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JULYMAY 20102017 •• TAXITAXI INSIDERINSIDER •• PAGEPAGE 11

INSIDER VOL. 18, NO. 5 “The Voice of the NYC Transportation Industry.” MAY 2017

Letters To The Editor Page 3 EDITORIAL • Insider News By David Pollack Page 4 • AN HONEST BUSINESS, Taxi Attorney By Michael Spevack A BRONX CHEER & A DRINK Page 9 Recently I went on a vacation to Florida and other not drive a yellow cab in Tampa because of their • locations. Here are a few of my experiences: I get into felony convictions, yet they were approved to drive Puzzle a yellow cab in Tampa Florida on the way to the airport for UBER with $250 down for everything.” We all Page 9 and engage the driver in conversation. His name is want to help people get to work in society, but would • Eli and he has been driving yellow in Tampa for 29 you allow your children in a vehicle without knowing One Step At A Time years. That was before there was a modern the driver’s background? airport, before there was a new center for At another location we took a minivan By Larry Fisher the arts, before a major arena, before 5 star cab from my hotel to the beach for $15.00. Page 11 hotels and before the Tampa Waterfront/ After a few hours at the beach and a little • RiverWalk and surrounding downtown was Salsa & Salsa we walked to the taxi line Red Light Cameras modernized. “The yellow cab business was for a cab back to our hotel. I asked for a Page 12 always an honest business, that was until minivan and the cab driver of the minivan • UBER came here,” Eli said. tells me that this is a “special cab and the Eli believes that UBER “is the choice fare will be $50.00.” Let’s just say I gave For The President, of convicted felons on weapons and drug him a Bronx cheer. You don’t mess with A Make Or Break Year charges. I know of two gents who could (Continued on Page 4) Page 17 • Demonstration At City Hall Quotabel Quotes Photos by David Pollack Page 17 • NYS Passes A “Big Ugly TNC Law” Where Do We Go From Here? By Matthew Daus, Esq. Page 23 • NYC Economy Page 29 • Book Signings Page 31 • See Page 8 for more photos. Insider Directory Page 32 • TAXI DAVE’S Commissioner’s Corner By Merra Joshi RADIO SHOW Page 33 WOR-710AM • Shows 8:00 – 9:00 PM Page 37 EVERY SUNDAY! PAGE 2 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 Taxi Drivers Wanted Day Night Ft/Pt In Chelsea , Steps To Subway! TAXI DAVE’S 6 Nights $670: Must Drive Sunday 5 Nights $570: Must Drive Sunday RADIO SHOW These Prices Include; WOR-710AM Sales Tax, Cc Fees, And Hybrid Fees. EVERY SUNDAY! ALL 2015-2016 PRIUS’S 917 374 8538 8:00 – 9:00 PM

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Listen To Our Ad On The Taxi Dave Radio Show MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 3 LETTERS JULY 2010 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 1 INSIDER Street Hail goers? I don’t see no permit allowing this. Tommy N. Publisher & Dear Taxi Dave, Original laws giving exclusive rights to medal- lion owners were meant to create taxis to serve the Please Ask Sam To Fix Editor-in-Chief people of the city by allowing the taxis to cruise David Pollack throughout the city to pick up fares. Street hail is NYC Traffi c a term used in connection with a vehicle that is Dear Taxi Dave, cruising or waiting to be summoned to transport Traffi c is CRAZY!!! We NEED Gridlock Sam’s a person. Whether that person is outside or not is help! irrelevant. The taxis on the street are what the law Davey allows to be hired by hail. The law was meant this way, the rule makers would have surely known Larger that it would be impossible to enforce any rule that needed to determine whether a person was Hack License Columnists inside or outside of a building. Dear Taxi Dave, Michael Simon I used to get into the back of a yellow cab and immediately looked to see the drivers name and Matthew Daus, Esq. picture. As I sit in the back of my taxi I cannot Off Duty Lights read my own name. The print of my name is much Larry Fisher To Taxi Dave, too small. It was always important to associate People need to see the taxi rates on the side the name of the driver with his picture. With the Nat Goldbetter doors of cabs so they can access if they have larger taxi license I would hear people call me by the necessary money in their pockets or on their my first name. I have not heard anyone call me by Ira Goldstein, Esq. credit cards to take the cab. The careless ways of my first name in years. government is very provocative. Small tires on Frank C the NV200 is one reason why people have said Abe Mittleman to me that they don’t like the NV200. Society needs very thoughtful people promenading on city Public Confi dense Michael Spevack, Esq. streets being safe and careful. Policies that dimin- Dear Taxi Dave, ish the thoughtful ways of the public endangers Knowing the business inspires a sense of trust the public safety. People need to know without and confidence. Passengers need to see the rates Jerry Kremer any uncertainty if a taxi is potentially available. on the side door. Passengers need to see quickly Therefore the public needs the Off Duty lights on upon entering a taxi the drivers name and picture. taxis restored. They need to talk to the driver. The driver needs to Layout & Graphics Frank talk to the passenger. There needs to be a common Dragonfl y Graphics LLC ground of mutual trust. Taxi App Frank C Dear Taxi Dave, Just used my Arro app to the airport. I chose Leg Cramps Taxi Insider the wheelchair option to get a bigger yellow cab. Dear Taxi Dave, 11 Edge Water lane The taxi came fast, in under 5 minutes. I got the A driver for 10 years sent this email to The airport with time to spare, but the car did have a Taxi Dave Show stating that he gets leg cramps Haverstraw, NY 10927 bumpy-ride. in his left leg from non-usage. He wanted to know M.S. what to do about it. Phone: (718) 706-TAXI(8294) When an unsafe driver forces a defensive — minded taxi driver to use the brakes or accelerate Street Hails to avoid unsafe conditions the right foot has to E-mail:[email protected] Dear Taxi Dave, push the pedals forward. The left foot is a passive It is important for people considering to take a participant. But there has to be some need to also taxi to see the rates on the side doors. People need feel for pushing the left foot forward. Copyright © 2017 by TAXI INSIDER. All to consider if they can readily afford the ride. The Over the past ten years I have experienced left rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor more short rides the merrier. calf cramps. The cramps occur while sleeping or any part therof may be reproduced, copied, Who Loves Ya Baby. driving. The cramp will suddenly occur. Maybe or transmitted in any form, electronic or Frank C other taxi drivers have also suffered with left calf mechanical including photocopying, mi- cramps? crofi lming, recording or by any information retrieving system without the express written Tunnels permission of the publishers. The copyright Dear Taxi Dave, The Taxi Dave Show received responses like this: is extended to the design and text created Hey Dept. of Trans. (DOT) & Bridge & Tun- for advertisements. This publication will nel Authority (BTA)! It’s nice that you spent a A caller told all drivers to curl their left toes whenever they can when in the car and that will not be responsible for errors in advertise- millions of $’s on changing the lights & tiles in ment beyond the cost of the space occupied the tunnels, but how about the roads in general help with cramping in the future. Another said to drink tonic water to help with the cramps. Quinine by the error. Bylined articles represent the inside the tunnels? sole opinion of the writer and are not neces- Tommy which is tonic water helps with muscle cramps. And reminded us that he MTA Taxes were due by sarily in accordance with the views of TAXI Thursday April 2Oth. Yet another wrote: I get the INSIDER. Clubs Avenue & 1 Oak left calf cramps. They hurt and wake me up. I was This Publication reserves the right to Dear Taxi Dave, a lifeguard and certified scuba diver. Hold your limit or refuse advertising it deems objec- Since when can the clubs on 10 ave between left leg straight and bend your toes back. tionable. 17/18 have permission to close the street on 17 Sincerely, TAXI INSIDER is published monthly at between 9 & 10? AND use the taxi stand as their Meter Peter. a subscription rate of $48.00 per year. personal parking spots for Uber’s?l to pick up club (Continued on Page 12) PAGE 4 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 Insider News problem. Yes, it’s nice that Beijing Obama, and has once again proved to appears to finally be doing its part the world that we will protect our allies to persuade North Korea to end its and honor our treaties. Kim better take nuclear program, but with or without heed of China’s warnings, because it OP-ED China’s support, the U.S. will launch appears that we have fi nally made up an attack and could aim to remove our minds that we will stop North Korea By Alfonse D’Amato Kim Jung-un from power. from conducting any further tests. When Trump was elected, this is Al D’Amato, a former U.S. senator The Mainstream Media what his supporters were expecting. from New York, is the founder of Park Finally, the U.S. has shaken the title Strategies LLC, a public policy and Have Gone Mad of paper tiger it earned under President business development firm. it continued to conduct nuclear weap- ons or missile testing, it would likely New Kosciuszko Bridge is OPENED face military action by the U.S. The People’s Daily, the Commu- nist Party of China’s official paper, stated, “Not only is Washington brimming with confidence and ar- rogance following the missile attacks on Syria, but Trump is also willing to be regarded as a man who honors his promises.” China made it clear that the United States will not co-exist Photo by David Pollack with a nuclear-armed Pyongyang, and that China is prepared to finally abide by sanctions against North Korea as a sign of good will. North Korea has taken an aggres- sive stance since the Syria missile strike, promising to counteract any Ever since President Trump au- military moves by the U.S., and even thorized a missile attack against the going as far as to say that the country Syrian air base used to attack innocent was “ready for war.” civilians and children with chemical Now that China is acting in ac- weapons, the mainstream media have cordance with the U.S., however, this bashed him for changing his position. may be a fight that North Korea is not They’re out of their minds! willing to start. According to reports, During the presidential campaign, the U.S. has deployed the USS Carl Trump was opposed to entering the Vinson aircraft carrier and several Syrian conflict, and he was right. other battleships from Singapore to But the situation has deteriorated to the Korean peninsula. In addition, a point that it became obvious to the China has reportedly moved 150,000 military that if the war were left un- troops in preparation for a wave of checked, our U.S. interests and allies possible refugees in the event of an would be seriously jeopardized. attack. Kudos to you, Mr. President, for Trump seems to have turned having the courage to listen to the relations around with Chinese Presi- professionals — in this case, military dent Xi Jinping. During the Obama advisers. With our demonstrations administration, the relationship be- of strength, we are sending a strong tween China and the U.S. was often signal that the U.S. will no longer be described as “strained” or “rocky.” bullied by tinhorn dictators and Rus- In just three months, feelings have sia. When a situation changes, every changed drastically. THANK YOU president has an obligation to analyze Trump stated that he and Xi have and make the appropriate decision, a “good chemistry,” and he recently GRIDLOCK SAM! even if it represents changing a posi- announced that China offered a sign After appearing on THE TAXI DAVE SHOW, Gridlock Sam made sure tion due to the circumstances. of solidarity by turning away North that the Taxi Driver’s Hotline started working properly and traffi c has been Trump’s strong action in drop- Korean coal ships and returning them much better! Good work Sam. ping the so-called “mother of all to their home port of Nampo. HOTLINE NUMBERS: bombs” on the tunnels harboring This is not only a rebuttal to the ISIS fighters was the right thing to Trump administration, which has The LGA (866) 296-2238 do, and sends a signal to those who complained that China isn’t doing its have been encouraged over the past part to adhere to sanctions and stop JFK - (800) 695-0201 eight years to deal with the U.S. as North Korea’s nuclear program. It is if we were a paper tiger without the also a gesture that China is willing to Would You Like To Receive...... ability to defend our national interest ease tensions with the U.S. According • Weekly Traffi c Advisories and those of our allies. to reports, the U.S. is in talks with • Important Messages The missile strikes against Syria China to begin selling coal to China were interpreted as a warning to North again. This would be the first time from The TLC Korea. The real question is, will the coal would be exported to China • Important Industry Notices irrational little madman, Kim Jong- since 2014. E-mail [email protected] un, get the message? That message Trump has already proven that got even clearer when China finally we are not afraid to once again uti- And we will place you on our stepped in and told North Korea that if lize our military might to solve a Industy E-Mail List. MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 5 Industry Education Veteran Andrew Vollo Launches New Driver Training School The TLC is committed to provid- Vollo understands this and as such, On It” program which provided health for the industry and the opportunity ing safe, effi cient, and active for-hire has sponsored, hosted and facilitated screenings for approximately 500 FHV for New York to set the standard for transportation and a fl eet of well- free English conversation groups in and medallion drivers. He currently professional driver training and best trained and knowledgeable drivers is conjunction with We Are New York teaches “Taxi Yoga,” an exercise pro- practices nationwide. the key to providing the industry and Project sponsored by the New York gram combining Tai Chi, Yoga, Nei VTG personalized classes are af- the riding public this level of service. City’s Mayor’s Offi ce of Immigrant Kung, Feldenkrais and Western Sports fordable and assistance is available To address these important standards, Affairs to assist for-hire drivers with Medicine to address physical chal- in a variety of different languages industry education veteran Andrew English language skills. lenges faced by today’s professional English, Spanish, Bengali and Russian Vollo has opened A. Vollo Transpor- Mr. Vollo also created a strategic drivers and offi ce workers. currently scheduled to fi t in with busy tation Group (VTG), an authorized, partnership with the Immigrant Health Mr. Vollo is excited to be back train- schedules. full-service TLC driver training school and Cancer Disparities Service and ing professional drivers again as he For more information, please con- in Manhattan, conveniently located Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer uniquely understands the importance tact Mr. Vollo at (718) 705-1111 or visit and easily accessible one block east Center’s health fair to create the “Step of improving the education standards the website at www.vtginstitute.com. of at 210 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017. www.vtginstitute.com Mr. Vollo has been a fi xture in the CLASSES OFFERED: transportation industry for over 40 years and still holds TLC Hack Li- cense # 258519, issued to him in 1974. Known worldwide for his experience in  TLC DRIVER EDUCATION three day personalized training and instruction in the art of successfully driving a for-hire vehicle, Mr. Vollo taught at the New York twenty-four (24) hour class City Taxi and FHV Driver Institute at LaGuardia Community College for 16 years where he also served as its director. In addition, Mr. Vollo also holds numer- ous specialized training designations, Start immediately for your convenience you can start your 3 Day training on any: including certifi ed In-Service Training Coordinator, Defensive Driving Instruc- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturday or Sunday: 9AM – 5:30PM tor and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) train the trainer. Over the decades, both as an educa- tor and as an Industry Representative and FHV Stakeholder, Mr. Vollo has  OFFICIAL TLC DRIVER EXAM worked closely with the TLC and its various administrations in providing consultation concerning the concep- tion, design and implementation of  numerous driver-training programs. New York State CERTIFIED DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE Simply put, Mr. Vollo strongly believes in educating TLC-licensed drivers to share the streets of New York in the safest manner possible. Indeed, this  PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE (PED) DISTRACTED DRIVING COURSE “results-oriented” approach helped to graduate thousands of professional drivers who are not only educated, but who actively engage in street and public  WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE (WAV) TRAINING safety. By helping students identify and alter bad behaviors and by allowing Phone: (718) 705-1111 them to become fully cognizant that they are an integral part of a complex  VOLUNTARY POINT REDUCTION COURSES street mosaic, Mr. Vollo has helped make one of the best and safest places to operate. From his experiences and friendly, personal, on-hands approach, Mr. Vollo is aware of new driver concerns and Website:VTGinstute.com anxieties surrounding the preparation that is required to pass the TLC’s E- “Over 40 YEARS of Industry Experience” Exam. Over his decades of training TLC drivers, Mr. Vollo has assisted professional drivers not only obtain but successfully maintain their TLC Email: info@vtginstute.com licenses as his focus far exceeds simply passing the offi cial TLC exam. Mr. Vollo is determined to help students A. Vollo Transportaon Group, Inc. (VTG) promotes the importance of learning. We are dedicated to help professional drivers meet their needs in today’s meet their professional needs and earn a good living in the New York City challenging New York City for-hire community. We do this by offering programs for TLC driver-applicant inial training, connuing professional educaon and for-hire community. New York’s cultural diversity is well auxiliary programs that will help professional driver keep up with the fast pace of NYC’s changing environment, in an affordable and more importantly efficient represented within its driver popula- manner. tion, which currently represents over 167 countries around the world. Mr. PAGE 6 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 An Honest Business stopped off at a strip mall (6 huts, all Cabbie Suit Claims E-Hail Apps with the same merchandise), a photo (Continued from Page 1) shoot area (with more merchandise Create ‘Unfair Competition’, Financial New Yorkers. huts) and our last stop was to view a We signed up for a sightseeing tour traditional dance and purchase a snack. Woes For Taxi Medallion Owners of an island with a tour guide. Twelve Afterwards, we found our minivan with E-hail apps and burdensome rules loan repayments and expenses. of us, including the driver and tour the doors unlocked so everyone got for yellow cabs have made taxi medal- He estimates his business is down guide were snuggly fi t into a minivan inside except me and the tour guide. lions practically worthless, a driver 30% and he has to work a few extra hours taxi at 8:15AM for the tour. The A/C The taxi driver was MIA. As people suing the city and taxi regulators told each shift to get 20 fares a day. inside the taxi was cranking on that 90 were melting in the taxicab our driver the Daily News on Tuesday. “We have to be very aggressive degree, humid day as we were all hot fi nally walks out of a bar right next to Marcelino (Nino) Hervias, a yel- now, which is the stress we are living and sweaty already. The main road is the taxi! Folks, this was 10:10AM in the low cab driver and medallion owner in today,” Hervias said. a two-way road that hugs the coastline morning! I thought of New York City from New Jersey, fi led suit this week The cost of medallions has dropped with many curves. Our taxi driver liked and how I missed the NYC taxi drivers. with Queens medallion owner William from their $1 million heyday before to tailgate on this curved main road What would happen to a cab driver in Guerra to force the city to come up Uber and e-hail apps reigned. Now, and I became very nervous so I said NYC if he stopped for alcohol during a with a way to pull the industry out of sales hover in the mid-six fi gures, like something about it only to fi nd out that fare? His license would be immediately its fi nancial straits. a medallion that sold for $241,000 in he didn’t speak English. After he had revoked and he would be fi ned, never “They have created totally unfair March. to stop short, our tour guide spoke with to drive a yellow cab again. God, do I competition,” Hervias, 58, said. “We Hervias, who has two sons, 19 and him and the tailgating stopped. We love New York! are competing with somebody else to 13, dreamed his medallion would be do what we do, with no (medallion).” worth about $2 million when he planned Crafty Drug Dealers Posed As Uber The suit argues the city and the Taxi to retire. and Limousine Commission are bound Now he doesn’t see a market for his Drivers To Avoid Detection and Cops by a rule to create standards ensuring medallion because lending is tight. medallion owners “remain fi nancially “The fi nancial institutions, they’re stable.” not lending a dime if you want to buy a “The purchasers felt they had the medallion,” he said. “The only medal- city and the law behind them, to protect lion you can buy is the ones the bank them, that the valuations wouldn’t be have in foreclosure.” so wildly erratic,” said the medallion Representatives for Mayor de Blasio owners’ attorney, Brad Gerstman, who’s and the city’s Corporation Counsel did been a courtroom adversary to the city not return request for comment. since the rise of e-hail apps. “This suit A TLC spokesman declined to is the fi rst of its kind as it pertains to comment. the taxi industry.” Reprinted with permission from The Hervias says the city allows the app Daily News. to dominate the streets and provide rides similar to taxis, but with none of the TLC spokesman declined to com- fi nancial and legal burdens he faces as ment because it has no acceptable a medallion owner and driver. answer. TLC still sleeping and soon Now, he has to hustle harder and going to coma then graveyard then we longer to get enough passengers to don’t know it’s destination heaven or cover his $3,000 monthly medallion hell. Most probably hell! Drug Dealers in The Bronx and Almonte, 34 — is believed to be the Manhattan have been disguising them- leader of the Uber pusher men, with selves as Uber drivers — complete his bail being set at $150,000 follow- with fake logos and stickers — so they ing his arraignment. won’t look suspicious while waiting The drug ring allegedly had over for customers, authorities said. 100 customers, with the volume of At least four people were busted sales being extremely high. Tuesday for using the phony digs As business boomed, cops said the in their cars in the attempt to keep group continued to use the Uber logos cops from noticing them as they — placing them in the front windows sling cocaine and heroin, according of their cars, in the same exact spot to police. that real drivers are required to have Dibanny Cortorreal-Marte, 37, them in. Oscar Tejeda-Almonte, 31, Miguel The phony stickers ultimately la-Paz Lugo, 37, and Selena Santos, helped the dealers disguise themselves 22, were all arrested as part of what as they pushed their product in parts cops are calling Operation “Uber of The Bronx and upper Manhattan, Connect.” authorities said. The group was taken into custody The individuals arrested Tuesday by the DEA Strike Force and was ar- were allegedly caught with a kilo of raigned Tuesday night. cocaine and more than $22,000 in Authorities said two other alleged cash. Police also seized at least fi ve drug dealers were busted last week as vehicles. a result of the operation. Reprinted with permission One of them — Alfredo Tejada- fromXXXX. Listen to Podcasts of The Taxi Dave Show and Read Taxi Insider on-line @ NYCTAXINEWS.COM MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 7 PAGE 8 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 Demonstration At City Hall Photos by David Pollack (Continued from Page 1) MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 9 The Taxi Attorney May Taxi Driver Puzzle Hello everybody, I hope that you ticket, please come see me and I will are working hard and making good tell you, no charge, if the ticket has Do you know the stories behind each word? money. This month I points and you do or do You would if you listened to Taxi Dave’s Radio want to talk about eight not need an attorney or Show, Sunday’s at 8:00 PM on WOR710. Brought topics. representative for a par- First, now that it is ticular summons. to you by Melrose Credit Union. You will also May and the weather is Sixth, please take the understand the puzzle better if you read our a bit better and things defensive driver course articles. slow down a bit for every 18 months. Do not taxi drivers, it is time wait three years to take P T R $ 2 N O I T C U D I to think about your the DDC class that takes P I A . 8 B I L L B R N V tickets. Please come to points off of your NYS my office in Rego Park, driver’s license. Please A P N S F E R T A X T I I Queens for an analysis take the course every 18 J S G R I D L O C K S A D of your DMV and TLC months so if TLC sends tickets. I will give you a you a letter to suspend Y F E T E W A Y O N S M U fair price and it is important to have a or revoke your Hack or TLC license B K R U N N E L R A D P A relationship with a lawyer if you drive you will have taken the class before for a living. So, please remember to you get such TLC letter. Now TLC is U Y S D W T M I N T E O L take some time to protect your TLC allowing you to take a course which and DMV license by coming to my takes 3 points off your DMV record ac- T S N O M E D L I F N S M office to discuss your situation. cording to TLC calculations after you R I M L H G I L Y L D I E Second, if you are arrested and you get a letter from TLC saying you have possess a TLC license, it is impera- a suspension or revocation coming to A E E I T 1 K A E T O T D tive that you hire the best criminal you. Also, if you get found guilty of T L N V S 4 E H E U O I A attorney that you can afford. This is a DMV summons it may be best to so because TLC will hold your license take a DDC course AFTER the guilty I O N A $ 2 M Y R D R V L until the criminal case is finished and fi nding at TVB or in other NYS traffi c O 0 V B L S T O F F S E L the TLC will take it permanently from court. Moreover, there is a persistent you if the criminal matters is NOT violator course available to reduce S 0 # L E I N C S E F S I resolved to the TLC’s satisfaction. I TLC points which are now being com- P M A R C G O I T U L O N work with a very high quality criminal bined with DMV points and can result attorney who can speed up criminal in your losing your TLC license very Find the following words/accronyms in the puzzle above matters and obtains excellent results, quickly if you speed or talk on your • CITY HALL DEMONSTRATION • TMODA • so please call me at 212.754.1011 if cell phone while driving. Basically, you get arrested. any moving violation now puts you • TRANSFER TAX • LIVABLE INCOME • Third, please be careful not to in jeopardy. Call me at 212.754.1011 talk on your cell phone in your taxi if you want to discuss your DMV or • GRIDLOCK SAM • LEG CRAMPS • or even have any electronic device TLC tickets. Also, please note that •JFK RUNWAY CONSTRUCTION • touch you when the car is in opera- I will do my best to fi ght for you to tion. At DMV court in the City, it is keep your license and job at a fair and • TUNNEL ROADS • APP TIPS • extremely difficult to get a cell phone/ reasonable price. I have been doing • POSITIVE SOLUTIONS • RATES ON DOORS • electronic device ticket dismissed. this business for over 20 years now Judges are hesitant to dismiss such and really know what I am doing. • OFF DUTY LIGHTS • $2.8 BILL • tickets because they are so serious. If Please call me at 212.754.1011 or 866. you are found guilty by a judge of an LAW.MIKE to discuss your DMV or • INDIVIDUAL MEDALLION • MINI FLEET • electronic device or cell phone ticket TLC problem. • BUY NOW • RANGERS • then you will receive a whopping Seventh, please remember that you 5 points on your DMV license. Be are the best representative of the yel- • NV200 • $241K • SIENNA • careful. Cell phone and electronic low cab business to the public. Your do not need to go to court and I can device tickets also carry points at actions when driving a yellow cab ing this article which is for enter- obtain zero points for you. But, please TLC. It is vital that you contact me will determine how the passengers tainment purposes only and does call me at 212.754.1011 to discuss at 212.754.1011 if you receive such you transport feel about yellow cabs not constitute legal advice. For legal this with me and don’t wait for the a ticket at TLC. I can save you the when they discuss issues pertaining advice, contact Mr. Spevack.http:// day before court to call me. Thank points in a plea bargain with TLC in to taxis or decide which taxi service www.trafficticketnyc.com . you for reading this article. Call me at many instances. to use. Be courteous and obey the See his advertisement on page 20 212.754.1011 for all your legal needs. Fourth, please listen to the Taxi traffic laws to the extent possible. of this issue. Until next month, be well. Dave radio show on 710 am WOR, Listen to passenger requests and be This article does not reflect the on Sunday evenings between 8pm and polite when engaging in conversa- Mr. Spevack thanks you for read- opinion of the publisher. 9pm. David Pollack is the host. He tion with customers. I know that it is smart, entertaining, informative, is not always easy and that the job Photo by David Pollack and best of all, knows the truth about is stressful. Your actions affect the what is happening in your Industry. entire Industry and each other. We Moreover, he has the highest rated are bound together by being in this talk show on radio in his time slot business, so aim to try your best each in the NYC Metro area! So, please time you take a shift in the cab. tune in to listen. Eighth, if you receive a pink sum- Fifth, remember to bring me your mons, please call me at 212.754.1011 DMV and TLC tickets. It is important to discuss it. Sometimes it makes to fight all your DMV (issued by sense to use a lawyer to help you fight NYPD) and TLC tickets. Be careful. a pink summons, which is a criminal Don’t skimp on the lawyer only to lose summons with ramifications beyond your license later. Please fight every DMV points, and sometimes you can yellow or pink ticket you receive from simply pay such a summons without NYPD and every TLC ticket you any negative consequences. My fee is receive. If you are uncertain whether reasonable to go to court for you for to use an attorney for a particular pink summonses, and you most often PAGE 10 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017

