JULY 2019 www.taxiliverytimes.com Vol.20 No. 7

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An Insider’s Look at Both NYC TLC Regulated Industries DON’T WAIT FOR ENFORCEMENT, TAKE SAFETY RECALLS SERIOUSLY

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NYC TO EXTEND FHV JEFFREY ROTH TO CABBIES TO GET $10 ALL NYC SCHOOL CAP, CRACK DOWN BE NEW TLC MILLION BREAK, ZONES TO GET ON “CRUISING” CHAIR/COMMISSIONER LOAN SAFEGUARDS SPEED CAMERAS TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 2 • • JULY 2019 TLC DRIVER SERVICES, INC. TLC DRIVER SCHOOL All TLC Summonses TLC DRIVER SCHOOL DMV Traffic Tickets Offering AALLLL Required TLC Driver Classes

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TAXI & LIVERY TIMES BY NEIL WEISS 4 • • JULY 2019 EDITOR’S NOTES REPORT SHOWS MANY DRIVERS UN INFORME MUESTRA QUE MUCHOS CONDUCTORES IGNORAN SERIOS LLAMADOS IGNORE SERIOUS SAFETY RECALLS A REVISIÓN POR MOTIVOS DE SEGURIDAD Recientemente, Consumer Reports (CR) analizó en detalle una lista de vehícu - los de alquiler ( For-Hire Vehicles, FHV ) y taxis registrados en la Comisión de Taxis y Consumer Reports (CR) recently took a deep dive into a list Taxi & Limousine Commission, TLC of For-Hire Vehicles (FHVs) and Taxis registered with the New Limusinas ( ) de la ciudad de Nueva York y descubrió que una impresionante cantidad de llamados a revisión de defectos que ponen en York City Taxi & Limousine (TLC) and found that a shocking riesgo la seguridad permanecen desatendidos. CR – una organización sin fines de number of safety recall defects remain unaddressed. CR – a non- lucro dedicada a realizar pruebas de productos y periodismo de investigación im - profit organization dedicated to unbiased product testing and in - parciales– determinó que uno de cada seis vehículos de alquiler tenía uno o más lla - mados a revisión por motivos de seguridad pendientes. vestigative journalism – determined that one in six FHVs had CR controló casi 94,000 FHV de la ciudad de Nueva York y del condado de King one or more open safety recall. (Washington), con sede en Seattle, dos importantes centros de servicios basados en CR checked nearly 94,000 FHVs in New York City and King County, aplicaciones, donde los gobiernos locales exigen a los conductores que trabajan con Washington (home to Seattle) – two major hubs for app-based services, aplicaciones que registren los vehículos y obtengan licencias adicionales. Todos los where local governments require app drivers to register vehicles and años, los vehículos de alquiler, los vehículos Black Car, los servicios de vehículos de High Volume For-Hire Vehicle Services, obtain additional licensing. Liveries, Black Cars, HVFHVs, Limousines alquiler con grandes volúmenes de viajes ( HVFHV ), las limusinas y los taxis de la ciudad de Nueva York deben pasar múlti - and Cabs in NYC must pass multiple inspections each year, but safety ples inspecciones, pero los llamados a revisión por motivos de seguridad no están recalls are not on the checklist of items that determine whether you en la lista de exigencias que determinan si se aprueba o no una inspección. Según pass or fail. According to The Press Democrat , although the TLC checks The Press Democrat , aun cuando la TLC verifica si los titulares de sus licencias whether its licensees have outstanding recalls and sends reminders to tienen llamados a revisión pendientes y envía recordatorios a los dueños de los ve - vehicle owners, it relies on outside data, and therefore does not currently hículos, para hacerlo se basa en datos externos y, por consiguiente, no toma medidas take enforcement actions against those who have missed recall repairs. de cumplimiento en el momento contra quienes han ignorado las reparaciones aso - When compiling the data, CR’s staff processed Vehicle Identification ciadas a los llamados a revisión. Al recopilar los datos, el personal de CR procesó los Números de Identificación Numbers (VINs) through a tool developed by Carfax. You can also use de los Vehículos ( Vehicle Identification Numbers, VIN ) a través de una herramienta the same tool and check if your car has an open recall at desarrollada por Carfax. Usted también puede usar la misma herramienta y www.carfax.com/recall/ . averiguar si su auto tiene un llamado a revisión pendiente en www.carfax.com/re - Some of the vehicles CR checked had as many as five or more un - call/ . fixed recalls, including defects that could cause components to catch fire Algunos de los vehículos que controló CR tenían, como mínimo, cinco llamados or engines to shut down entirely. One recall, for faulty airbags from a revisión sin resolver, algunos de los cuales involucraban defectos capaces de in - cendiar componentes o inutilizar los motores. Un llamado a revisión por airbags de - Japanese manufacturer, Takata, has been linked to 24 deaths world - fectuosos del fabricante japonés Takata ha sido vinculado a 24 muertes en todo el wide. The airbags remain in 1,274 of the vehicles cited in CR’s review mundo. Al mes de enero de 2019, los airbags seguían estando en 1,274 de los vehícu - (about 1.4%), as of January 2019. los mencionados en la reseña de CR (aproximadamente el 1.4 %). It was not apparent whether any serious accidents have been caused No se pudo determinar si algún accidente grave fue causado por problemas aso - by an issue related to an open safety recall in NYC, but the fact that ciados a un llamado a revisión de seguridad desatendido en la ciudad de Nueva CR found so many is staggering. While the rate of open recalls on FHVs York, pero el hecho de que CR haya descubierto tantos es alarmante. Si bien la tasa de llamados a revisión de vehículos de alquiler y taxis pendientes era prácticamente and Taxis was about the same as regular vehicles, TLC-regulated driv - la misma que en los vehículos comunes, los conductores regulados por la TLC deben, ers are rightfully held to a higher standard. It is, in fact, the responsi - como es lógico, atenerse a criterios más estrictos. De hecho, es responsabilidad de bility of all professional drivers in NYC to do everything in their power todos los conductores profesionales de la ciudad de Nueva York hacer todo lo que to ensure the safety of their customers. It is also their responsibility to esté en su poder para garantizar la seguridad de sus clientes. También es su re - do everything in their power to get home safely after each shift, and not sponsabilidad hacer todo lo posible para volver a su casa sanos y salvos después de put other drivers at risk when they are out on the road. cada turno, y no poner en peligro a otros conductores cuando estén en la carretera. As part of their study, CR concluded that safety recall laws in NYC Como parte de su estudio, CR concluyó que la legislación de Nueva York en relación con las revisiones por motivos de seguridad debe ampliarse y mejorarse, y need to be expanded and improved, and we agree – but we also feel estamos de acuerdo, pero también creemos firmemente que no se debería esperar a strongly that you shouldn’t wait for the TLC to create more rules for que la TLC cree más normas para tener que cumplirlas. En lugar de eso, verifique you to follow. Instead, check whether your car has an open recall at si su auto tiene un llamado a revisión pendiente en www.carfax.com/recall/ o www.carfax.com/recall/ or download the myCarfax app at www.mycar - descargue la aplicación myCarfax en www.mycarfax.com /, escriba el número de fax.com/ , type in your license plate number and immediately see placa de su licencia y vea inmediatamente si ha desatendido algún llamado a re - whether or not it has an open safety recall. visión por motivos de seg uridad .

