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING THE LION, THE WITCH AND FUN HOME SPRING AWAKENING St. Luke’s Theatre THE WARDROBE Circle in the Square Theatre Brooks Atkinson Theatre 308 West 46th Street St. Lukes Theatre West 50th Street 256 West 47th Street 308 West 46th Street MY SON THE WAITER: HAMILTON SYLVIA A JEWISH TRAGEDY THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM Richard Rodgers Theatre Cort Theatre Stage 72 at The Triad Theatre Laura Pels Theatre 226 West 46th Stret 138 West 48th Street 158 West 72nd Street 111 W 46th Street

HAND TO GOD THE BOOK OF MORMON NAKED BOYS SINGING THE SECRET GARDEN IN CON- Booth Theatre Eugene O’Neil Theatre Kirk Theatre CERT AT LINCOLN CENTER 222 West 45th Street 230 West 49th Street 410 West 42nd Street Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (Continued on Page 44) (Continued on Page 44) PAGE 44 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 10 Best Galleries FISHER LANDAU CENTER FOR ART Broadway (Continued from Page 42) gallery opened in 1979), London, Paris, Shows Rome, Hong Kong, Athens and Geneva, (Continued from Page 43) in addition to the several famed spaces in New York. All of the city’s galleries have THE COLOR PURPLE featured works by the biggest names in Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre modern and contemporary art—Julian 242 West 45th Street Schnabel, Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol, Richard Serra, Cy Twombly, Francis Ba- THE CURIOUS INCIDENT con, etc.—with old masters occasionally This spacious 6,000 square foot gallery OF THE DOG IN on display as well. Exhibitions currently helmed by John Cheim and Howard Read THE NIGHT-TIME on display include a show focusing on This LIC gallery, housed in an erst- boasts a heavy-hitting list of represented Ethel Barrymore Theatre Pablo Picasso’s photography at the West while parachute harness factory, of all artists, with names like Diane Arbus, 243 West 47th Street 21st Street gallery and an exhibition of places, contains hundreds of works be- William Eggleston, Louise Bourgeois and Takashi Murakami’s painting and sculp- longing to 94-year-old collector Emily Joan Mitchell on their list. Upcoming exhi- THE CRUCIBLE ture on West 24th Street. Fisher Landau. Landau’s got quite an bitions include shows by Danish artist Tal Walter Kerr Theatre There are a number of Gagosian Gal- eye for art, having amassed works by the R and Ireland’s Sean Scully; you can see 219 West 48th Street lery locations in Manhattan. Visit their likes of Robert Rauschenberg, Ellsworth Louse Bourgeois’s fascinating Suspension THE FATHER website for more information. Kelly and Andy Warhol over the past half- exhibition through mid-January. century. You can peruse the permanent Cheim & Read is located at 547 Samuel J. Friedman Theatre LUHRING AUGUSTINE 261 West 47th Street works in addition to intermittent tem- West 25th Street between 10th and 11th porary exhibitions highlighting specifi c Avenues in Chelsea (212-242-7727, pieces from Landau’s collection. THE GIN GAME cheimread.com). Golden Theatre The Fisher Landau Center for Art ON STELLAR RAYS 252 West 45th Street is located at 38-27 30th Street in Long Island City, Queens (718-937-0727, THE HUMANS fl cart.org). Helen Hayes Theatre SEAN KELLY GALLERY 240 West 44th Street

THE ILLUSIONISTS Luhring Augustine, founded in Chel- Neil Simmon Theatre sea in 1985, is one of the city’s most 250 West 52nd Street reputable galleries, exhibiting and rep- resenting works by the likes of Gerhard THE KING AND I Richter, Larry Clark, Pablo Picasso and Lincoln Center David Musgrave. And Luhring Augustine Candice Madey’s LES gallery was 70 Lincoln Center Plaza was also one of the fi rst major art galleries one of the fi rst to hit the Bowery back in to expand beyond Manhattan’s enclave, 2008, opening just one day before Leh- THE LION KING making headlines when it opened a Once a SoHo stalwart, Sean Kelly’s man Brothers brought the United States Minskoff Theatre Bushwick outpost off the Morgan Ave L 23-year-old gallery represents some economy tumbling down. But On Stellar 200 West 45th Street stop in 2012. That location boasts a stellar of contemporary art’s biggest names, Rays, named after a 9th century text by exhibition space for installations. including Robert Mapplethorpe, Marina Arab philosopher Al-Kindi, is a survivor, THE PHANTOM OF Luhring Augustine has two locations Abramovi and Mariko Mori. The gallery and continues hawking and displaying THE OPERA in the city: 531 West 24th Street between relocated to a two-story spot in Midtown unique works by new and emerging artists. Majestic Theatre 10th and 11th Avenues in Chelsea (212- a few years ago, and continues to host Current represented artists include Zipora 242 West 45th Street 206,9100, luhringaugustine.com) and unconventional exhibitions, with upcom- Fried, Alix Pearlstein and JJ PEET; the THÉRÈSE RAQUIN at 25 Knickerbocker Avenue between ing shows including work by Chinese gallery is about to close a breathtaking Johnson Avenue and Ingraham Street artist Sun Xun. Studio 54 exhibition of Queens-based artist Tommy 254 West 54th Street in Bushwick, Brooklyn (718-386-276, Sean Kelly Gallery is located at 475 Hartung’s work. luhringaugustine.com.com). Tenth Avenue between 36th and 37th On Stellar Rays is located at 133 TUCK EVERLASTING PIEROGI Streets in Midtown West (212-239-1181, Orchard Street between Delancey and skny.com). Broadhurst Theatre Rivington Streets on the Lower East Side 235 West 44th Street JACK SHAINMAN GALLERY (212-598-3012, onstellarrays.com). STOREFRONT FOR WAITRESS ART & ARCHITECTURE Brooks Atkinson Theatre 256 West 47th Steet