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MANHATTAN POLICE PRECINCTS Precinct Address Direct line 1 Precinct 16 Ericsson Place 1-212-334-0611 Police Precincts 5 Precinct 19 Elizabeth Street 1-212-334-0711 6 Precinct 233 West 10 Street 1-212-741-4811 In New York City 7 Precinct 19 1/2 Pitt Street 1-212-477-7311 Taxi Insider Info 9 Precinct 130321 AvenueEast 5th C Street 1-212-477-7811 10 Precinct 230 West 20th Street 1-212-741-8211 71 Precinct 421 Empire Boulevard 1-718-735-0511 13 Precinct 230 East 21st Street 1-212-477-7411 72 Precinct 830 4th Avenue 1-718-965-6311 Precinct 73 Precinct 1470 East New York Avenue 1-718-495-5411 MSP 357 West 35th Street 1-212-239-9811 75 Precinct 1000 Sutter Avenue 1-718-827-3511 17 Precinct 167 East 1-212-826-3211 76 Precinct 191 Union Street 1-718-834-3211 Midtown North Precinct 77 Precinct 127 Utica Avenue 1-718-735-0611 MNP 306 West 1-212-767-8400 78 Precinct 65 6th Avenue 1-718-636-6411 19 Precinct 153 East 67th Street 1-212-452-0600 79 Precinct 263 Tompkins Avenue 1-718-636-6611 20 Precinct 120 West 82nd Street 1-212-580-6411 81 Precinct 30 Ralph Avenue 1-718-574-0411 Precinct 83 Precinct 480 Knickerbocker Avenue 1-718-574-1605 86th St & Transverse Road 1-212-570-4820 84 Precinct 301 Gold Street 1-718-875-6811 23 Precinct 162 East 102nd Street 1-212-860-6411 88 Precinct 298 Classon Avenue 1-718-636-6511 24 Precinct 151 West 100th Street 1-212-678-1811 90 Precinct 211 Union Avenue 1-718-963-5311 25 Precinct 120 East 119th Street 1-212-860-6511 94 Precinct 100 Meserole Avenue 1-718-383-3879 26 Precinct 520 West 126th Street 1-212-678-1311 28 Precinct 2271-89 8th Avenue 1-212-678-1611 QUEENS POLICE PRECINCTS 30 Precinct 451 West 151st Street 1-212-690-8811 Precinct Address Direct line 32 Precinct 250 West 135th Street 1-212-690-6311 100 Precinct 92-24 Rockaway Beach Blvd. 1-718-318-4200 33 Precinct 2207 Amsterdam Avenue 1-212-927-3200 101 Precinct 16-12 Mott Avenue 1-718-868-3400 34 Precinct 4295 Broadway 1-212-927-9711 102 Precinct 87-34 118th Street 1-718-805-3200 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 Precinct Address Direct line 105 Precinct 92-08 222nd Street 1-718-776-9090 40 Precinct 257 Alexander Avenue 1-718-402-2270 106 Precinct 103-53 101st Street 1-718-845-2211 41 Precinct 1035 Longwood Avenue 1-718-542-4771 107 Precinct 71-01 Parsons Boulevard 1-718-969-5100 42 Precinct 830 Washington Avenue 1-718-402-3887 108 Precinct 5-47 50th Avenue 1-718-784-5411 43 Precinct 900 Fteley Avenue 1-718-542-0888 109 Precinct 37-05 Union Street 1-718-321-2250 44 Precinct 2 East 289th Street 1-718-590-5511 110 Precinct 94-41 43rd Avenue 1-718-476-9311 45 Precinct 2877 Barkley Avenue 1-718-822-5411 111 Precinct 45-06 215th Street 1-718-279-5200 46 Precinct 2120 Ryer Avenue 1-718-220-5211 112 Precinct 68-40 Austin Street 1-718-520-9311 47 Precinct 4111 Laconia Avenue 1-718-920-1211 113 Precinct 167-02 Baisley Boulevard 1-718-712-7733 48 Precinct 450 Cross Bronx Expressway 1-718-299-3900 114 Precinct 34-16 Astoria Boulevard 1-718-626-9311 49 Precinct 2121 Eastchester Road 1-718-918-2000 115 Precinct 92-15 Northern Boulevard 1-718-533-2002 50 Precinct 3450 Kingsbridge Avenue 1-718-543-5700 52 Precinct 3016 Webster Avenue 1-718-220-5811 STATEN ISLAND POLICE PRECINCTS BROOKLYN POLICE PRECINCTS Precinct Address Direct line 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 MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 11 One Step At A Time step in the twelve step programs is the pairing one’s character defects. Well, acknowledgement of our individual for months afterward, I and others in By Larry Fisher powerlessness. I was not ready to the taxi industry have wondered what I retired in Janu- media. Obsessive behav- acknowledge that, as I believe that could have been done differently if ary 2016. Before I de- ior? Maybe. But after the problems of the taxi business anything. Although I do not consider cided to retire, the day spending 33 plus years in are almost exclusively political, myself and other lenders blameful, to day conflicts were an industry that had been as both office holders and judges I do have a sense of responsibility multi-faceted. The four good to me and enabled currently refuse to buck a seventy for what has gone wrong. What has pronged battlefronts that me to support my family billion dollar behemoth like Uber. I kept me sane is that I was not alone I had to cope with on a and send my children to maintained in my support group that in buying into the idea that the me- daily basis included the college, I was more than if the disaffected medallion owners dallion system worked for 80 plus constant drumbeat of sad resentful to be forced to and drivers marshal their resources, years and the government acted as songs from fleet owners make a choice between voting in blocs could elect different a quasi-partner in supporting that and individual owners. the sanity of retirement politicians who would understand system in New York and other major Secondly, there were versus being able to what an exclusive right is, and what cities. The truth is the taxi industry got changes in underwriting standards, continue to earn a decent wage in a a pre-arranged fare is. played by Mayor Bloomberg and his insisted upon by our federal and state highly negative situation. But members of my support group cadre of confederates David Yassky examiners. Thirdly, these changes, in My wife began to worry about were not so hopeful. One fellow had and Meera Joshi. The politicians and turn, were difficult to incorporate, as me. She thought that maybe I needed been a columnist for a major met- judges remain in the pocket of Uber, staff needed to change its lending phi- some help adjusting to this change of ropolitan newspaper and due to the Goldman Sachs et al. losophy and perspective after decades life. So she suggested I join a support downturn in advertising revenue, the It seems that I’m a bit resistant to of operating in a completely different group of like-minded people who’d old business model for newspapers this support group idea and twelve manner. And last, supervisors and been adversely effected by the inexo- was forcing them to offer buy outs step programs in particular. But, it’s management were slow to grasp the rable march of technology. Some of to their news writers and reporters not all bad for me. I quit smoking changes as well and therefore gath- those in the group included retailers en masse. He tried getting work with without a patch or any accoutrement ering support for needed alterations who’d been disrupted by the likes Internet sites, but being offered half to assist in that regard. So, the Uber in how we operated were not taken of Amazon. They complained of the of what you were making before is a stalking goes on until further notice. as seriously as they needed to be. same issues that the taxi industry has bitter pill to swallow. It seemed as if And, if you want to talk about your All this battling took its toll on me railed about, namely the predatory this support group of men and women problems, maybe I can listen and mentally. It’s very difficult watching pricing that these well-financed tech had therefore acknowledged their offer some positive solutions at la- a group of hard-working people who firms have utilized in their quest for powerlessness over their victimiza- [email protected]. I’ve known and conducted successful market dominance. We are all famil- tion by technological progress. business with over a period of thirty iar with the fact that venture capital A large part of these twelve step years see their wealth and assets dis- including Goldman Sachs, Saudi programs is the belief in a higher sipate. Had I continued in the job, I sovereign wealth funds, and other power, and submission to that higher might not be alive today. Silicon Valley oligarchs are financing deity. This wasn’t for me either. For months afterward, part of 60% of each Uber fare. Other steps include taking a moral my daily routine included perusing Many support groups operate in inventory, understanding the nature newspapers for negative material on the manner of Alcoholics Anonymous of one’s wrongs, making amends to Uber and posting articles on social using a twelve step program. The first those who’ve been wronged, and re- Yogi Transmission Shop, Inc. Mr. Surjit Singh