Editor’s Notes ...... 4 &

Taxi Dave ...... 6 An Insider’s Look at Both NYC TLC Regulated Industries Taxi News ...... 7 EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Neil Weiss TRANSLATIONS: Livery News ...... 12 Email: [email protected] The Language Center and NYC TLC E 714 Crestbrook Ave. Directory ...... 13 Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: U Tel: 800-723-9119/856-751-0656 Matthew Daus, Esq. Fun Things To do ...... 17 & 36 Fax: 856-751-0657 Larry Fisher S Features ...... 18 Bill Heinzen S ADV. SALES MGR./ Bertram Merling

I By Matthew W. Daus ART & DESIGN: David Pollack ITAR Outlook ...... 23 Michele Norton: 856-262-2368 Steven J. Shanker, Esq. Michael Spevack, Esq.

S Commissioner’s Corner By Bill Heinzen ...... 24 I The Fishbowl By Larry Fisher ...... 26 Copyright © 2019 by TAXI & LIVERY TIMES. All rights reserved. Neither H this newspaper nor any part therof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted The Taxi Attorney By Michael Spevack ...... 27 in any form, without the express written permission of the publishers. The T copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. This

Fun & Games ...... 27 publication is not responsible for errors in advertisement beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of N Defensive Driving By Bertram Merling ...... 28 the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of TAXI & LIV - I ERY TIMES. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising News ...... 32 it deems objectionable. TAXI & LIVERY TIMES is published monthly at a sub - scription rate of $48 per year. Taxi and FHV Relief Stands ...... 34 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 5 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 6 • • JULY 2019 BY “T AXI DAVE ” P OLLACK TAXI DAVE