WICKED Gershwin Theater 222 West 51st Street Off-Broadway This Williamsburg gallery may most recently be known for providing greater This DC transplant focuses on inter- Shows North Brooklyn with a lifetime supply national work, with represented artists including the Ghanian El Anatsui, Malian of rock salt and human hamster wheels. Last but not least on this list is the (Continued from Page 43) artist Malick Sidibé and the Israeli Adi But the 20-year-old space is one of Wil- Storefront for Art & Architecture, a Nes. Not that the gallery shuns Americans: 70 Lincoln Center Plaza liamsburg’s pioneering art hubs, boasting 32-year-old triangular slice located in native Missourian Nick Cave is also repre- both exhibitions and the famed fl at fi les that SoHo/Little Italy no-man’s land. sented by Jack Shainman, and the gallery THE WONDERFUL WIZARD showcasing hundreds of works by local Storefront’s an all-around art “institu- just wrapped up a spectacular exhibition OF SONG: THE MUSIC OF artists that are up for sale (you can also tion,” a non-profi t dedicated to supporting of his new work last month. Up next, the HAROLD ARLEN view them online). Pierogi’s also opened emerging and local art. But the gallery’s gallery will host work by Michigan native St. Luke’s Theatre a second space, The Boiler, on North 14th one of the city’s most treasured exhibition Titus Kaphar. 308 West 46th Street Street, where they host larger installations spots, displaying works by hundreds of Jack Shainman has two locations in and sculpture shows. artists, including Peter Cook, Yves Klein Manhattan: 513 West 20th Street between THE WOODSMAN Pierogi is located at 177 North 9th and David Molander. Right now, visitors West Street and 10th Avenue in Chelsea New World Stages Street between Bedford and Driggs Av- can experience Jana Winderen and Marc (212-645-1701, jackshainman.com) and 340 West 50th Street enues in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718- Fornes’s interactive installation Situation at 524 West 24th Street between 10th and 599-2144, pierogi2000.com). They’ve NY, on display through December 20th. 11th Avenues, also in Chelsea (212-337- UNDER THE RADAR FESTIVAL also got a secondary space at 191 North Storefront for Art & Architecture is 3372, jackshainman.com). The Public Theater 14th Street between Nassau and Wythe located at 97 Kenmare Street in Nolita CHEIM & READ 425 Lafayette Street Avenues in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. (212-431-5794, storefrontnews.org). JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 45

Call Lee Komitor or Alex Chaoush 74-15 NORTHERN BLVD. QUEENS, NEW YORK

KOEPPELNISSAN.COM 1-718-898-7800 *Tax & MV Fees are additional Fax (718) 476-8207 NYSDMV7068638. NYSDCA0997779 Lee Komitor PAGE 46 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016 Newest Electric Park Vehicles

Kindly Patronize Choose Your Car Our Advertisers Check Out the Defensive Driving Class Dirctory on Available Free Page 33 JANUARY 2016 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 47

A leader in medallion management since 1983. Operating exclusively as “Driver Owned Vehicles”. TLC Lic. #A0213 Solid Insurance Brokerage, Inc. Meeting the insurance needs of the Taxicab and For-Hire industries for the past 30 years. NYS Lic. #BR-632369 Jericho Taxi Brokers, Inc.

Specializing in the sale of Taxicab medallions for individuals, mini fl eets, estates, and auctions since 1978. TLC Lic #R0001

All Your Taxi/FHV Solutions Under One Roof. 36-16 Skillman Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 392-7000 Fax: (718) 472-0925 Providing 3 generations of excellence to the Taxi/FHV industries PAGE 48 • TAXI INSIDER •JANUARY 2016

MEDALLIONS FOR SALE!

THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO BUY A NEW YORK CITY TAXI MEDALLION! DRIVERS WANTED! ALL SHIFTS MEDALLION LEASES AVAILABLE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:

(212) 977-4590(212) 977-4590 WESTWAY MEDALLION SALES 657 TENTH AVENUE

NEW YORK, NY 10036 (BETWEEN 46TH AND 47TH STREET) facebook.com/westwaymedallionsales