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21-10 39TH Avenue • Astoria, NY 11101 Tel. (718)392-6320 • (800)609-6320 Business Hours: Mon - Fri. 9 am till 7 pm • Sat. 9 am till 2 pm PAGE 12 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 • 62nd Road. South bound • 62nd Road. North bound • Furmanville Ave. South bound • Furmanville Ave. North bound LETTERS • Yellowstone Boulevard. South bound • Yellowstone Boulevard. North bound • Union Turnpike. North bound • Jamaica Avenue. North bound (Continued from Page 3) • 156th Street. South bound Uber Regarding • 156th Street. North bound Dear Taxi Dave, • 165th Street. South bound Uber lost $2.8 BILLION in 2016 but stated Handicap Vehicles that its revenuw growth outpaced losses. Here are Dear Dave, Queens Boulevard & a few responses: I am operating a handicap accessible taxicab. I’m • 36th Street. East bound It takes some real balls (for Uber) to trumpet very proud to provide such a needed service for the • 39th Street. West bound $2.8 billion in losses as good news. $991 million handicapped community. However, I’ve noticed that • 39th Street. East bound of that in Q4 2016. That is a load of cash to burn due to the size of my Toyota Sienna, it is diffi cult for • 48th / Roosevelt Street. West bound in three months. So, the high five they’re taking many elderly folks to step into the seats. I can’t help but • 58th Street. West bound is because gross bookings grew faster than their to feel that once they notice the sheer altitude of my car, • 58th Street. West bound record losses. they are turned off from getting in-- it’s just dangerous • 60th Street. West bound That finance professor has it right; Uber is a in their eyes. I was wondering if there were any way the • 70th Street. West bound cash burning machine. If you were an investment city government could assist us fi nancially to combat this • 70th Street. East bound advisor and said something like that to one of your problem (possibly by providing step bars)? Any sugges- • Jacobus Street. West bound clients, they would club you to death with a 9 iron tions would also be extremely appreciated, especially in • Broadway / Grand Street. West bound like a baby seal. this critical time. • 71st Ave. Main road. West bound Dex Thank you! • Ascan Ave. East bound Dear Taxi Dave, Yumein Chow Lol, the more Uber makes the more it loses. Taxi Driver & Medallion Owner Francis Lewis Boulevard They should be making billions but instead they’re • Hillside Avenue losing billions, only an idiot can pull this off. • Jamaica Avenue Yellows Moving People • Union Turnpike Fish Dear Taxi Dave, • Utopia Parkway In Manhattan taxi rides can occur at a great frequency. • Hillside Avenue Dear Taxi Dave, One person gets out and another person gets in. Passen-

This is Uber Accounting. No GAAP, (generally gers have a right to feel confi dent and secure about the Astoria Boulevard accepted accounting principles). We know Uber has taxi business. Therefore knowing the drivers name and • Steinway Street. S/B no Principles, so why use accounting principles? picture should be very easy to observe. The rates should These numbers will be roasted in the next be on the side door so the public can have a greater sense Cross Bay Boulevard week. of trust in the business • 156th Avenue. Xxxxxx Frank C • Liberty Ave/Woodhaven Blvd. and Rockaway • West . North Bound Boulevard Red Light Cameras • Pitkin There are currently 140 speed cameras in addition Amsterdam Ave, NYC: • Liberty Avenue. to red-light-cameras. The city is expecting the state • West 96th Street. North Bound • 165th Avenue. Northbound to approve funds for more speed cameras. DRIVE SAFELY! West End Avenue, NYC: Hillside Ave. • West 66th Street. South. Bound & Right Turn • Francis Lewis Blvd. York Avenue, NYC: • Little Neck parkway • 79th Street. 12th Avenue, NYC: • West 57 th Street. North Bound Lefferts Boulevard. 1st Avenue, NYC: • West 57th Street. East Bound • 115th Avenue • 63th Street. N/B • West 24th Street. North Bound • 120th Avenue 2nd Avenue, NYC: • West 14 th Street South Bound Red Light Camera • Linden Boulevard. • 26th Street. S/B & Left Turn • Hoyt Ave. and 31st Street at Exit of RFK • S/B • Jane Street. South Bound Bridge • West Houston Street. North Bound 3rd Avenue, NYC: • West Houston Street. South Bound • 36th Street. North Bound Horace Harding Expressway &: , NYC: • 108th Street. Long Island bound service road. • 107th Street. North Bound • Little Neck Pkwy • Little Neck Parkway , NYC: • Francis Lewis Blvd • 96th Street. North Bound • 43rd Street. North Bound NORTHERN BLVD. &: • Broadway (Eastbound) 5th Avenue, NYC: • 39th Street. East bound • 106th Street. South Bound • 39th Street. West bound • 40th Street. South Bound • 34th Avenue. East bound • 34th Avenue. West bound Broadway, NYC: • Broadway. East bound • West Canal Street. West Bound • Broadway. West bound • Astoria Boulevard. East bound Central Park West, NYC: • Union Street East bound • West 110th Street. East Bound • Parsons Boulevard. East bound • Parsons Boulevard. West bound Lenox Avenue, NYC: • Douglaston Parkway. East bound • Central Park North. East Bound • Douglaston Pkwy. West bound

8th Avenue, NYC: WOODHAVEN BLVD. &: MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 13 Hereford Insuranceyp 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 GAS STATION ACCIDENTS • Always enter & exit a gas station cautiously, as motorists often use DEFENSIVE DRIVING gas stations as a means of avoiding a red traffic signal, and recklessly and illegally attempt to pass through them. • Always anticipate a motorist may cut in front of you in order to get to COURSE SCHEDULE a gas pump. Classes will be offered the following Saturdays: • If entering a gas station at night, in a rural, sparsely populated, or rural area, scan the area as such gas stations are targets of armed robbers. • When you exit your vehicle at a gas station, be cautious as there may May 20, 2017 be oil or gas on the road. • Always have the exact amount of cash you want to use at self service August 26 2017 gas stations. Do not approach the cashier with a large amount of cash in All Hereford insured will receive the course at no cost: your hand. There may be a thief or a potential armed robber watching, and then waiting outside the gas station in an attempt to rob you. Classes will be held in the third floor event room at: • Always check your tires, and fluids, at a gas station. Preventive main- HEREFORD INSURANCE COMPANY tenance can prevent your vehicle breaking down in an area that has no 36-01 43RD AVENUE, LIC, NEW YORK 11101 shoulder, leaving you in a dangerous position. • Never top off your gas tank, and have excess gasoline making its way Our classes are recognized by: to the body of your vehicle. • Taxi and Limousine Commission for required license renewals. QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK: • Department of Motor Vehicles for the Point Reduction. Never leave your vehicle’s keys in an area that children (especially teenagers) • Insurance carriers for rate reduction. have access to. There have been instances recently in which teenage children ALL CLASSES BEGIN AT 9:00A.M., AND END AT 3:00P.M. have taken commercial vehicles for joy rides, resulting in accidents and in seri- Reservations Are Necessary. ous injuries. All drivers must provide proof of Insurance. Listen to Podcasts of For additional information please contact: The Taxi Dave Show and Read BERTRAM MERLING - Loss Control Coordinator Taxi Insider on-line @ 718-361-9191 EXT. 7235 NYCTAXINEWS.COM [email protected] PAGE 14 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 COMING SOON