I always wondered why the New legally be in the United States before The yellow taxi industry also has York Police Department (NYPD) ultimately becoming a citizen. With at least 2,000 medallion taxis waiting monthly summons reports would in - that paperwork she went to the De - for drivers at any given time. Since the clude thousands of monthly sum - partment of Motor Vehicles and re - beginning of the migration of yellow monses for Leaving the Scene of an ceived her driver’s license this year. and black car drivers to app-based Accident (when they catch up with the Good for her! companies some five years ago, the driver), Unlicensed Driving, Unin - I wonder: How many illegal immi - yellow and black car workforce has sured motorist, Hit and Runs and grants are being scammed by so-called fluctuated and is in dire straits, trying such. Many stolen cars are reported immigration attorneys, even as I write to fill every vehicle with a licensed AFTER an incident. I mean, how can this? Some of these attorneys prey driver. Hopefully, enacting this law anyone not have a driver’s license – upon weak – and unfortunately, their will help to get every yellow taxi on the and who in their right mind, would clients are afraid to report these road and bring new blood into the leave the scene of an accident? It truly lowlife bloodsuckers for the same rea - black car industry as well. Some look never occurred to me that there were son they needed an immigration attor - at this as a double standard, reward - hundreds of thousands of unlicensed ney in the first place: they are here ing “law breakers,” but I say, jail those immigrants who cannot apply for a dri - illegally. It’s a “Catch 22,” of sorts. immigration attorneys who have been ver’s license by virtue of their immi - Imagine what you would do if you ripping off potential citizens for gration status. didn’t have a driver’s license and you decades. There is a true double stan - I have a friend who has been in the had an emergency and needed to get to dard, not because illegal immigrants United States for 19 years. She does a hospital fast. A simple task like going are being rewarded, but because no at - not have a criminal record and she shopping or to your child’s school might torney wants to go after another attor - pays taxes on every penny she earns be problematic. ney. from cleaning other’s apartments. She Don’t get me wrong, if you drive Professional courtesy, my ass! also married a citizen, had a child 10 without a license for no reason, if you Where is the investigation surround - years ago, all while diligently trying to are joy-riding, if a car is stolen, if ing those immigration attorneys who become a citizen. She trusted an immi - you’re under age, if you have a sus - break the law by scamming immi - gration attorney who, for six years, pended or revoked license, I have no grants yearning to breathe free? stalled and kept telling her she needed sympathy for you. But there are exten - By approving these licenses, don’t to pay never-ending fees. She was uating circumstances. be surprised if, over time, you see in - scammed by this licensed attorney, This week, legislators in Albany surance rates in territories where who is a citizen! Her paperwork shows approved a law allowing illegal immi - there is a large concentration of immi - this attorney did nothing to help her! grants to apply for a driver’s license. grants go down! Don’t be surprised if She did not have a driver’s license In my opinion this is a great thing. I statistics on hit and run summonses so her husband would drop her off and would imagine that some Illegal immi - decrease, as well as those summonses pick her up. He works nights, and in grants have jobs and pay taxes but for driving without a license. the daytime, in between sleeping, he need to get to that job. Hence, some Wanting to stay in this country would provide her transportation. choose poorly and drive without a li - should not be a crime… but the dis - She finally found a “good” immigra - cense because there is no public trans - gusting act of preying on the helpless tion attorney and got paperwork to portation near them. certainly should be.

David “Taxi Dave” Pollack is an industry veteran, spokesperson and advocate for drivers in New York City. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 718-706-TAXI (8294). He encourages people with comments or questions to reach out to him, and each month we publish those letters in our “Questions & Comments” section.

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An Insider’s Look at Both NYC TLC Regulated Industries “LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK FOR BREAKING NEWS! OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.TAXILIVERYTIMES.COM TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 7 TAXI NEWS COUNCIL MEMBERS SEEK CONGESTION PRICING EXEMPTION FOR TAXIS