Now You Know: Why Are Taxi Cabs Yellow? Not all cabs are yellow — London’s and green. In 1907, businessman Harry iconic ones are decidedly black — but Allen imported his red and green vehicles the distinctive color is a classic for taxi- with their taximeters from France to New cabs. In New York City, taxis are yellow York. He had the fi rst metered cabs in the because of regulations fi rst enacted in city, though just a year later his drivers the late 1960s, but the process that got staged a walkout over their pay. And by the fi rst yellow cab onto the streets had that point, he had some competition. begun much earlier. Graham Hodges, taxi historian at Colgate One possibly apocryphal tale places University, describes how at the time cab- the association between the color and company owners would paint their fl eets cabs at a surprisingly early date. Jude a signature color — there were brown and Stewart, author of ROY G. BIV, a book white cabs, some black ones, red cabs about color’s cultural meanings and his- and checkered ones as well as yellow. tory, explains that some people trace it In his book Taxi! A Social History of the back to the 15th century in Italy, though New York City Cabdriver, he quotes THe she notes that the story here is in the “fun, Great Gatsby, where one character lets possibly-not-true territory” of history. The four cabs pass her before “she selected tale goes that a man named Francesco a new one, lavender-colored with gray Tasso, whose family was in the postal- upholstery.” porated the Yellow Taxicab Company in Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs system business, instituted reforms to Within a few years, two notable com- 1912, with Robert C. Watson and William at NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission expand and centralize their system. One panies had both gone for yellow: Albert M. Lybrand. . Hertz got his start in the taxi business such reform was to make the delivery Rockwell of Bristol, Conn., had estab- The company even took legal steps to in 1907, and and was very successful. vehicles yellow, since that wasn’t a color lished a Yellow Taxicab Company operat- protect their identifi able color. While New He reportedly got the idea for the color that would offend anyone politically. His ing in New York, and John Hertz’s Yellow York Supreme Court Justice Blanchard from a study by a local university that innovations gained approval from the Cab Company started in Chicago. decided that the company couldn’t have found that yellow with a touch of red Emperor of Austria, who gave him a title According to a 1954 history of Bristol, an injunction to stop other taxicab own- was the most visible color over greater “Torre e Tasso” which then Germanized Conn., Albert Rockwell’s company got ers from painting their vehicles yellow, distances. He started manufacturing his into “Thurn und Taxis.” its start in 1908 and, “At the suggestion he ruled they could stop others from im- own cabs and his Chicago-based Yellow Though folklore holds that such was of Rockwell’s second wife, the cabs were plying they were operated by the Yellow Cab Company incorporated in 1915 with the origin of the word taxi, in fact that painted yellow with a fancy ‘R’ on the Taxicab Co., which had brought as many 40 taxis, according to Gorman Gilbert word traces only to the early 20th century, door.” In the 1970s, the Hartford Courant as 50 suits against independent operators. and Robert E. Samuels’ The Taxicab: an when it appeared as a shortened version fi lled out the origin story: while on a trip, Based on the rulings reported in local trade Urban Transportation Survivor. From of “taximeter,” the device that measures Rockwell and his wife Nettie had noticed publications, some injunctions did bar there, write Gilbert and Samuels, Hertz the cab’s mileage. It was around that same the prominent role of taxi transportation others from using the distinctive yellow added more cars, organized companies in time, as early automobile taxi cabs came in European cities, and Rockwell decided color — including very small operators, other cities like Kansas City, Philadelphia to the U.S., that the cabs appeared that to start his own company. When his wife even one that had just a couple of cabs. and even New York. By 1925, the year have a stronger claim to being the fi rst suggested painting the fl eet yellow, her But Hertz (the same man whose he sold his stake in the company, he had yellow taxis. favorite color, he thought it would stand name is well known from the rental-car 2,700 cabs. Not that the fi rst U.S. taxis were yel- out. By 1910 the vehicles were known company) was the one who really made Not everyone was very happy about low — they were actually painted red as the “yellow taxi” and Rockwell incor- the color popular, says Alan Fromberg, (Continued on Page 15) MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 15 Putting The LIRR Back Amtrak officials also said that Tom to be in jeopardy, because President Prendergast, the former Metropolitan Trump has proposed slashing funding On The Right Track Transportation Authority CEO and for new transit projects. So much for chairman, will review coordination infrastructure improvement. Long Islanders have long had a become so packed with disgruntled and collaboration among the LIRR, We urge Long Islanders to call love-hate relationship with the Long passengers. NJ Transit and Amtrak, each of which the White House and their congres- Island Rail Road. On one hand, they The derailments exposed the has its own concourse at Penn Sta- sional representatives to urge that love the service, which, on good myriad infrastructure problems mani- tion. Clearly, better communication they prioritize and fully fund the days, speeds them into New York fested by an antiquated and rapidly is needed among the three railroads Gateway Program, which top officials City, saving them the challenge of aging rail system. Wick Moorman, to limit service disruptions — and in President Obama’s administration negotiating the often insane traffic president and CEO of Amtrak, an- confusion in times of emergency. We once called “the most important jams that plague the city. On the other nounced a series of station improve- applaud the move as a first step in planned piece of rail infrastructure hand, they hate the constant delays ments last Friday, but many questions solving Penn Station’s perennial com- in the country.” and cancellations. remain. munications problems, but follow-up Public transportation is vital to the Lately, the relationship has been Amtrak officials confirmed that will be needed to ensure that real and economies of Long Island, New York more hate than love. they planned to close several tracks lasting changes are made. City and the Northeast. The liveli- The LIRR is the largest commuter at Penn Station this summer for major At the same time, there must be an hoods of hundreds of thousands, even train network in the nation, ferrying repairs. It’s clear that major track and expanded commuter network leading millions, of people are affected when some 600,000 passengers in and out switch renewal projects must begin from Long Island into New York City. train service is delayed or grinds to of the city on 1,300 trains every day. immediately. Moorman said, though, For a century, the LIRR has had but a halt. In the end, allowing our rail When the system runs as it should, that tracks would be shut down on one station in New York City — Penn. lines to deteriorate to the point of no service is seamless. When it doesn’t, weekdays, disrupting service during The $10 billion-plus East Side Access return would be far more costly to our as has been the case too often lately, peak hours. project promises to connect the LIRR region than upgrading and properly it can be downright nightmarish. Beyond Amtrak’s declaration to Grand Central Terminal by 2022. maintaining them now. Much of Pennsylvania Station’s that track improvements would be We eagerly anticipate completion of Reprinted with permission from infrastructure was designed and built undertaken sometime down the line, this mega-project, but it has faced The Long Island Herald. in the 1960s and ’70s, when half the few details were provided. Commut- years of delays and budget overruns. number of trains ran in and out of the ers need and deserve to know how Fingers crossed, it will meet current station, according to officials from many tracks will be closed, and for completion projections. Amtrak, which operates the station. how long. Moreover, how will the There’s also the Gateway Pro- Two trains recently derailed within upcoming projects affect LIRR, NJ gram, a $23 billion proposal to expand two weeks of each other — an Amtrak Transit and Amtrak schedules? When and renovate the Northeast Corridor train leaving Penn on March 24, and will changes be announced? rail line between Newark, N.J., and a New Jersey Transit train pulling In short, Amtrak must be more New York City. The project would into the station during the morning transparent and accountable. include high-speed rail service, rush on April 3. Those accidents If it were, commuters could bet- reducing the need for car and even crippled LIRR service for days. On ter plan for the travel headaches air travel. For Long Islanders, the April 25, the New York City Police that likely await them in the coming Gateway Program would mean bet- Department, fearing for commuters’ months, perhaps even years. What ter access to rail service throughout safety, was forced to partially shut are their transportation alternatives? the Northeast. It appears, however, down Penn Station because it had Now is the time to plan. Now You Know wrote of “the typical colors of the city’s taxicabs — yellow, orange, red or gold.” (Continued from Page 14) NYS DMV Point System So, that year, to protect the medallioned the big companies and their well-known drivers, who were regulated by the city, Speeding (mph over posted limit) colors. In September of 1915, one C.J.B., a law was passed that aimed to help 1to10...3points “a union man and taxi driver myself,” passengers tell the difference between wrote a letter to The Day Book, a Chicago the two types of cabs. Once the measure 11 to 20 . . 4 points paper, asking how the Yellow Taxicab took effect, medallioned cabs would be Co. could possibly prevent others from yellow and all other cabs had to be a dif- 21 to 30 . . 6 points painting their cars yellow too. “This ferent color. Livery-cab drivers protested 31 to 40 . . 8 points country is not a free county,” he wrote. the requirement, even overturning 14 “It is worse than Russia. The American medallioned cabs during a protest and More than 40 . . 11 points citizen gets no justice in America. I just burning some of them for operating in want to let other citizens know what kind parts of Brooklyn. Reckless Driving ....5points of justice we get.” “The public must be provided with Failure to stop for a School Bus .5points But, no matter what C.J.B. thought, an easy means of rapid identifi cation to the era of taxicab restrictions was just be- distinguish between the licensed taxicabs Following too closely (tailgating) 4 points ginning. Crucially, New York’s medallion and the non-licensed private liveries. system, which limited the number of taxi The new coloring law will serve that Inadequate Brakes ..4points licenses, was established under the Haas purpose,” Mayor John Lindsay said in (while driving employer's vehicle)2 points Act in 1937. Under the medallion system, 1969, shortly before the law took effect, those regulated and supervised taxis were per the Times. Failing to Yield Right-Of-Way...3points the only ones allowed to pick up riders Today the offi cial color for New who hailed them on the street. Livery cabs York City taxi cabs is not just any sort Violation Involving Traffic Signal, without medallions, on the other hand, of yellow, but Dupont M6284 yellow or Stop Sign, or Yield Sign ...3points had to pre-arrange all fares. As Fromberg its equivalent, says Fromberg. Recently, explains, Manhattan eventually became light green cabs were added, but they are Railroad Crossing Violation3 points largely the province of the medallioned only allowed to pick up fares in the outer cabs, and the less-lucrative territory in boroughs and northern Manhattan. Improper Passing or Lane Use ..3points the outer boroughs was largely handled As to why yellow became so as- Leaving scene of an incident involving property by the livery cabs. But some ground was sociated with taxis if it’s not exactly a “Call Sunny& Save Money” in dispute: when livery drivers ventured universal color for taxis, Hodges points damage or injury to an animal .. 3points to far more profi table areas, like airports to the color’s pop-culture prominence, and hotels, the medallion cab drivers were but he has another theory too: “There Safety restraint violation involving person protective of their turf. are very few cars that are not taxis that under 16 .3points Though yellow cabs were common are yellow.” by then, it wasn’t the only color around. Reprinted with permission from Any other moving violation 2 points As late as 1968 Time. Note: Speeding when speed not indicated is 3 points PAGE 16 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 Your Medallion Headquarters ! 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NY, NY 10019 A0249 Woodside, NY 11377 32-56 49 Street 42-50 24 Street (212) 957-0033 On Our Way Management (718) 507-4840 LIC, NY 11103 LIC, NY 11101 Corp. (718) 932-3312 (718) 937-2080 A0206 6814 5 Avenue A0301 AJB Taxi Management Inc. Bklyn, NY 11220 Napasei Management Corp. A0326 A0017 662 10 Avenue (718) 833-8125 607 West 47 Street Gotham Yellow LLC. 521 West 21st St Management NY, NY 10036 New York, NY 10036 134-02 33 Avenue Corp. (212) 956-3177 A0255 (646) 641-8307 Flushing, NY 11354 415 West 127 Street Kim Cab Leasing Corp. (718) 993-8100 New York, NY 10027 A0213 3864a Flatlands Avenue A0307 (212) 665-4900 J T L Management Inc. Brooklyn, NY 11234 Taxifl eet Management LLC A0336 36-16 Skillman Avenue (718) 252-8300 54-11 Queens Boulevard Taxi World Inc. A0110 LIC, NY 11101 Woodside, NY 11377 627 West 51 Street Winners Garage Inc. (718) 392-7000 A0259 (718) 779-5000 New York, NY 10019 34-14 64 Street Mc Guinness (212) 265-4022 Woodside, NY 11377 A0217 Management Corp A0308 (718) 458-7000 Medallion Maintenance Inc. 330 Mc Guinness Boulevard Taxifl eet Management LLC. 11-38 44 Road Bklyn, NY 11222 34-14 31 Street A0113 LIC, NY 11101 (718) 389-4483 LIC, NY 11106 Checker Management Corp. (718) 472-9000 (718) 361-6363 22-10 Jackson Avenue A0280 LIC, NY 11101 A0224 Eddie’s Management Corp. A0312 (718) 361-6300 S & R Medallion Corp. 40-08 24 Street Gotham Yellow LLC. 625 West 51 Street LIC, NY 11101 75 Canal Street West A0201 New York, NY 10019 (718) 707-0072 Bronx, NY 10451 Green Apple (212) 957-9200 (718) 993-8100 MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 17 For The President, Quoteable A Make Or Break Year By Jerry Kremer It’s been just five nothing to do with his Quotes months since Election victory, the Senate and Day, but if you’re a Demo- the Justice Department “I come from Puerto Rico. To me, ice is something you put in a rum crat, it has been an eterni- will be the bodies that drink.” ty. If you’re a Republican make the findings of guilt Sen. Gustavo Rivera on the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, which is in and a Trump supporter, or innocence. If a hand- his district. you probably haven’t ful of people associated changed your mind or with Trump are charged have any desire to take with federal crimes, it your vote back yet. The will leave a stain on the question is, how should office of the president. If unrelenting Republicans the investigations uncover and disappointed Demo- nothing, then Trump will crats co-exist in the com- be able to take a victory ing months? lap. Many of my Democratic friends There’s no doubt that the Senate’s are in an I-told-you-so mood, anxious confirmation of new Supreme Court to let anyone within earshot hear Justice Neil Gorsuch will be a short- about President Trump’s constant term victory for the White House. missteps. My Republican friends say Even shooting a few dozen missiles it’s too early to pass judgment on into Syria will give the president a the president, as they still have high bump in the polls. But missiles fire expectations, hoping he’ll deliver on in both directions, so Trump should his many campaign promises. sleep with one eye open. The best way for these two warring While we’re keeping our eye groups to get along is to call a cease- on the big picture, Trump is taking fire and try to better understand why many steps to undo actions taken by some hard-core Democrats voted for President Obama. But many of the Trump and some equally hard-core executive orders Trump has signed, Republicans either stayed home or and plans to sign, will deal a body voted for Hillary Clinton. No mat- blow to the red-state voters who ter who voted for whom, however, helped elect him. If they lose health it’s fair to say that the country is coverage, housing subsidies and other facing some major challenges. The benefits, they’ll get the chance to Photo By David Pollack unemployment rate is the lowest it’s show their displeasure next year, in been in 10 years, the stock market the midterm election. is booming, and lots of people are Americans want results. The THE TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY happy with their jobs. So any claims much-promised repeal and replace- THAT ATTORNEYS HIRE by Trump that the nation is in trouble ment of Obamacare isn’t going to are just plain false. happen this year, as long as House fac- TO FIGHT THEIR TICKETS We have a lot of headaches these tions keep fighting over congressional days that are products of the times. proposals. And will the country see NO BETTER REFERENCE... Every day, it seems, more machines major tax reform this year? Revising are replacing people, and before long those laws would require bipartisan Resolving all of your TRAFFIC TICKET there will be a new generation of ro- support, and that’s not likely to hap- bots doing the work of humans. Every pen. (Don’t forget that Congress is and Criminally related offenses in EVERY nerd who’s busy trying to invent a cell planning to do away with a bunch phone app will, if successful, also suc- of our beloved tax breaks, including COUNTY in NY STATE. ceed in eliminating more jobs. Many mortgage interest and real estate We do so in lieu of your appearance, for of the workers who have been swept deductions.) And it won’t be easy to away by technology had a good reason pass legislation to fix our bridges, a fl at fee, and with reputable success for to vote for Trump, as the Democrats roads and mass transit systems. didn’t make a good case for Hillary Eight months from now, as the the past 22+ years. when it came to saving jobs. year wraps up, we’ll have a good I remind many of my Republi- idea who the winners and losers are. So before you answer your summons, can friends that Trump is neither a Sit tight. call us for your free consultation! Republican nor a Democrat. If you Jerry Kremer was a state assem- look closely at his campaign plat- blyman for 23 years, and chaired the We will customize a defense specifi c to form, it was a rehashing of many Assembly’s Ways and Means Commit- of the speeches of Bernie Sanders tee for 12 years. He now heads Empire your circumstances, and strategically han- and Elizabeth Warren. Sanders and Government Strategies, a business Warren were preaching against trade development and legislative strategy dle all related procedural requirements… agreements and the state of health firm. Comments about this column? care in America long before Trump [email protected]. while you go about your life, we start by started his campaign. Sanders was answering your summons – and commence attracting large crowds in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin way with notifying you of “(the good)” news before any other candidate. So, assuming we can get the two and the closing of your fi le! sides to call a temporary truce be- tween now and the end of the year, the Stacy Posner – Traffi c Ticket Attorney fate of the Trump presidency could be 212-334-3737 / 212-343-0303 decided well before 2018. As loudly as Trump is claiming that Russia had [email protected] PAGE 18 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017