Councilmen Ydanis Rodriguez and Fernando Cabrera in May icy – both from the standpoint of traffic reduction and transit called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the MTA to establish a carve - funding. It’s not yet clear what the long-term impact of the sur - out for Yellow Taxis from congestion pricing tolls. The council - charges will be on the Yellow Cab industry. men referred to new tolls, expected to take effect in Manhattan “Without an exemption from the congestion surcharge, taxi in 2021, as well as the surcharge already in place, which cur - drivers – whether they are lease-drivers or owner-drivers – sim - rently targets Taxis and For-Hire Vehicles (FHVs). ply won’t earn enough to survive, even if their expenses go down,” Their request came in response to recent investigations into claims Bhairavi Desai, the executive director of the New York the plight of thousands of immigrant workers suffering from crip - Taxi Workers Alliance. pling debt. Source: amNewYork “Our taxi drivers are currently facing a financial epidemic un - like any we’ve ever seen. This crisis… did not happen overnight,” said Rodriguez, chair of the Transportation Committee. “This is TAXI FLIPS OVER IN MANHATTAN, the result of an accumulation of lack of leadership and bad deci - sions for many decades.” SENDING TWO VICTIMS TO THE HOSPITAL In February, Yellow Taxis and FHVs were mandated to begin charging a congestion pricing fee on rides in Manhattan below 96th Street. Cabs saw an added $2.50 fee on top of the $5.50 base A Taxi flipped over in midtown Manhattan in May, fare. The FHV surcharge is $2.75. The surcharge was imple - sending two people to the hospital with injuries, offi - mented, despite a series of driver suicides, which advocates have cials said. The Fire Department of New York said they blamed on economic hardships plaguing the industry. responded to a motor vehicle crash at West 39th Street Some transportation experts and environmental advocates and 9th Avenue at 4:36pm on May 21. have argued that exemptions would lessen the impact of the pol - One victim was taken to Roosevelt St. Luke’s Hos - pital, while the other was taken to New York Univer - sity Tisch Hospital, a FDNY spokesman said. The crash was a few blocks away from the Port Authority Bus Terminal. CURB ANNOUNCES NYC Source: NorthJersey.com EXPANSION OF DIGITAL DMV & TLC Summonses TAXI TOP NETWORK Michael Spevack Curb Taxi Media, a leading provider of mobility media in the Attorney-at-Law United States, announced in June plans to expand its network of high-definition digital taxi tops in New York City to more You Can Receive the Finest than 1,200 screens over the summer. The new screens are de - Representation At Reasonable Fees! signed with integrated solar panels, making them energy effi - cient and environmentally friendly. Curb boasts over 65% market share in New York City, com - All TLC & DMV Problems bining innovation and scale to provide brands, agencies and pro - grammatic advertising buyers with a wide range of options to Customer Complaints • Moving Violations address on-the-go consumers. The company says it was the first Wills • Buying Or Selling A Business to launch High-Def LCD taxi tops in 2014. House Closings • Personal Injury Cases According to Curb, the newly expanded digital taxi top net - & Other Legal Work work allows marketers to leverage sophisticated media planning capabilities such as street-level geolocation, real-time RSS data integration, and weather triggers, allowing for precise audience 212-754-1011 and message targeting. Programmatic platform integration, combined with post-campaign measurement and attribution in - All Bankruptcy Matters Handled sights, bring new levels of targeting and accountability to hun - dreds of millions of monthly digital ad impressions across the network. 97-77 Queens Blvd., Suite 1120 “Taxi media is hands down the best platform in New York Rego Park, NY 11374 to reach consumers efficiently and effectively,” said Chris Polos, • Curb’s VP of Media Sales. “This significant investment in digital inventory reflects our ongoing commitment to provide the most p 212-754-1011 dynamic and advanced capabilities for our brand partners.” www.traffic-summons.com Curb has partnered with leading marketers on a variety of innovative, buzzworthy digital taxi top campaigns – including “The New United in NYC” campaign, in partnership with Mc - I can help you with TLC Garry Bowen and Kinetic Worldwide, winner of two Cannes Lions, a MediaPost DOOH Award, and two OBIE Awards. Source: Curb and in Criminal Court. TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 8 • • JULY 2019 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 9 TAXI NEWS TAXI DRIVERS TO GET TLC TO EXPAND TIF $10 MILLION BREAK AND OWNER PAYMENTS LOAN SAFEGUARDS The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is expanding In June, Corey Johnson, the speaker of the City Council, un - the Taxi Improvement Fund (TIF) owner payments in the following veiled a package of bills aimed at protecting Taxi drivers. The Coun - ways: cil also said it will examine the city’s role in the crisis that devastated a generation of cabbies. Hack-Up Payment Changes At the same time, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a separate All medallions, regardless of whether the medallion is required set of initiatives: The city is eliminating as much as $10 million in to hack-up a wheelchair accessible vehicle, are now eligible to re - fees to taxi medallion owners, and drivers will be able to obtain fi - ceive hack-up payments when placing Wheelchair Accessible Vehi - nancial counseling from a new “driver assistance center.” cles (WAVs) into service. The mayor also said that he would extend the city moratorium on new FHV licenses for at least another year and impose limits on To meet the new eligibility requirements, owners must: how long FHVs cars can linger in Manhattan without passengers. • Enroll in the TIF Owner Program “We need to do much more,” said Bhairavi Desai, the leader of • Hack-up a WAV that has not previously received a hack up the Taxi Workers Alliance, which represents individual medallion payment (based on the vehicle’s VIN) owners as well as fleet drivers. “There’s a recognition that it will • The new eligibility requirement applies to hack-ups on or take some time to get there. But that process needs to begin imme - after January 1, 2019. diately.” Ms. Desai said she appreciated the efforts but urged the city to Operational Payment Changes take more drastic action, such as bailing out drivers already in debt, Operational payments (formerly referred to as “maintenance” or pressuring banks to soften loan terms. or “inspection” payments) are no longer limited to a maximum four- Recently, government regulators were found to have been ignor - year term. Owners will now receive operational payments so long ing warnings from their own staffers about industry troubles, while as the wheelchair accessible vehicle remains in service. Addition - the city went even further, selling taxi medallions and running ads ally, TLC is increasing the frequency of these payments from three promoting them as “better than the stock market.” When the bubble payments each year to one payment every quarter. burst and prices crashed in late 2014, the government largely aban - doned cabbies; more than 950 have filed for bankruptcy and thou - To meet the new eligibility requirements, owners must: sands more struggle to survive. • Enroll in the TIF Owner Program Ms. Desai said her group has resorted to setting up fund-raising • Ensure the WAV hacked-up to the medallion completes at pages for the public to donate to some of the drivers affected by the least 250 trips each quarter and that it remains logged onto crisis. the Accessible Taxi Dispatcher system while in operation The City Council legislation is being spearheaded by Mr. John - son, as well as Councilman Ritchie Torres of the Bronx, who leads Operational payments will be made on the following schedule: the Council’s oversight and investigations committee. “Not only did [the TLC] fail to protect medallion owners from Quarter TPEP Trip Review Period Expected Pay Date predatory forces, it was one of the predatory forces,” Mr. Torres said. “There’s a sense in which the TLC was a speculator masquerading Q1 January – March May as a regulator.” Q2 April – June August One of the measures before the Council requires TLC officials Q3 July – September November to scrutinize the financial resources of medallion buyers, and block Q4 October – December February sales that involve unaffordable loans. The city would also ban the Any questions about how these changes should be directed to use of so-called confessions of judgment in medallion loans. The city the TLC Taxi Improvement Fund program at or [email protected]. legislation would also direct the TLC to create an Office of Financial Stability to monitor the health of the industry, collect disclosures Additional languages are available: from medallion owners and assess the integrity of medallion brokers Arabic / | Bengali / বাংলা | French / français | Haitian- and fleet owners. yen | Korean / 한국어 | Polish / polski | Russian ةisيyبaر lعòلاCreole / Krey Several members of the Council said they supported the legis - / | Chinese (Simplified) / 简化字 | Spanish / Español lation but wanted the city to find a way to bail out the owners al - |Р Uусrсdкuи / й язык ودر ready in debt. Three councilmen – Mark Levine, Stephen Levin and Brad Lander – said they were researching a bill to do that. A spokes - woman for the mayor said he was supportive of Mr. Torres’s legis - lation. The “driver assistance center,” which was first proposed by the “LIKE” Council last year but was never created, would connect cabbies with counseling and food stamps and other benefits, according to people familiar with the plans. TAXI & LIVERY TIMES The fee waiver would aid all owners of the city’s 13,500 taxi medallions, including large fleets, which operate about half of all cabs. It would exempt them from paying $1,100 renewal fees due this year or next. The Council is already pushing to make the waiver FOR permanent. In Albany, there is renewed interest in three pieces of long- stalled pieces of legislation that would address protections for busi - BREAKING ness loans. One of the bills would improve disclosure rules for those types of loans, while another would outlaw deceptive business prac - tices. A third would ban confessions of judgment. NEWS! Source: The New York Times TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 10 • • JULY 2019