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Be $975.00Your Own Boss! PAGE 22 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 23 NYC) must pass local laws to af- or other civil or criminal violation. New York State Passes A firmatively “kick-out” TNCs. This Envisioning a TNC car stop where “Big Ugly TNC Law” plays right into the TNCs’ hands, as NYC TLC inspectors may need to ask Uber will most likely start operating passengers to see their smartphones Where Do We Go From Here? immediately, and take the usual tactic would be awkward and unworkable. By Matthew W. Daus, Esq. of getting the passengers and local The only other way to effectively After considerable opposition and ranged passengers. politicians on their side to prevent police the so-called upstate/NYC back-a-forth, the long saga of the Freedom of Information Law them from stopping service. This is border would be to obtain data from New York State Transportation Net- Exemption right out of their lobbying and media TNCs and geo-fence TNC vehicles. work Company (“TNC”) legislation • State law exempts TNC drivers’ strategy playbook, and has happened The future of the NYC for-hire has come to an end, at least for now. records as an “invasion of personal in countless cities. industry will rest with whether the New York State Governor Andrew privacy;” and Enforcement Will Be the Key To TLC and NYC will quickly develop Cuomo’s Uber bill will pass as part • Information about drivers ob- Saving The Industry! an effective enforcement plan to of a budget deal reached tained for an audit is exempt The Governor’s bill will allow prevent infiltration of outside TNCs with the state legislature from public disclosure. TNCs to drop off passengers in in NYC, and infestation at NYC on Friday evening, April 7, Trade Dress & Vehicle NYC, but would prohibit point-to- airports and border areas (like the 2017. The New York State Identification point transportation within NYC, Bronx and Queens). The NYC livery budget, which often appends • The NYS Department or pick-ups in NYC to destinations industry near the borders of Nassau tag-along bills known in of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”) outside NYC. Since TNCs may not and Westchester will be particularly Albany as the “Big Ugly,” shall promulgate regula- be required to have special plates, susceptible to UberX low-cost trans- added the TNC bill. There tions to ensure TNCs are like other FHVs, it will be a massive portation competition. NYC TLC, were a few small victories easily identifiable; and challenge for enforcement to iden- especially after the record attendance for the incumbent industry, • No deadline for DMV tify “straight plate” TNC vehicles and outcry at its recent taxicab fare but it was mostly “ugly,” rulemaking is set forth in attempting illegal pick-ups while in increase hearing, where extensive creating a more “un-even playing the law. NYC. Enforcement will be difficult testimony was offered speaking of field” between limousine and taxicab TNC Driver Background as trip data that existing NYC FHV Uber’s unfair competition and market businesses and the TNCs. While New Checks companies and taxicabs must already dominance in NYC, must take action York City (“NYC”) is exempt, Nas- • The method of obtaining TNC provide to regulators, may be exempt with a comprehensive enforcement sau, Westchester and Suffolk counties driver background checks will be from disclosure to the NYC TLC plan as soon as possible. are not automatically exempt – which determined by DMV regulations, to for TNCs under the state law. Also, What Should Government Offi- could allow TNCs to operate at less be promulgated within 30 days of the recent federal case law now prohibits cials and the Industry Do Now? cost and with less regulation upstate, effective date of the law; the previously-longstanding practice Taxicabs and for-hire vehicle busi- downstate, and all around the borders • Fingerprints are not required, so of seizing or confiscating unlicensed nesses must do everything they can of NYC. Many small transportation when enacting its regulations DMV FHVs and law enforcement person- to cut costs, step-up efforts to protect businesses in New York may go un- may, but is not required, to mandate nel may be prevented from legally their brand and customers, and hold der water – usurping the job creation that TNC driver-applicants undergo stopping many TNCs picking-up onto their drivers and customers. The goal of the TNC bill – and this new biometric identity checks to review passengers, as administrative stops onslaught will begin shortly, with law may lead to TNC sharks circling their driver criminal convictions; may not be permitted for personal the most vulnerable being livery or NYC waters looking for prey. and motor vehicles without commercial/ community car services and black Governor Cuomo has made the • Annual criminal background license plates absent an alleged traffic (Continued on Page 24) legalization of TNCs in upstate New checks by DMV are mandated; how- York a priority in his State of the ever, DMV may require more frequent State speech in Buffalo, to alleg- checks via rulemaking. OLDEE edly spur economic development in Taxes & Assessments upstate NY. As of April 2017, 44 • TNCs are exempt from the state states and the District of Columbia sales tax; and Taxi Instruments have enacted some form of TNC • TNCs must pay a 4% assess- A Name You Can Trust Since Your Grandfather Drove a Cab! legislation. Overnight, NY went ment. from the last state with a more even Tasks Forces and Boards playing field, to potentially the most • Creates an 11-member TNC ac- Taxicab Owners: lopsided one in the country or the cessibility task force, which disbands world. Below is a recap of the final after it makes its recommendations; Need a meter? provisions of this “Big Ugly TNC and Law,” that will become effective 90 • Creates a 16-member NYS TNC Need advertising? days after enacted: Review Board to hold no more than Local Law Applicability 4 hearings and provide recommen- Need a GPS System? • Exempts NYC from its provi- dations on TNC issues on or before sions and prohibits TNC pickups in January 1, 2019. Need Roof-lights? NYC; Workers’ Compensation • No TNC pick-ups allowed in • TNC drivers are covered by the Need Security Cameras? counties or cities of over 100,000 NY State Black Car Fund; people where a Local Law is adopted • Creates an 11-member board of Need a partition? to “opt-out” of the TNC licensing the existing Black Car Fund, with a structure; TNC member seat; and Need Upholstery? • Airports outside of NYC may • Requires the Black Car Fund to regulate TNC access, such as im- study the impact of TNC drivers on Need a Checker Cab? posing access fees, as long as these the Fund within 10 months of enact- regulations are consistent with the ment of the law. TNC law; and Will Nassau, Suffolk & Westchester OLDEE DOES IT ALL! • TNCs will be exclusively gov- Counties “Opt-Out?” From Taxi Security to Advertising erned by the new state law. What is critical here is the ease New TNC Insurance Coverage by which NYC’s neighboring coun- • Creates TNC group insurance ties can “opt-out” of the TNC state Phone 718 482-6533 / Fax 718 - 482-7144 of $75,000 per person/$150,000 per licensing paradigm in NY. Unlike 24-50 • Astoria, New York 11103 incident liability coverage and 25,000 the NY State reciprocity law, where (4 Blocks from the TLC Inspection Site) property damage coverage when driv- a notification or letter can be sent ers are logged-in but not carrying a from one City, County, or Taxi & Open: passenger; and Limousine Commission (“TLC”) Monday to Fridays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm • $1.25 million of liability cover- to another to “opt-into” reciprocity, Saturdays 9:00 am -1:00 pm age while drivers are carrying prear- here, all counties in NY (except PAGE 24 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 Matthew Daus conduct, a plethora of convicts of criminal offenses were discovered. (Continued from Page 23) TAXI AND FOR-HIRE VEHICLE Also, the DMV must issue special RELIEF STANDS car companies. NYC is probably and prominent TNC license plates, DOT is not responsible regulating taxis. Taxis are regulated by the New York the only real revenue generating not removable stickers, in order to aid City Taxi and Limousine Commission. DOT does regulate taxi relief stands market for Uber, and it is where it enforcement in NYC and in counties Taxi relief stands allow drivers to park their vehicles for up to one hour. This is making a stand to actually try that opt-out. In addition, the TLC affords drivers the opportunity to leave their vehicles and take care of personal and reduce its billion dollar losses. must take a stand to use whatever data needs. Taxi relief stands should not be confused with taxi stands, which are Nassau, Westchester and Suffolk it has to see if the TLC can overcome locations where drivers can wait, in their cars, to pick up passengers. must demonstrate leadership by im- the FOIL law exemptions to track The type column indicates if the relief stand is for taxis alone, or both taxis mediately submitting bills to opt-out TNC activity (pick-ups and drop- and For-Hire Vehicles (FHVs). Staten Island currently has no relief stands. of the new state TNC law -- or face offs) by auditing and prosecuting the rescission of reciprocity and the transgressions. Also, the NYC TLC BRONX end of their regulatory reign. In should hire additional inspectors and TYPE LOCATION CROSS STREET terms of enforcement, the DMV, at enlist the Port Authority Police and Taxi Jerome Ave. (E. Side) Eliot Pl. & E. 170th St. the urging of everyone, must ensure New York City Police Department to Taxi Metropolitan Ave. (N. 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Doubletree Hotel Holiday Inn Midtown Hotel 1568 Broadway 440 W 57th Street TAXI INSIDER between 47th & 48th Streets between 9th & 10th Avenues

MANHATTAN HOTEL LIST !!! Edison Hotel Holiday Inn Wall Street Hotel 228 W 47th Street 15 Gold Street at Platt Street between 7th & 8th Avenues Dear Readers of TaxiInsider, Hudson Hotel Drivers always tell me that they cannot know the location of every hotel in Elysee Hotel 356 W 58th Street Manhattan. A lot of work went into the list of Manhattan Hotels below. Drivers, 60 E 54th Street Between 8th & 9th Avenues please send Taxi Insider any corrections or additional hotels not mentioned. between Park & Madison Avenues Inter-Continental Barclay Hotel Also, when you are finished reading this issue of Taxi Insider, do not throw this Embassy Suites Hotel 111 E 48th Street newspaper in the garbage, give it to another taxi driver ! Thank you ! 102 North End Ave. between Lexington World Financial Center, Manhattan Park Avenues 60 Thompson Street Best Western Hospitality House Comfort Inn Central Park Hotel Between Broome and Spring Streets 145 E 49th Street 31 W 71st Street between Fairfi eld Inn & Suites Chelsea- Iroquois Hotel between 3rd & Lexington Avenues Central Park West & Columbus Ave. 116 W. 28th St 49 W 44th Street (near 6th Ave) between 5th & 6th Avenues 59 W 44th Street Best Western President Hotel Comfort Inn Manhattan Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenues 234 W 48th Street 42 W 35th Street Four Points Manhattan SoHo- JW Marriott Millennium between 7th & 8th Avenues between 5th & 6th Avenue 66 Charlton St. 160 Central Park South Americana Inn Hotel Best Western Seaport Inn Hotel (near Spring St) between 6th & 7th Avenues. 69 W 38th Street 33 Peck Slip at Front Street Comfort Inn Midtown Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenues 129 W 46th Street Fairfi eld Inn & Suites Times Square Kitano Hotel Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues 330 W. 40th St 66 at 37th Street Ameritania Hotel 40 W 40th Street (near 9th Ave) 230 W 54th Street at Broadway between 5th & 6th Avenues Comfort Inn New York Hotel La Quinta Manhattan Hotel 442 W 36th Street Fairfi eld Inn & Suites 17 W 32nd Street Amsterdam Inn Hotel Carlyle Hotel between 10th & Dyer Avenues 21 W. 37th St between 5th & 6th Avenues 340 Amsterdam Avenue 35 E 76th Street at W 76th St. between Madison & 5th Avenues Courtyard Manhattan 5th Avenue Four Points Sheraton Chelsea Hotel Le Parker Meridien Hotel 3 E 40th Street 160 W. 25th Street 118 W 57th Street Beacon Hotel Carnegie Suites Hotel between Madison & 5th Avenues between 6th & 7th Avenues between 6th & 7th Avenues 2130 Broadway at 75th Street 229 W 58th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues Courtyard Midtown East Hotel Four Points Midtown Times Square Lucerne Hotel Belvedere Hotel 866 3rd Avenue 326 W. 40th St (near 9th Ave) 201 W 79th Street at 319 W 48th Street Casablanca Hotel between 51st & 52nd Streets Amsterdam Avenue between 8th & 9th Avenues 147 W 43rd Street Four Seasons Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues Courtyard 57 E 57th Street Manhattan Broadway Hotel Benjamin Hotel 114 W 40th Street between Park & Madison Aves. 273 W 38th Street 125 E at York Avenue Chelsea Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues between 7th & 8th Avenues 222 W 23rd Street Flatotel International Hotel Bentley Hotel between 7th & 8th Avenues Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel 135 W Manhattan Seaport Suites Hotel 500 E 62nd Street at York Avenue 1605 Broadway between 6th & 7th Avenues 219 Front Street Chelsea Savoy Hotel between 49th & 50th Streets between Pine & Wall Streets Best Western 204 W 23rd Street Gramercy Park Hotel Convention Center Hotel between 7th & 8th Avenues Crowne Plaza UN Hotel 2 Lexington Avenue at 21st Street Maritime Hotel 522 W 38th Street 304 E 42nd Street 363 W 16th Street at 9th Avenue between 10th & 11th Avenues Chelsea Star Hotel between 1st & 2nd Avenues Hotel 300 W 30th Street at 8th Avenue Park Avenue & 42nd street Marriott Financial Center Hotel 85 West Street Photo by David Pollack Grand Union Hotel between Albany & Carlisle Streets 34 E 32nd Street between Park & Madison Avenues Marriott East Side Hotel 525 Lexington Avenue (Hampshire Hotel) between 48th & 49th Street Quality Times Square Hotel 157 W 47th Street Marriott Marquis Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues 1535 Broadway at 44thStreet

Hampton Inn Mayfair Hotel Times Square Hotel 242 W 49th Street 851 8th Avenue at 51st Street between 7th & 8th Avenues

Hampton Inn SoHo Metro Hotel 54 Watts St 45 W 35th Street (near Varick St) between 5th & 6th Avenues

Helmsley Carlton House Hotel Doubletree Metropolitan Hotel 680 Madison Ave 569 Lexington Avenue at 51st Street between 61st & 62nd Sts. Michelangelo Hotel 152 W 51st Street Helmsley Middletowne Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues 148 E 48th Street between Lexington & Park Aves. Milford 270 W 45th Street at 8th Avenue Helmsley Park Lane Hotel 36 Central Park South Millenium Hilton Hotel between 5th & 6th Avenues 55 Church Street between Fulton & Day Streets Hilton Garden Inn Time Square 790 8th Avenue Millennium Broadway Hotel between 48th & 49th Streets 145 W 44th Street between 6th & 7th Aves Hilton New York Hotel 1335 6th Avenue Millennium UN Plaza Hotel between 53rd & 54th Streets 1 United Nations Plaza at 1st Avenue & 44th Street Hilton Times Square Hotel 234 W 42nd Street Murray Hill East Suites Hotel between 7th & 8th Avenues 149 E 39th Street between 3rd & Lexington Avenues Holiday Inn Downtown Hotel Murray Hill Inn Hotel 138 Lafayette Street 143 E 30th Street between Howard & Canal Streets between Lexington & Park Avenues

Holiday Inn Martinique Hotel Broadway & W 32nd Street (Continued on Page 30) MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 27

TLC Lic. #A0329 PAGE 28 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017

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õcŪTLC ¡Ņ¾Ŗ çĕĖŽ1ĖŽġëĦÇЏo?Ņŕ?²F¸wØđ?žˆƑ«ĐŲ¦ Ƌœţč ŒÅ»ÐTLC ¡ŅŖ2mť+Ɨ$VwƗ$VŢõı?ĖŽ;ĂĦÇCŖ2”ĖŽ¯Ų=¾ ũƗ$ (FHV) Ņŕžˆ jK|VúĹģŧēgŽő? 80 LìĀ`ŀŸľŽőŮČɲF¸â«wĢĤ°ż?ƅEēgŃĨSÈU!Ť ƍ  ŮźcĖŽ?r)ƇTLC Ė=¾mť TLC ЏoŅŕ?žˆ­Í?Žő®+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴ*ŤŷŻŮ‘Í?şøFHV č ?ąòŝ$V•ANöš™?űŒř†a ?$¼'č ēg?ŽőŔƃ +¾đÇK FHV Æñx‰ďƔV?­ƒTLC ŻŮKźcŅŕÎ?č ›ŅƒƖŸľč ŘÊĘŚĢŮŅŕžˆSÈŤśťģŧ ?MĝŃĨēgŽÉ 2 ŪTLC ą=¾°ƕH·č Ŀ (Independent Drivers Guild) ěJ^ãŨĉãä TLC ãŨĉ^ěJ8ƓĢŞŢ)ŋhč Uber fƚ?Òũč? ﺭﻛﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻔﻭﺽ ŞŢ)ŋũ$?(©ėrŞŢ)ŋž\ļV ē+Ppœä„BŬŊėrƆÏĆ ﻣﺎﻳﻭ 2017

TLC Ů 4 ŪŌؔē+ŹK FHV ﻣﺭﺣﺑﺎً ﺑﻛﻡ ﺟﻣﻳﻌﺎً، ﺁﻣﻝ ﺃﻥ ﺗﺳﺗﻣﺗﻌﻭﺍ ﺟﻣﻳﻌﺎً ﺑﻬﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻁﻘﺱ ﺍﻟﺭﺑﻳﻌﻲ ﺍﻟﺟﻣﻳﻝ. ﻟﻘﺩ ﻭﻗﻊ ﺍﻟﻛﺛﻳﺭ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻷﺣﺩﺍﺙ ﻓﻲ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ Ņ)?ļVž\ōķ?PpƅE1ēŜ”œä FHV ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC)، ﻭﻫﻧﺎﻙ ﺑﻌﺽ ﺍﻟﺗﻁﻭﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺃﻭﺩ ﻣﺷﺎﺭﻛﺗﻬﺎ ﻣﻌﻛﻡ. „BŬŊ(©üŢđÇŢ°ž\$V?\VSÿſŖ°ž\ļVNߟŖPp”Ůź c FHV ÆăŢØƇ®.ę?ř†řŞŢ)ŋĢ„-?hč ñqŖ‹ FHV ﺃﺭﺑﺎﺡ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻕ ﻭﺍﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺻﻧﺎﻋﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺑﻘﺷﻳﺵ hčšŬŊ(©üŢŃŢ¥ž\$VÌÄ(©ʼnÏlüŢŃŢ¥Ĺč ž\ļVK ﻋﻘﺩﺕ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC)ﺍﻟﻣﺎ -ﺍﻟﺷﻬﺭ ﺿﻲ - ﺟﻠﺳﺔ ﺍﺳﺗﻣﺎﻉ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﺩﺍﺭ ﺍﻟﻳﻭﻡ ﺑﺷﺄﻥ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﺎﻟﺔ ťš˜Ĉį™ž\?hčļVïÏlėrį™ž\ ﻭﺍﻟﻅﺭﻭﻑ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﺍﻷﺧﺭﻯ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺟﺎﻻﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻧﻌﻣﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻧﻅﻳﻣﻬﺎ، ﻭﻛﺎﻥ ﻋﻠﻳﻬﺎ ﺇﻗﺑﺎﻝ ﺷﺩﻳﺩ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ. ﺗﻌﻘﺩ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ oŸŖPpÏlēa FHV ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﻛﻝ ﻋﺎﻣﻳﻥ ﺟﻠﺳﺔ ﺍﺳﺗﻣﺎﻉ ﺣﻭﻝ ﺃﺟﺭﺓ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺗﺎﻛﺳﻲ ﻭﺃﺳﻌﺎﺭ ﺗﺄﺟﻳﺭﻩ، ﻭﻟﻛﻧﻧﺎ ﻗﻣﻧﺎ ﺑﺗﻣﺩﻳﺩ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﺟﻠﺳﺔ ššąòĘúÏeSĴœž\ļV?(©°ž\ļV;ĂãƎŚŸ Ņŕ?č ﺃﻳﺿﺎً ﻟﺗﺷﺗﻣﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﻣﺟﺎﻝﺑ ﺗﺄﺟﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ (FHV) ﺃﻳﺿﺎ ً، ﻭﺗﻌﺭﺏ ﺍﻟﻭﻛﺎﻟﺔ ﻋﻥ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﺭﻫﺎ ﻷﻥ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ ﻣﻥ žˆZ¶Đƙ+?Ó¸Ƈ?ŖWTLC Ăēač ﺛﻣﺎﻧﻳﻥ ﺷﺧﺻﺎً ﺃﺧﺫﻭﺍ ﺍﻟﻭﻗﺕ ﺍﻟﻛﺎﻓﻲ ﻟﻺﺩﻻء ﺑﺷﻬﺎﺩﺗﻬﻡ ﺃﻣﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﻠﺟﻧﺔ، ﻭﻫﻭ ﻣﺎ ﺳﺎﻋﺩﻧﺎ ﻛﺛﻳﺭﺍً ﻓﻲ ﺗﻭﺿﻳﺢ ﻅﺭﻭﻑ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﻭﺍﻟﺳﻳﺎﺳﺎﺕ ēgeL?ĚÉIߣEËľØ ąò?‰ďSÿSÈKč Ĥ°?fƚĂéŮč ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺗﻘﺑﻠﻳﺔ. jĢé Ɛåy´?fƔ°ČĂœ?Ħ”†úĹÑeŁ đąò{Kťéč ﻟﻘﺩ ﺍﺳﺗﻣﻌﺕ ﺍﻟﻠﺟﻧﺔ ﺧﻼﻝ ﺟﻠﺳﺔ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﻣﺎﻉ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺷﻬﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﻋﻥ ﺍﻟﺻﻌﻭﺑﺎﺕ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻣﺟﺎﻻﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻧﻅﻣﻬﺎ، ﺑﻣﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺫﻟﻙ ﺃﺻﺣﺎﺏ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion ﺍﻟﻣﻛﺎﻓﺣﻳﻥ ﻭﺗﺭﺍﺟﻊ ﻋﺎﺋﺩﺍﺕ ﺳﺎﺋﻘﻲ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺯﻳﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻭﻻﺕ ﻭﺗﻛﺎﻟﻳﻑ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ÒũĄƀŕč Ɛåy´?fƔN”œå?Øđ5ù ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻳﺔ، ﻛﻣﺎ ﺗﻘﺩﻡ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻭﻥ ﺑﺷﻬﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﺃﻅﻬﺭﺕ ﻭﺟﻭﺩ ﺍﺭﺗﺑﺎﻙ ﺑﺷﺄﻥ ﻛﻳﻔﻳﺔ ﺣﺳﺎﺏ ﺍﻷﺟﺭ ﻓﻲ ﻗﻁﺎﻉ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ، ﻭﺗﺗﺎﺑﻊ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ,ĦŮõcŪ؞ē=;èĴœŭŖ2ÞDŁ?PpŔ؞ÜĊ'ĢPÁřĻ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﻣﻊ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺃﻧﺣﺎء ﺍﻟﻘﻁﺎﻉ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﺳﺟﻠﻭﺍ ﺃﺳﻣﺎءﻫﻡ ﻟﻠﺣﺩﻳﺙ ﺑﺷﺄﻥ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﻡ ﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ ô,¾+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴīęƇ?rú?pE K+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴ*Ťŷ?ŵ»cP ﺇﺿﺎﻓﻳﺔ ﻣﻔﻳﺩﺓ ﻟﻠﺟﻧﺔ ﻓﻳﻣﺎ ﻳﺗﻌﻠﻕ ﺑﺎﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﺟﺎﻝ. ê+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴ?kÃŦĺćeĸØđ TLC ﻭﻓﻲ ﺷﻬﺭ ﻓﺑﺭﺍﻳﺭ، ﺗﻠﻘﺕ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﻋﺭﻳﺿﺔ ﻣﻥ ﻧﻘﺎﺑﺔ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺗﻘﻠﻳﻥ، ﻣﺟﻣﻭﻋﺔ ?ƂŶñ„ƂŶ?ĺćPpĘŒĻ,¾KťÚŕwcì+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴ?:H ﺗﻣﺛﻝ ﺳﺎﺋﻘﻲ ﻧﻳﻭﻳﻭﺭﻙ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﻳﻌﻣﻠﻭﻥ ﻟﺻﺎﻟﺢ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﺃﻭﺑﺭ (Uber )، ﻭﺗﻁﻠﺏ ﺍﻟﻌﺭﻳﺿﺔ ﻣﻥ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﺍﻗﺗﺭﺍﺡ ﻗﻭﺍﻋﺩ ﺗﺳﻣﺢ ﻟﻠﺭﻛﺎﺏ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﻳﺗﻌﺎﻣﻠﻭﻥ ﻓﻲ ﺣﺟﺯ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻼﺕ ﻋﺑﺭ ﺗﻁﺑﻳﻘﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻬﺎﺗﻑ ﺍﻟﺫﻛﻲ ﺑﺈﺿﺎﻓﺔ ﺧﻳﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺑﻘﺷﻳﺵ ﻓﻲ W³ĘúKťíxcì‚ûĔ¨řŠŤ?+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴ?ċ½ŭŔŤíx?ıƅ ﺍﻟﺗﻁﺑﻳﻕ.  ﻭﺃﻋﻠﻧﺕ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ (TLC) ﻓﻲ ﺃﺑﺭﻳﻝ ﺃﻧﻬﺎ ﺳﺗﻘﺩﻡ ﺍﻗﺗﺭﺍﺣﺎً ﻳﺗﻌﻠﻕ ﺑﻭﺿﻊ ﺧﻳﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺑﻘﺷﻳﺵ ﻓﻲ ﺭﺣﻼﺕ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ $TLC “á¾+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴŅŕØđ?QƉPpƘĭƌ?ĂĐŤŷʼnŽ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ (FHV). ﻭﺳﻳﺗﻁﻠﺏ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺭﺍﺡ ﺃﻥ ﺗﺳﻣﺢ ﻗﻭﺍﻋﺩ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ (FHV) ﻟﻠﺭﻛﺎﺏ ﺑﺗﻘﺩﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﺑﻘﺷﻳﺵ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻕ ﺑﺎﺳﺗﺧﺩﺍﻡ Owner Must Drive) ?pE^pEÞƅœä#r 5000) ﺇﺣﺩﻯ ﻁﺭﻕ ﺍﻟﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻳﻣﻛﻧﻬﻡ ﺍﺳﺗﺧﺩﺍﻣﻬﺎ ﻟﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ، ﻭﻣﻊ ﺫﻟﻙ، ﺳﻳﺗﻡ ﺗﻁﺑﻳﻕ ﺍﻟﻘﻭﺍﻋﺩ ﻓﻲ ﻗﻁﺎﻉ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ (FHV)، ﻭﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺗﺿﻣﻥ ﻛﻝ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻘﻠﻳﺩﻳﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻌﺗﻣﺩ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﺳﺗﺧﺩﺍﻡ ﺍﻟﺗﻁﺑﻳﻕ. ﺇﺫﺍ ﺳﻣﺣﺕ ﺷﺭﻛﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ Ê+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴ*ŤŷŖÐàƕŽ$#r 150 (FHV ) ﻟﻠﺭﻛﺎﺏ ﺑﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻓﻘﻁ ﺑﺎﺳﺗﺧﺩﺍﻡ ﺑﻁﺎﻗﺔ ﺍﻻﺋﺗﻣﺎﻥ، ﻓﻳﺟﺏ ﺃﻥ ﻳﺗﻣﻛﻥ ﺍﻟﺭﺍﻛﺏ ﻣﻥ ﺩﻓﻊ ﺑﻘﺷﻳﺵ ﻟﻠﺳﺎﺋﻕ ﺑﺎﺳﺗﺧﺩﺍﻡ ﺑﻁﺎﻗﺔ [?c 2ŸŏA¾ƕŽ+Ɨ$ƂŶŎŴ?bĘúKťÐ"?*Ťŷ°ČĂcĒ ﺍﻻﺋﺗﻣﺎﻥ، ﺃﻣﺎ ﻓﻳﻣﺎ ﻳﺗﻌﻠﻕ ﺑﺎﻟﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﺩﻓﻊ ﻧﻘﺩﺍً ﻓﻘﻁ، ُﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﺑﻘﺷﻳﺵ ﻧﻘﺩﺍً ﺃﻳﺿﺎً. jĘŒŐ"¾$¼Ĝņ€ą?ÐıĘúŬŊ+Ɨ$ĐŤŷřąåš™?Sÿ 9ĦÇ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺭﻏﻡ ﻣﻥ ﺃﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻋﺩﺓ ﻗﺩ ﺗﺣﺳﻥ ﺃﺭﺑﺎﺡ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺟﺎﻝ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ (FHV) ﻭﺗﺳﻬﻝ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺭﻛﺎﺏ Ī~ŸƈSÿ +Ɨ$¼tħŗĥč Ĺč ﺩﻓﻊ ﺍﻟﺑﻘﺷﻳﺵ، ﻓﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﻬﻡ ﺃﻥ ﻧﻼﺣﻅ ﺃﻥ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺟﺯء ﻭﺍﺣﺩ ﻓﻘﻁ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺣﺎﻭﻟﺔ ﺃﻛﺑﺭ ﻟﺗﺣﺳﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺭﻓﺎﻫﻳﺔ ﺍﻻﻗﺗﺻﺎﺩﻳﺔ ﻟﻠﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ. ﺗﻭﺍﺻﻝ ĦÇŖƁ`ŀĦÇ3ĐŤŅŕĖ=?ŽőwR¬ř†ÑĐŲį+°?KťŮIJ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﺿﻣﺎﻥ ﺷﻔﺎﻓﻳﺔ ﺃﻛﺑﺭ ﻟﻠﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ ﺑﺷﺄﻥ ﻛﻳﻔﻳﺔ ﺣﺳﺎﺏ ﺃﺭﺑﺎﺣﻬﻡ، ﻓﺿﻼً ﻋﻥ ﺿﺭﻭﺭﺓ ﺗﺣﺩﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻁﺭﻕ ﺍﻷﺧﺭﻯ ﻟﺣﻣﺎﻳﺔ ﺍﻷﺭﺑﺎﺡ ﻟﺿﻣﺎﻥ ﺣﺻﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺃﺟﺭ ﻋﺎﺩﻝ. ﺳﻭﻑ ﺃﻁﻠﻌﻛﻡ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺧﻁﻭﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﺧﺭﻯ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺳﻭﻑ Œn§ĦÇĖŽ?ńæ ﺗﺗﺧﺫﻫﺎ ﺍﻟﻭﻛﺎﻟﺔ ﻟﺿﻣﺎﻥ ﺣﺻﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﻣﺣﺗﺭﻓﻳﻥ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺔ ﻧﻳﻭﻳﻭﺭﻙ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺃﺟﻭﺭ ﻋﺎﺩﻟﺔ. ﻟﻘﺩ ﻟﻔﺕ ﺍﻟﻧﻅﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻷﻣﺭ ﺧﻼﻝ ﺍﻟﺷﻬﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﺿﻲ، ﻭﻟﻛﻥ ﺃﻭﺩ ﺃﻥ ﺃﺅﻛﺩ ﻣﺭﺓ ﺃﺧﺭﻯ ﺃﻥ ﺍﻟﺗﺷﺭﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﺟﺩﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺗﻡ TLC ? FOIL ěJ ﺗﻭﻗﻳﻌﻪ ﺃﻳﺿﺎً ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻧﻭﻥ ﻹﺯﺍﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﺣﻭﺍﺟﺯ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻌﺗﺭﺽ ﻣﻠﻛﻳﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion . ﻟﻘﺩ ﺃﺩﻯ ﻣﺷﺭﻭﻉ ﻗﻭﺍﻧﻳﻥ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺇﺯﺍﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻠﻭﺍﺋﺢ ﻣﻧﺗﻬﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺻﻼﺣﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻧﻅﺎﻡ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion، ﻭﺃﺻﺑﺢ ﺑﻳﻊ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion ﻭﺷﺭﺍﺅﻫﺎ ﺃﺷﺑﻪ ﺑﺑﻳﻊ ﺗﺭﺍﺧﻳﺹ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ĦĴœŮŸŖƏ±ƓƉÞD TLC ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﻯ (TLC) ﺍﻷﺧﺭﻯ ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﺭﺍﺧﻳﺹ ﺍﻷﺳﺎﺳﻳﺔ، ﻛﻣﺎ ﻳﻠﻐﻲ ﺍﻟﺗﺷﺭﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﻔﺋﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﻔﺻﻠﺔ ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺻﺔ ﺑﺷﺭﻛﺎﺕ ﻭﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion PÁĐƙ?+ófƚ^Æ]Ű6[KŃĨƕţPFreedom of Information ﺍﻟﻣﺳﺗﻘﻠﺔ، ﻭﻟﻡ ﻳﻌﺩ ﻫﻧﺎﻙ ﺃﻱ ﺣﺩ ﻟﻌﺩﺩ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻳﻣﻛﻥ ﻷﻱ ﺷﺧﺹ ﺃﻭ ﻛﻳﺎﻥ ﺃﻥ ﻳﻣﺗﻠﻛﻬﺎ. Law’% FOIL?ŗĥTLC ij4ſ÷ (Village Voice) îĢĂƘĢĵŞ FOIL ﻟﻘﺩ ﺧﻔﻔﺕ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﺍﻟﺿﻭﺍﺑﻁ ﺍﻷﺧﺭﻯ ﺍﻟﻣﺭﻫﻘﺔ ﻭﻛﺫﻟﻙ ﻓﻲ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion، ﻭﻻ ﺳﻳﻣﺎ ﺷﺭﻁ "ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻙ ﻫﻭ ﻣﻥ ﻳﻘﻭﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ" ﻭﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺃﻟﺯﻡ ﻣﺎ ﻳﺯﻳﺩ ﻋﻥ 5000 ﻣﻥ ﻣﻼﻙ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion ﺑﻘﻳﺎﺩﺓ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ œä? jſŖ‡üą=¾ċÛcãäŔÏŠŤAť 4 ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﺧﺎﺻﺗﻬﻡ ﺷﺧﺻﻳﺎً ﻷﻛﺛﺭ ﻣﻥ 150 ﻣﻧﺎﻭﺑﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﺔ، ﻭﻗﺩ ﺃﺩﻯ ﺫﻟﻙ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺍﻧﺧﻔﺎﺽ ﺃﺟﺭ ﺍﻟﻣﺎﻟﻙ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﻳﺷﻐﻝ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ medallion ĕ?Ö¤ĵŞúŸľ' ŽÉ¾vł FOIL، ﻭﻣﺛﻝ ﺫﻟﻙ ﻋﺑﺋﺎً ﺧﺎﺻﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﻼﻙ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﻣﻥ ﻛﺑﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺳﻥ. ﻟﻘﺩ ﻣﺩﺩﺕ ﻭﻛﺎﻟﺗﻧﺎ ﺃﻳﺿﺎً ﻋﻣﺭ ﺗﻘﺎﻋﺩ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ jƊġėrēgªĎ€ŞœäĐň?ċ¢wŃĨ?ØđìĐ\+?ĽÂ ěJř†Ů ﻭﺳﻣﺣﺕ ﻟﻣﻼﻙ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﺑﺎﺳﺗﺋﺟﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺃﺳﺎﺱ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻭﻟﺔ ﻭﻫﻭ ﻣﺎ ﻳﻔﺿﻠﻪ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻘﻭﻥ ﺑﺷﻛﻝ ﻛﺑﻳﺭ. ů¸wYİ/ ﻧﺣﻥ ﻧﻘﺩﺭ ﺩﺍﺋﻣﺎً ﺍﻟﺷﻬﺎﺩﺓ ﻭﺭﺩﻭﺩ ﺍﻟﻔﻌﻝ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺳﻣﻌﻧﺎﻫﺎ ﻓﻲ ﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﻣﺟﺎﻻﺕ، ﻭﺷﻛﺭﺍً ﻟﻛﻡ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻻﻫﺗﻣﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﺃﻅﻬﺭﺗﻣﻭﻩ ﻓﻲ ﺣﺿﻭﺭ ﻭﻣﺷﺎﻫﺩﺓ ﺟﻠﺳﺔ ﺍﻻﺳﺗﻣﺎﻉ ﻋﺑﺭ ﺍﻹﻧﺗﺭﻧﺕ. TƄč Õ² ﻓﺭﻳﻕ ﻋﻣﻝ ﻗﺎﻧﻭﻥ ﺣﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ (FOIL) ﺍﻟﺧﺎﺹ ﺑﻠﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ƚĢ TLC Ó¸TƄÕ²Žý?ŖWFHV Ņ)ŠÀċ¢ē–œäOø¾}3 6 ŪÙFHV ﺃﻭﺩ ﺃﻥ ﺃﺳﺗﺧﺩﻡ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻭﺩ ﻟﺗﺳﻠﻳﻁ ﺍﻟﺿﻭء ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻌﻣﻝ ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻣﻳﺯ ﻟﻠﻘﺳﻡ ﺍﻟﻘﺎﻧﻭﻧﻲ ﻟﻠﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC)، ﻭﺍﻟﺫﻱ ﻳﺗﺣﻣﻝ ﻣﺳﺅﻭﻟﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﺭﺩ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﺳﺗﻔﺳﺎﺭﺍﺕ ﻗﺎﻧﻭﻥ ﺣﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ (FOIL) ﻭﻗﺩ ﺍﻋﺗﺭﻑ ﺻﻭﺕ ﺍﻟﻘﺭﻳﺔ „Bʼn¦þŠÀđÇÔÝ?ĐŤŅ)?(©?õ$wĬ$ŃĨ1ŃĨʼnsŮē– (Village Voice) ﺑﻠﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﺑﺎﻋﺗﺑﺎﺭﻫﺎ ﻭﺍﺣﺩﺓ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻭﻛﺎﻻﺕ ﺍﻷﻛﺛﺭ ﺍﺳﺗﺟﺎﺑﺔ ﻟﻁﻠﺑﺎﺕ ﻗﺎﻧﻭﻥ d TLC ? 6 ŪX?Ņ)ŠÀċ¢ƇTLC ﺣﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ (FOIL)، ﻓﻲ ﻣﺗﻭﺳﻁ ﺯﻣﻥ ﺍﺳﺗﺟﺎﺑﺔ ﺑﻣﻭﺟﺏ ﺃﺭﺑﻌﺔ ﺃﻳﺎﻡ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﺭﻏﻡ ﻣﻥ ﺗﻠﻘﻲ ﺍﻵﻻﻑ ﻣﻥ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺑﺎﺕ. ﺗﺗﺣﺩﺙ ﻫﺫﻩ –ūŇ_z?ē ŖƁŮŦ„B¹īřēgŠÀwē–1MĝŃĨ?ƃ<ñqÑĴœ ﺍﻹﻧﺟﺎﺯﺍﺕ ﻋﻥ ﻛﻔﺎءﺓ ﻭﺇﺑﺩﺍﻉ ﻭﺗﻔﺎﻧﻲ ﻛﻝ ﻣﻥ ﻓﺭﻳﻕ ﻋﻣﻝ ﻗﺎﻧﻭﻥ ﺣﺭﻳﺔ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ (FOIL) ﺍﻷﺳﺎﺳﻲ ﻭﻏﻳﺭﻫﻡ ﺣﻭﻝ ﺍﻟﻭﻛﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ Ņ)ŠÀċ¢?Čɨř@ÀĞų?º˜http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/industry/f ﻳﺩﻋﻣﻭﻧﻬﻡ ﻣﻥ ﺧﻼﻝ ﺗﻭﻓﻳﺭ ﺍﻟﺑﻳﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺃﻭ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻼﺯﻣﺔ ﻟﻠﺭﺩ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺑﺎﺕ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻭﺟﻪ ﺍﻟﺳﺭﻋﺔ. hv_etrip_record_submission.shtml (©wĐŤiĶ>¿?ì/ůe Õ²ŽýwŸŽŖŒĠĮĦÇ`ŀŅŕĢč ﻣﻧﻊ ﺇﺭﻫﺎﻕ ﺍﻟﺳﺎﺋﻕ