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Base # B00887 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 12 • • JULY 2019 LIVERY NEWS LA CIUDAD DE NUEVA YORK AMPLÍA EL NYC EXPANDS SPEED CAMERA PROGRAMA DE CÁMARAS DE CONTROL DE PROGRAM IN ALL SCHOOL ZONES VELOCIDAD EN TODAS LAS ZONAS ESCOLARES Drivers beware: New York City has announced a massive Atención conductores: la ciudad de Nueva York anunció una ma - five-fold expansion of its school speed-camera program. There siva ampliación (quintuplicación) de su programa de cámaras de control will be thousands of additional cameras with longer hours of de la velocidad en zonas escolares. En el curso de los próximos 12 enforcement installed around the city over the next 12 meses, se instalarán miles de cámaras adicionales por toda la ciudad months. con horarios de cumplimiento más extensos. Las 750 zonas escolares tendrán cámaras de control de velocidad All 750 school zones will get speed cameras. Enforcement que funcionarán los días de semana de 6:00 a. m. a 10:00 p. m. durante hours will be from 6:00am to 10:00pm on weekdays year- todo el año y estarán calibradas para emitir multas si un conductor su - round. The speed cameras will be calibrated to give you a pera las 36 millas por hora (11 millas por encima del límite de veloci - ticket if you go 36 miles an hour or higher (11 miles over the dad). La multa ascenderá a $ 50. speed limit). The fine is $50. Los operarios acaban de instalar las primeras 2,000 cámaras Workers recently installed the first of 2,000 new cameras nuevas en West End Avenue y 70th Street. at West End Avenue and 70th Street. Los funcionarios municipales indicaron que los conductores nor - City officials said motorists normally get a ticket going malmente reciben multas por exceder el límite de velocidad en 10 mil - 10 miles over the limit, but NYC added an extra mile to avoid las, pero la ciudad de Nueva York agregó una milla adicional para motorists’ challenges. Mayor de Blasio defended the expan - evitar los desafíos a los que están expuestos. El alcalde de Blasio de - sion, claiming it’s about safety, not revenue. The mayor is fendió la ampliación, aduciendo que la misma se debía a una cuestión de seguridad y no de ingresos. Además, solicita que la legislación au - also calling for legislation to increase the fines for multiple mente las multas por infracciones múltiples y suspenda las licencias violations and suspend the licenses of repeat offenders. de los infractores reincidentes. Last year, the city collected $45 million from the speed El año pasado, la ciudad recaudó $ 45 en virtud del programa de camera program. The city expects to install the cameras at cámaras de control de la velocidad. La municipalidad espera instalar the new school zone locations at the rate of about 40/month. las cámaras en las nuevas ubicaciones de las zonas escolares a un ritmo Source: CBS New York de aproximadamente 40 por mes. Fuente: CBS New York ROBBER THREATENS LIVERY DRIVER LADRÓN AMENAZA A CONDUCTOR DE VEHÍCULO WITH BOX CUTTER IN THE BRONX DE ALQUILER CON UN CÚTER EN EL BRONX La policía busca a un hombre que, dicen, trató de asaltar al con - Police are looking for a man they say tried to rob a Livery driver ductor de un vehículo de alquiler con un cúter, tras un viaje en el with a box cutter, after a ride in the Bronx. Authorities said the Brox. Las autoridades informaron que el hombre subió al vehículo unidentified man got in the Livery vehicle at 1991 Morris Ave. in de alquiler en 1991 Morris Ave. en la sección Mt. Hope del Bronx el the Mt. Hope section of the Bronx around 3:30am on Friday, May viernes 31 de mayo alrededor de las 3:30 a. m., y solicitó que se lo ll - 31, and asked to be driven to 4453 White Plains Rd. evara a 4453 White Plains Rd. During the trip, the man asked the driver if he had change for Durante el viaje, el pasajero le preguntó al conductor si tenía cambio para un billete de $ 50; al recibir una respuesta negativa, le a $50 bill. When the driver said “no,” the man asked to be taken to pidió que lo llevara a una charcutería situada más o menos a una a deli, about a block away from his original destination, claiming cuadra de su destino original para conseguir cambio. Según el relato he needed to get change. After exiting the store, the man ap - policial, al salir de la tienda, el hombre se acercó a la ventanilla del proached the driver’s side window, wielding a box cutter in a threat - lado del conductor empuñando un cúter en forma amenazante. ening manner, according to police. El conductor, entonces, abrió la puerta del auto, lo que hizo que The driver opened his car door, causing the man to drop the box el agresor arrojara al cúter y se diera a la fuga. cutter and flee, authorities said. Según la descripción, el sospechoso mide unos 5 pies, 8 pulgadas, The suspect is described as about 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing pesa alrededor de 150 libras, y cuando se lo vio por última vez estaba about 150 pounds, last seen wearing all black, a Nike sweatshirt, vestido todo de negro, con una sudadera Nike, y zapatillas blancas. and white sneakers. Surveillance footage showing the suspect in El video de vigilancia que muestra al sospechoso en la charcutería, the deli, can be viewed at https://pix11.com/2019/06/07/man-tries- puede verse en https://pix11.com/2019/06/07/man-tries-to-rob-livery- cab-driver-with-box-cutter-in-the-bronx-police/ . to-rob-livery-cab-driver-with-box-cutter-in-the-bronx-police/ . Si tiene información que pueda ser de ayuda para la policía, llame Police are asking for tips, which can be submitted by calling a Crime Stoppers al 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visite www.nypd - Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting www.nypd - crimestoppers.com o envíe un mensaje de texto al 274637 (CRIMES), crimestoppers.com , or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering seguido de TIP577. Si es hispanohablante, marque 1-888-57-PISTA TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). (74782). Fuente: PIX11 Source: PIX11

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518 W. 44th St., NY, NY 10036 WANTED DRIVERS time e or full Part tim vailable shifts a 212.279.3166 For more info Call TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 14 • • JULY 2019 LIVERY NEWS “CATASTROPHIC BRAKE EL ACCIDENTE PROTAGONIZADO POR UNA FAILURE” CAUSED LIMUSINA EN SCHOHARIE SE DEBIÓ A UNA “FATÍDICA FALLA DE LOS FRENOS” SCHOHARIE LIMO CRASH El accidente protagonizado por una limusina todoterreno The SUV limousine crash that killed 20 people in Schoharie, (SUV) que les costó la vida a 20 personas en Schoharie (Nueva York) en octubre se debió a una “fatídica falla de los frenos”, NY in October was caused by “catastrophic brake failure,” ac - según las actas judiciales dadas a conocer por los abogados del cording to court documents released by the defendant’s lawyers. acusado. Nauman Hussain, dueño de Prestige Limo, enfrenta Nauman Hussain, owner of Prestige Limo, now faces cargos por homicidio culposo y homicidio por negligencia criminal manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges for por cada una de las 20 víctimas. Sus abogados incluyeron con - each of the 20 victims. His lawyers included conclusions from a clusiones de un perito forense contratado por la policía del estado forensics expert hired by New York State Police, the Albany de Nueva York, informó Albany Times Union . Times Union reported. El accidente fue el peor de este tipo ocurrido en los Estados The crash was the worst of its kind in the United States, Unidos desde 2009. since 2009. Ni la fiscal de distrito del condado de Schoharie, Susan Schoharie County District Attorney Susan Mallery and the Mallery, ni la policía estatal se habían expedido en torno a la state police had been silent about the probable cause. The Na - probable causa. La Junta Nacional de Seguridad en el Transporte tional Transportation Safety Board has not yet released find - aún no ha hecho públicos los resultados de la investigación, en ings, partly due to a dispute with the DA about access to the parte debido a una disputa con la fiscal acerca del acceso a la SUV limousine. limusina SUV. The 34-foot “super stretch” Excursion – packed with party- El 6 de octubre, la “súper limusina” de 34 pies de largo –abar - rotada de invitados a una fiesta– arrasó con dos peatones en un goers – plowed down two pedestrians in a parking lot Oct. 6. A estacionamiento. Un testigo aseguró que la limusina cruzó la in - witness said the limo traveled through the intersection at a high tersección a alta velocidad. Las autopsias revelaron que la causa rate of speed. Autopsies described “multiple severe traumatic de muerte de todas las víctimas fueron “politraumatismos blunt force injuries” as the cause of death for all victims. Aside severos por golpes contundentes”. Aparte del conductor y de los from the driver and pedestrians, all were friends or relatives of dos peatones, todos los involucrados eran amigos o familiares de Amy Steenburg, on a trip for her 30th birthday. Members of the Amy Steenburg que participaban de un viaje para celebrar sus group had Tweeted about the poor condition of the limo minutes treinta años. Minutos antes del accidente, miembros del grupo before the crash. habían publicado tuits sobre el mal estado de la limusina. Source: Patch (Mid-Hudson Valley) Fuente: Patch (Mid-Hudson Valley) SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER DASH ARRESTAN A SOSPECHOSO EXPUESTO CAMERA CAPTURES DRIVER ASSAULT POR UNA CÁMARA DE TABLERO AL Police arrested a 36-year-old man they say viciously as - AGREDIR A UN CONDUCTOR saulted a Lyft driver in Queens because he was driving too slowly, officials said in May. George Catalano of Queens sur - La policía arrestó a un hombre de 36 años que agredió brutal - rendered to police and was charged with assault and reckless mente a un conductor de Lyft en Queens porque conducía muy de - spacio, informaron los oficiales en mayo. George Catalano, de endangerment for the May 23 attack, which was caught on Queens, se entregó a la policía y fue acusado de agresión y de poner driver Eduardo Madiedo’s dashboard camera. en peligro la seguridad pública por el ataque del 23 de mayo, el cual Video of the incident can be viewed at https://www.nydai - fue captado por la cámara del tablero del conductor Eduardo lynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-suspect-caught-lyft-driver- Madiedo. beating-20190530-h5ja7wwplzdxri7l4eojxiay4i-story.html . Se puede ver un video del incidente en https://www.nydai - Madiedo was taking Catalano and the suspect’s mother to lynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-suspect-caught-lyft-driver-beat - Mount Sinai Hospital in Long Island City, when the driver’s ing-20190530-h5ja7wwplzdxri7l4eojxiay4i-story.html . Madiedo llevaba a Catalano y a la madre del sospechoso al Mount 2017 Ford Explorer got stuck in midday traffic. The video Sinai Hospital en la ciudad de Long Island, cuando el Ford Explorer shows a distressed Catalano, resting in his mother’s lap; he 2017 del conductor quedó atascado en el tránsito de mediodía. El then begins complaining about the traffic, pulls off his jacket video muestra a Catalano angustiado apoyado en el regazo de su and shirt and moans, asking Madiedo to drive faster. madre; luego el agresor comienza a quejarse del tránsito, se quita la “He kept telling me to pass cars, but there was nowhere I chaqueta y la camisa y refunfuña, mientras le pide a Madiedo que could go,” said Madiedo, a driver for the past three years. “He acelere. said, ‘You should be f-----g driving better.’” “Me decía permanentemente que pasara a los autos, pero no In the video, Madiedo says, “If you’re going to be disrespect - tenía lugar”, aseguró Madiedo, que trabaja como conductor desde hace tres años. “Me dijo, ‘¿Por qué c-----o no manejas más rápido?’”. ful, I can pull over right now.” En el video, Madiedo le contesta, “Si me va a faltar el respeto, Enraged, Catalano lunged over Madiedo’s seat and began me detengo ya mismo”. cursing and hitting him in the head repeatedly. Struck more Catalano, enardecido, se abalanzó sobre el asiento Madiedo y than a dozen times, Madiedo feared the worst – that Catalano comenzó a insultarlo y a pegarle reiteradamente en la cabeza. De - had a weapon. When the SUV stopped, Catalano got out of the spués de recibir más de una docena de golpes, Madiedo temió lo peor: backseat and began punching Madiedo through the open dri - que Catalano estuviera armado. Cuando la limusina SUV se detuvo, ver’s side window. He and his mother then stormed off. Catalano se bajó del asiento trasero y comenzó a darle golpes de puño a Madiedo a través de la ventanilla abierta del lado del conductor. Detectives quickly identified Catalano as the assailant, but Luego, él y su madre se marcharon furiosos. he wasn’t at his Queens home when they searched there. Catalano, quien fue rápidamente identificado como el agresor, Despite being hit more than a dozen times, Madiedo was no se encontraba en su casa de Queens fueron a buscarlo. not seriously hurt, officials said. Pese a haber recibido más de doce golpes, Madiedo no presentaba “I’ve had (some) lumps, but the injuries are psychological,” lesiones graves, dijeron los oficiales. he said. “It’s been hard sleeping. I haven’t driven since. I don’t “Me salieron (algunos) chichones, pero las heridas son psicológi - know if I can do this anymore.” cas”, afirmó. “Tengo problemas para dormir. Desde el incidente, no volví a conducir. Ya no sé si pueda seguir haciéndolo”. Source: Daily News Fuente: Daily News TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 15 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 16 • • JULY 2019 LIVERY NEWS NEW YORK CONSIDERS NUEVA YORK CONSIDERA ILEGAL “INTERCAMBIAR MENSAJES MAKING “TEXTING WHILE DE TEXTO AL CAMINAR”