¸ç?&Ą>¿Đ+?Ó ﻛﺟﺯء ﻣﻥ ﺟﻬﻭﺩ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﻟﻣﻧﻊ ﻗﻳﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﻟﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺃﺛﻧﺎء ﺍﻟﺷﻌﻭﺭ ﺑﺎﻹﺭﻫﺎﻕ، ﻓﻘﺩ ﺗﻡ ﺗﻐﻳﻳﺭ (Continued on Page 33) ﻁﻠﺑﺎﺕ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﻡ ﺑﻳﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺗﺳﺟﻳﻝ ﺭﺣﻠﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ (FHV). ﻭﺑﺩءﺍً ﻣﻥ ﻳﻭﻧﻳﻭ، ﻳﺟﺏ ﺑﺩء ﺍﻟﺗﺳﺟﻳﻝ ﻓﻲ ﻗﻭﺍﻋﺩ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ (FHV) ﺍﻟﻣﺗﻌﻠﻘﺔ ﺑﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻻﺍ ﻟﺗﻘﺎﻁ ﻹﻧﺯﺍﻝ ﻟﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻼﺕ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﺗﻘﻭﻡ ﺑﻬﺎ. ﻳﺟﺏ ﺗﺿﻣﻳﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ ﻓﻲ ﺑﻳﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺳﺟﻝ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻠﺔ ﻟﺷﻬﺭ ﻳﻭﻧﻳﻭ ﺍﻟﺗﻲ ﻳﺗﻡ ﺗﻘﺩﻳﻣﻬﺎ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC). ﻭﻗﺩ ﻗﺎﻣﺕ ﻟﺟﻧﺔ ﺳﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﺍﻷﺟﺭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﻠﻳﻣﻭﺯﻳﻥ (TLC) ﺑﺎﻻﺗﺻﺎﻝ ﺑﺎﻟﻘﻭﺍﻋﺩ ﻟﺗﻘﺩﻳﻡ ﺍﻹﺭﺷﺎﺩﺍﺕ ﻟﺗﺳﺟﻳﻝ ﻭﺗﻘﺩﻳﻡ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻭﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻹﺿﺎﻓﻳﺔ. ﺇﺫﺍ ﻛﻧﺕ ﺗﺭﻏﺏ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺭﺍﺟﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﺗﻌﻠﻳﻣﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻣﻧﻘﺣﺔ ﻟﺗﻘﺩﻳﻡ ﺑﻳﺎﻧﺎﺕ ﺳﺟﻝ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻠﺔ، ﺗﻔﺿﻝ ﺑﺯﻳﺎﺭﺓ ﻫﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﺭﺍﺑﻁ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻣﻭﻗﻌﻧﺎ ﺍﻹﻟﻛﺗﺭﻭﻧﻲ: .http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/industry/fhv_etrip_record_submission.shtml LISTEN TO PODCASTS OF ﺍﻟﻘﻳﺎﺩﺓ ﺃﺛﻧﺎء ﺍﻹﺭﻫﺎﻕ ﺧﻁﻳﺭﺓ ﺟﺩﺍً ﻣﺛﻝ ﺍﻟﻘﻳﺎﺩﺓ ﻓﻲ ﺣﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﺳﻛﺭ. ﻧﺣﻥ ﻧﻘﺩﺭ ﺍﻟﺟﻬﻭﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﺑﺫﻭﻟﺔ ﻟﺟﻌﻝ ﺍﻟﺷﻭﺍﺭﻉ ﻣﺩﻳﻧﺗﻧﺎ ﺃﻛﺛﺭ The Taxi Dave Show ﺃﻣﺎﻧﺎً ﻟﻠﺳﺎﺋﻘﻳﻥ ﻭﺍﻟﺭﻛﺎﺏ ﻭﺟﻣﻳﻊ ﺃﻭﻟﺋﻙ ﺍﻟﺫﻳﻥ ﻳﺗﺷﺎﺭﻛﻭﻥ ﺍﻟﺷﺎﺭﻉ ﻣﻌﻧﺎ. and Read Taxi Insider on-line @ NYCTAXINEWS.COM MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 29 Average Gas Prices NYC ECONOMY As of May 4, 2017 New York Regular Mid Premium Diesel Employment Current $2.526 $2.781 $2.983 $2.723 Private sector employment rebounded in March 2017. After falling by 7,200 Week Ago $2.539 $2.786 $2.991 $2.734 jobs in February 2017, private sector employment grew by 6,300 jobs last month. Month Ago $2.445 $2.703 $2.912 $2.708 Employment gains were distributed relatively evenly across the private sector. Accommodation and Food Services led gains by adding 2,600 jobs. This was Year Ago $2.377 $2.598 $2.798 $2.461 followed by Retail and Finance and Insurance, though employment in the latter York metropolitan area’s deal activity remained second only to Silicon Valley; remains below 2016 totals. Job losses were led by Wholesale Trade, which lost however, the value of fi nancings slipped below that of New England to third 1,200 jobs, followed by Administrative Services and Health Care and Social highest in the US for the fi rst time since Q2 2015. WeWork, a commercial real Assistance. estate company, raised $300 million to make it the city’s largest venture capital The unemployment rate continued to fall, hitting a record low for the third deal for the second straight quarter. consecutive month. The rate dropped from 4.3% in February 2017 to 4.0% this Note: The CEI is used by the New York Federal Reserve to capture economic month. At the same time last year, the city’s unemployment was 5.2%. By com- activity in a single number, and is constructed from four data series: payroll em- parison, unemployment is 4.3% for New York State and 4.5% for the US. This ployment, unemployment rate, average weekly hours worked in manufacturing, drop comes as labor force participation ticked up 0.5 percentage points from and real (infl ation-adjusted) earnings. last month to 60.7%. Despite very low unemployment, wage growth remains Source: Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Federal Reserve Bank of St. depressed. After adjusting for infl ation, wages in March 2017 were 0.26% lower Louis. than the previous year. Monthly employment data are seasonally adjusted by OMB. Sources: New York State Department of Labor; US Bureau of Labor Statis- Real Estate tics. Residential rental and sales markets in New York City continued to diverge in March 2017. Median monthly prices were $2,300, unchanged from March 2016. This is the fi fth consecutive month that rent prices have not increased from their prior year levels. This rent stagnation is unprecedented (since at least 2011, the earliest year for which this dataset is available). Meanwhile, median home sales prices continued to increase, hitting $650,000 in March 2017, up 12.9% from the prior year. This continues a twenty-one-month trend of rising home price infl ation. Offi ce markets were down in March 2017, relative to last year. Average rents per square foot in Class A offi ce buildings (top-market commercial spaces) fell 1.6%, while the vacancy rate rose 0.6 percentage points to 9.4%. The Downtown market led falling prices, although vacancy rates Downtown are at their lowest levels since 2013, contradictory to the typically inverse relationship between (Continued on Page 30)

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4 Court Square Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 392-3460 Fax (718) 786-5931 www.dragonfl ygraphics.info Finance e-mail: dragonfl [email protected] NYCEDC monitors New York City’s gross city product, venture capital fi nanc- ing, and the New York Federal Reserve Bank’s Index of Coincident Economic Indicators, each of which are reported on a quarterly basis. This month, we are reporting venture capital data from CB Insights/PwC. Venture capital fi nancings in the New York metropolitan area fell to two- year lows in the fi rst quarter of 2017. Nevertheless, deal levels rose from the prior quarter. While deal levels remained relatively steady from 2016 averages, fi nancing values fell considerably, indicating smaller deals on average. The New (Continued(CCoonttiinuueded oonn PaPagegeg 38)38)) PAGE 30 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 NYC Economy Transit & Tourism (Continued from Page 29) Ridership on local transit systems fell across the board in February 2017 with prices and vacancy. Conversely, in Midtown South, brisk price increases have subways and buses leading declines. This continues a slump in subway ridership coincided with rising vacancies. and brings monthly totals to the lowest levels in the last three years. Ridership on commuter rail and bridges and tunnels also dropped in February 2017. This was the fi rst decline in automotive traffi c (measured by bridges and tunnels tallies) in three years. Led by the increasing numbers of domestic passengers, airport traffi c continued to rise in February 2017. This comes as the number of fl ights fell, indicating fuller fl ights on average. While Broadway attendance declines were much greater (-17.8%), revenue was balanced by higher ticket prices, which rose from $97 on average in February 2016 to $113 this year. Sources: Port Authority or New York and New Jersey; Metropolitan Trans- portation Authority; Broadway League; CBRE. Transit Change Compared to 2016

Tourism Change Compared to 2016

The Excelsior Scholarship is Included in the FY 2018 Budget Agreement First-in-the-Nation Program Makes program will provide tuition-free NYS Public Universities Tuition-Free college at New York’s public colleges for Families Making Up to $125,000 and universities to families making up Per Year, Alleviating Crushing Burden to $125,000 a year, and is included in of Student Debt and Placing More New the FY 2018 Budget agreement. The Yorkers on Path to Financial Security Budget additionally includes $8 million Nearly 80 Percent or More Than to provide open educational resources, 940,000 Families with College-Aged including e-books, to students at SUNY Children Across New York Would and CUNY colleges to help defray the Qualify for Tuition-Free College at prohibitive cost of textbooks. SUNY and CUNY Under the Excelsior Scholarship, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today nearly 80 percent, or 940,000 middle- announced that the Excelsior Scholar- class families and individuals making Sources: Zillow; Cushman & Wakefi eld. ship, a fi rst-of-its-kind in the nation (Continued on Page 38)