WALKING” ILLEGAL Cruzar una calle de Nueva York puede ser todo un desafío, y quizá tenga aun menos probabilidades de percatarse de un taxi Crossing a New York street can be challenging, and you que toca bocina o de un ciclista que pasa zumbando si va mirando might be even less likely to notice a honking cab or zooming bi - el celular, con lo que no solo se pondrá en peligro a sí mismo sino cyclist if you’re looking at your phone – endangering yourself también a los demás. Un proyecto de ley del Senado del estado and others. A bill in the New York State Senate seeks to ban de Nueva York busca impedir que los peatones usen un disposi - pedestrians from using an electronic device while crossing the tivo electrónico cuando cruzan la calle, con multas que van de road, with fines ranging from $25 to $250. The statewide ban $25 a $250. La prohibición en todo el estado incluiría intercam - would include texting, checking emails, and browsing the inter - biar mensajes de texto, revisar correo electrónico y navegar por Internet, salvo en casos de emergencia. net, with exceptions for emergencies. El proyecto de ley fue presentado el año pasado en la Asam - The bill was introduced in the State Assembly last year by blea del estado por el miembro de la Asamblea Felix W. Ortiz y Assembly Member Felix W. Ortiz. State Senator John Liu in - el Senador estatal John Liu presentó una versión en el Senado troduced a version in the Senate in May. However, the bill must en mayo. Sin embargo, antes de que se lo pueda someter a be approved by the transportation committees in both the As - votación, el mismo debe ser aprobado por las comisiones de trans - sembly and Senate before it can come to a full vote. The chair porte de la Asamblea y del Senado. El senador Tim Kennedy, of the Senate Transport Committee, Sen. Tim Kennedy, has said presidente de la comisión de transporte del Senado, manifestó he doesn’t “support the concept in its current form.” que no “apoya la idea en su formato actual”. A 2019 report by the Governors Highway Safety Association Un informe de 2019 elaborado por la Asociación Nacional de estimated that 6,227 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes Gobernadores para la Seguridad en Carreteras ( Governors High - in 2018, the most in almost three decades. The report cited “the way Safety Association ) estimó que en 2018 perdieron la vida en large growth in smartphone use” as a possible reason. About accidentes de tránsito 6,227 peatones, la cifra más alta en casi 75% of fatalities occur after dark, with alcohol contributing to tres décadas. El informe indicaba como una posible causa “el an estimated 32% of fatalities. enorme incremento del uso de teléfonos inteligentes”. Aproxi - “Sometimes even proposing legislation reminds people of madamente un 75 % de las muertes se produce de noche, y el al - cohol tiene incidencia en un 32 % de las víctimas fatales. common-sense things to do and common-sense things not to do,” “A veces, el solo hecho de proponer una legislación le recuerda Liu said. “If nothing else, the mere introduction of this bill has a la gente las cosas de sentido común que debe hacer o no hacer”, got people talking and thinking.” Source: CNN afirmó el Senador Liu. “Cuando menos, la mera presentación de este proyecto de ley ha hecho hablar y pensar a la población”. Fuente: CNN e e Are You Over Paying? Check With Us!!! c