Regency Hotel 45 Park Avenue at 37th Street Manhattan Hotel List 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street TriBeCa Grand Hotel Sherry Netherland Hotel 2 6th Avenue (Continued from Page 26) 781 5th Avenue at between White & Walker Streets Muse Hotel 501 Lexington Avenue at 47th Street 130 W 46th Street 401 7th Avenue Shoreham Hotel Trump International Hotel between 6th & 7th Aves. between 32nd & 33rd Streets Roger Williams Hotel 33 W 1 Central Park West 131 Madison Avenue at 31st Street between 5th & 6th Avenues at Palace Hotel Pierre Hotel 455 Madison Avenue 2 E 61st Street at 5th Avenue Roosevelt Hotel Skyline Hotel W Court Hotel between 50th & 51st Streets 45 E 45th Street at Madison Avenue 725 Tenth Avenue at 49th Street 130 E 39th Street Plaza Hotel between Lexington & Park Avenues Novotel Hotel 768 5th Avenue at Central Park South Salisbury Hotel Sofi tel Hotel 226 W 52nd Street 123 W 57th Street 45 W 44th Street W New York Hotel between 7th & 8th Avenues Plaza Athenee Hotel between 6th & 7th Avenues between 5th & 6th Avenues 541 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street 37 E 64th Street between Madison & 5th Avenues San Carlos Hotel SoHo Grand Hotel Waldorf Astoria Hotel 235 W 46th Street 150 E 50th Street 310 W Broadway 301 Park Avenue between 7th & 8th Avenues Radio City Suites Hotel between 3rd & Lexington Avenues between Canal & Grand Streets between 49th & 50th Streets 142 W 49th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues Sheraton Manhattan Hotel Solita SoHo Hotel Warwick Hotel 870 7th Avenue at 56th Street 790 Seventh Avenue 159 Grand St 65 W 54th Street at 6th Avenue Radisson Lexington Hotel between 51st & 52nd Streets Park Savoy Hotel 511 Lexington Avenue at 49th Street St. Regis Hotel Westin NEw York Grand Central 158 E 58th Street Ramada New Yorker Hotel Sheraton New York Hotel 2 E 55th Street at 5th Avenue 212 E 42nd Street between 6th & 7th Avenues 481 8th Avenue at 811 Seventh Avenue between 2nd & 3rd Avenues between 52nd & 53rd Streets Travel Inn Hotel Peninsula Hotel Renaissance Hotel 515 W 42nd Street 700 5th Avenue at 55th Street 714 7th Avenue at 48th Street Sheraton Russell Hotel between 7th & 8th Avenues MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 31 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 ! May Book Signings TERMINAL 5 610 W. 56th St. (at 11th Ave) ph: 212.582.6600 www.Terminal5nyc.com All Shows are ALL AGES unless otherwise noted (under 16 must be ac- companied by an adult unless otherwise noted) Tuesday, May 9 EMPIRE OF THE SUN $45 Doors 7pm Show 8pm Grandmaster Flash Paula Poundstone, stand up comedian signing copies of Wednesday, May 10 The Totally Unscientifi c Study of of the Search For Human Happiness EMPIRE OF THE SUN $45 5/9/17 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble Doors 7pm 82nd & Broadway. New York, NY . Show 8pm Grandmaster Flash SOLD OUT! Ashley Graham, Sports Illustrated model signing copies of A New Model Saturday, May 20 5/10/17 6:00 PM at BookEnds THE GROWLERS $27.50 adv East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ. Doors 8pm Show 9pm $28 day of Mayim Bialik, star of “The Big Bang Theory”, signing copies of Girling Up Monday, May 22 5/11/17 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble COHEED AND CAMBRIA “NEVERENDER GAIBSIV” Union Square. New York, NY . $39.50 adv Doors 7pm Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball Hall of Famer, Show 8pm Thank You Scientist signing copies of Coach Wooden And Me Mutoid Man $45 day of 5/16/17 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble Union Square. New York, NY . Wednesday, May 3 RUSS: THE WAKE UP TOUR David Ortiz, former Boston Red Sox star, $30 adv signing copies of Papi: My Story Doors 8pm 5/16/17 5:00 PM at Barnes & Noble Show 9pm $35 day of Warren Street. New York, NY. $100 VIP

Lou Pinella, former New York Yankees star, Tuesday, June 6 signing copies of Lou: 50 Years of Kicking Up Dirt PORTUGAL. THE MAN 5/16/17 1:00 PM at Barnes & Noble $37.50 adv Fifth Avenue. New York, NY . Doors 7pm 5/16/16 6:00 PM at BookEnds Show 8pm Electric Guest East Ridgewood Avenue. Ridgewood, NJ. $40 day of SOLD OUT! Mike Tyson, former heavyweight champion signing copies of Iron Ambition Wednesday, June 7 5/30/17 1:00 PM at Barnes & Noble PORTUGAL. THE MAN Fifth Avenue. New York, NY . $37.50 adv Doors 7pm Al Franken, former comedian and current US Senator, Show 8pm Electric Guest signing copies of Al Franken, Giant of the Senate $40 day of 5/31/17 7:00 PM at Barnes & Noble Union Square. New York, NY Friday, June 9 RODRIGO Y GABRIELA: TENTH ANNIVERSARY TOUR LISTEN TO PODCASTS $49.50 adv Doors 7pm Show 8pm Ryan Sheridan OF $55 day of The Taxi Dave Show WANT TO MAKE MORE and $ EVERY DAY??? Read Taxi Insider on-line JUST DRIVE AN @ ACCESSIBLE NYCTAXINEWS.COM MEDALLION! PAGE 32 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017

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&5)'2 /,<@ 2(,1 $53).6 & .216).56) 2%=,9 75,/,- 32 7/7;<)1,B A.2120,;)5.2'2 Commissioner’s Corner 32/2*)1,C &2(,6)/)-. 20,55,, )=) 34)(562,6 %2/@<$C 4$%26$: 0? (2/*1? By Meera Joshi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http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/industry/fhv_etrip_record_submission.shtml. 3$55$*,4? (2/*1? ,0)6@ &2+02*1256@ 256$&,6@ &2(,6)/B ;$)&?), ,532/@+7C !56$/256@ &2(,6)/C 34, &2*()1,, 6$. *) 23$51$, .$. $/.2'2/@12) %$1.2&5.7B .$467. 5/, .203$1,, 34,1,0$B6 62/@.2 23/$67 1$/,;1?0,, ;$)&?) 23@C1)1,). ? &?52.2 :)1,0 75,/,C, .2624?) 34)(56$&,6)/, 264$5/, 02*12 %7()6 32-34)*1)07 256$&/C6@ 1$/,;1?0,.  34)(34,1,0$B6, ;62%? 32&?5,6@ %)+23$51256@ 7/,: 1$<)'2 '242($ (/C "62 34$&,/2 02*)6 32&?5,6@ +$4$%26., &2(,6)/)- & 5)'0)16) $4)1(7)02'2 &2(,6)/)-, 3$55$*,42& , (47',9 7;$561,.2& (&,*)1,C. 64$153246$ , 734256,6@ 256$&/)1,) ;$)&?9 &2(,6)/C0, 12 &$*12 260)6,6@, ;62 A62  TAXI DAVE’S RADIO SHOW WOR-710AM 8:00 – 9:00 PM EVERY SUNDAY! PAGE 34 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017

TAXI CAB OUTLET

NEW 2016 TOYOTA PRIUS V NEW 2016 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

NEW 2016 TOYOTA CAMRY LE MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 35 THE TAXI DAVE SHOW Brought To You by Melrose Credit Union ATTENTION TAXI DRIVERS! TAXI RADIO EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT NEW YORK’S #1 TALKER WOR-710AM Sunday 8:00 – 9:00 PM PAGE 36 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 artwork out of the cab with him Traffi c Backed Up after stopping at a Paris gallery last taxi news RD Thursday. On 3 8AM Searches for the cab with the artwork By M. Simon went unsuccessful and the dealer then from around fi led a theft complaint with police. On Tuesday, the cab driver report- the world edly returned the artwork. a $1.6 million painting in the trunk PARIS of a taxi cab. The work is by Argentina-born Cab Driver Italian sculptor and painter Lucio Returns $1.6 Fontana, from his famed series of pierced abstractions entitled “Con- Milllion Art Work cetto spaziale.” An unidentified art dealer on his Distracted by a phone call, the way to visit a client in Paris left behind dealer says he forgot to take the

On 3RD By M. Simon

Apparently Store Owners On Mott Street Have Had Enough Of Nypd Vehicles Taking Patron’s Parking By David Pollack

Choose Your Car Listen to Podcasts of The Taxi Dave Show and Read Taxi Insider on-line @ Defensive Driving Class NYCTAXINEWS. Available Free COM MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 37 Events For You and Your Passengers in The Big Apple Broadway Shows Off Broadway Shows

ALADDIN IN TRANSIT A MEXICAN AFFAIR 300 West 43rd Street Circle in the Square Theatre Metropolitan Room 214 West 42nd Street 1633 Broadway 34 West 22nd Street DRUNKLE VANYA Tolstoy’s Lounge Upstairs at The AMELIE JERSEY BOYS THE ACCIDENTAL PERVERT Russian Samovar August Wilson Theater 13th Street Repertory 256 West 52nd Street 219 West 48th Street 245 West 52nd Street 50 West 13th Street ERNEST SHACKLETON ANASTASIA KINKY BOOTS THE AMAZING MAX LOVES ME Al Hirshfi eld Theater Theater at Blessed Sacrament Tony Kiser Theater 235 West 44th Street 203 West 45th Street 152 West 71st Street 305 West 43rd Street

ARTHUR MILLER’S LES MISERABLES AND THEN THERE WERE THE FANTASTICKS THE PRICE NONE Snapple Theater Center American Airlines Theatre 249 West 45th Street Players Theatre 210 West 50th Street 227 West 42nd Street 115 Macdougal St THE LION KING FOSSILS BANDSTAND ANGEL & ECHOES 59E59 Theaters Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre 200 West 45th Street 59E59 Theaters 59 East 59th Street 242 West 45th Street 59 East 59th Street GALLI THEATER FAIRY TALES BEAUTIFUL AVENUE Q Gloria Maddox Theater THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Samuel J Friedman Theatre 261 West 47th Street 151 West 56th Street 340 West 50th Street 124 West 43rd Street MARVIN’S ROOM GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW American Airlines Theatre BAD WITH MONEY & PATTI New World Stages THE BOOK OF MORMON 227 West 42nd Street ISSUES 340 West 55th Street Eugene O’Neil Theatre The Duplex 230 West 49th Street MISS SAIGON 61 Christopher Street GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM Public Theater A BRONX TALE - THE MUSICAL 1681 Broadway BLACK ANGELS OVER 425 Lafayette Street TUSKEGEE 200 West 48th Street NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE Actors Temple Theatre GRANNY’S BLUE-MERS GREAT COMET OF 1812 339 West 47th Street The Duplex CATS 61 Christopher Street Theatre Imperial Theatre 249 West 45th Street BLUE MAN GROUP 250 West 52nd Street Astor Plae Theatre HAPPY DAYS OH, HELLO ON BROADWAY 424 Lafayette Street Polonsky Shakespeare Center CHARLIE AND THE Lyceum Theatre 262 Ashland Place CHOCOLATE FACTORY 149 West 45th Street C.S. LEWIS ONSTAGE: THE Lunt-Fontanne Theatre MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT I LIKE IT LIKE THAT – 205 West 46th Street ON YOUR FEET! Acorn Theatre A MUSICAL THE STORY OF EMILIO AND 410 West 42nd Street Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre CHICAGO GLORIA ESTEFAN 204 West 47th Street Ambassador Theatre CAGNEY 219 West 49th Street 1535 Broadway IN & OF ITSELF 407 West 43rd Street CIRQUE DU SOLEIL OSLO 103 East 15th Street PARAMOUR CELEBRITY AUTOBIOGRA- Lyric Theatre 150 West 65th Street PHY: THE NEXT CHAPTER THE LION, THE WITCH AND 214 West 43rd Street The Triad THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM THE PHANTOM OF 58 West 72nd Street Laura Pels Theatre COME FROM AWAY THE OPERA 111 W 46th Street CHURCH & STATE Schoenfeld Theatre Majestic Theatre New World Stages 236 West 45th Street 242 West 45th Street LUCKY CHENG’S DRAG 340 West 50th Street CABARET DEAR EVAN HANSON THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Lucky Cheng’s CRY HAVOC! Lyceum Theatre 605 West 48th Street New Ohio Theatre 111 West 44th Street 149 West 45th Street 154 Christopher Street THE LUCKY ONE FROZEN PRESENT LAUGHTER Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row St. James Theatre DIVINE ASSIGNMENT 410 West 42nd Street St. James Theatre American Theatre of Actors 246 West 44th Street 246 West 44th Street 314 West 54th Street MURDERED BY THE MOB GROUNDHOG DAY SCHOOL OF ROCK Arno Ristorante THE DOZEN DIVAS SHOW Winter 141 West 38th Street 245 West 52nd Street Metropolitan Room 1634 Broadway 34 West 22nd Street NAKED BOYS SINGING HAMILTON Kirk Theatre DRUNK SHAKESPEARE 410 West 42nd Street 226 West 46th Stret (Continued on Page 38) The Lounge at Roy Arias Theatre PAGE 38 • TAXI INSIDER • MAY 2017 Excelsior Scholarship credits one semester than another. Students are required to maintain a Museums along Museum Mile (Continued from Page 11) grade point average necessary for the El Museo del Barrio at 104th Street up to $125,000 per year, would qualify Museum of the City of New York at 103rd Street successful completion of their course- Jewish Museum at 92nd Street to attend college tuition-free at all work, and, as the program makes a Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design at 91st Street CUNY and SUNY two- and four-year major investment in the state’s greatest National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts at 89th Street colleges in New York State. asset – our young people – scholars will Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum at 88th Street A regional breakdown of families be required to live and work in-state for Metropolitan Museum of Art from 82nd to 86th Streets who would be eligible for the program the same number of years after gradu- Goethe House German Cultural Center at 82nd Street is available below. ation as they received the scholarship Other Museums The Museum of American Finance, the nation’s only independent public ... Museum Number of Families with Region Percentage Eligible of American Finance, 48 Wall Street College-Age Students African Burial Ground - corners of Duane and Elk Streets Western New York 68,712 78.8% American Folk Art Museum 45 W. 53rd St. American Museum of Natural History 77th St Central Park West New York City 461,499 84.3% Children’s Museum of the Arts 250 Lafayette St # A, Long Island 112,890 55.6% Children’s Museum of the Arts Free Art Island Outpost Program at Governors Island Hudson Valley 92,333 63% Harbor Defense Museum - 230 Sheridan Loop, Brooklyn Capital Region 44,108 74.9% Italian American Museum-155 Mulberry St Kehila Kedosha Jania Museum-280 Broome St Mohawk Valley 24,845 84.8% Luxce Project 53 Stanton St Finger Lakes 55,747 79.2% The Morgan Library and Museum-225 Madison Ave. Museum of Chinese In America-211 Centre St North Country 18,542 84.8% Museum of Jewish Heritage- Holocaust Central New York 37,922 79.6% Edmond J. Safra Plaza - 36 Battery Place Museum at FIT-Seventh Ave. Southern Tier 25,588 81.2% (MoMA) 11 W 53rd St Statewide Total: 942,186 75.7% Museum of Modern Art Design-81 Spring St # A National Museum of the American Indian The new program will be phased while in school. Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, 1 Bowling Green in over three years, beginning for The Budget provides a record $7.5 New Museum of Contemporary Art-235 Bowery New Yorkers making up to $100,000 billion in total support for higher edu- New World Art Ctr-250 Lafayette St # 5 annually in the fall of 2017, increas- cation, a $448 million, or 6.3 percent, New York City Police Museum-100 Old Slip ing to $110,000 in 2018, and reaching increase over last year. These initiatives Poets House - Ten River Terrace Queens Museum of Art-49th Ave. and 111th St. $125,000 in 2019. Scholars must be build on the Governor’s commitment Rubin Museum of Art-150 West 17th Street enrolled in college full-time and average to making college affordable for all Skyscraper Museum - 39 Battery Place 30 credits per year (including Summer students in the Empire State, including South Street Seaport Museum - 12 Fulton Street and January semesters) in order to the nation-leading ‘Get On Your Feet’ The Tenement Museum-108 Orchard St receive the funding, however, the pro- Loan Forgiveness Program, which allows gram has built in fl exibility so that any eligible college graduates living in New Broadway Off student facing hardship is able to pause York to pay nothing on their student loans and restart the program, or take fewer for the fi rst two years out of school. Shows Broadway Photo by David Pollack (Continued from Page 37) Shows SIGNIFICANT OTHER (Continued from Page 37) 222 West 45th Street NEWSical Kirk Theatre SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION 410 West 42nd Street 243 West 47th Street PERFECT CRIME Snapple Theatre Center SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH 210 West 50th Street GEORGE THE PORTAL 139-141 West 44th Street 18 Minetta Lane SUNSET BOULEVARD Palace Theatre THE QUANTUM EYE: 1564 7th Ave & W 47th Street MAGIC DECEPTIONS Theatre 80 WAITRESS 80 St. Marks Place 256 West 47th Steet SEX TIPS FOR STRAIGHT WOMEN FROM A GAY MAN WAR PAINT The 777 Theatre 777 Eighth Avenue 208 W. 41st St. SHEAR MADNESS WICKED New World Stages Gershwin Theater 340 West 50th Street 222 West 51st Street SISTAS: THE MUSICAL St. Lukes Theatre 308 West 46th Street

STOMP Orpheum Theatre 126 Second Avenue MAY 2017 • TAXI INSIDER • PAGE 39

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