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If you’re in New York City with signs at the Morgan Library. Now- lore at Socrates Sculpture Park’s your family, you’re probably looking October 6 (closed Mondays) Guelaguetza Festival . July 28 for fun things to do. The following options will provide you with end - Lend your family’s ears to park Dance to the sounds of St. Vincent less hours of entertainment, educa - performances of the Bard. The ones (the island, not the guitarist) as the tion, outdoor fun and adventures in Carroll Park (June), in Clinton Garifuna Collective does a Sum - that you can only find in NYC. Cove (July 19, August 16 and Sep - merStage performance in Crotona tember 13) and those produced Park. August 2 Special Events across the City by Hip to Hip The - atre Company (July 24–August 25) Bike, boulder and bop along the Kayak for free on the East River. are the most kid-friendly. open road of Park Avenue during Or the Hudson. Numerous piers Manhattan’s Summer Streets . Did and landings in Manhattan , Brook - Watch an international soccer dou - last year’s event also have a zip lyn and Queens offer the activity. bleheader at the Gold Cup (June line and water slide? Indeed. Au - Daily, all summer long 24) or see English Premier League gust 3, 10 and 17. powerhouse Liverpool take on Sign up for a sail on the historic Pi - Sporting CP at Yankee Stadium Applaud the paddlers, and their oneer schooner online or at the (July 24). colorful vessels, at the Hong Kong South Street Seaport Museum. The Dragon Boat Festival . August 3 & 1885 boat docks at Pier 16. May– Be astounded by speed-eating the - 4 September, Wednesday–Sunday atrics and expanding stomachs at (mostly) the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eat - Keep good company when the Ailey ing Contest . July 4 II troupe dances at Celebrate Pay homage to a different kind of Brooklyn . August 8 pioneer at the Museum of the City Spark joy at the sight of fireworks, of New York’s Jackie Robinson ex - whether brought to you by Macy’s Ace the test at Arthur Ashe Kids’ hibit . Through September 15 (July 4) or the Staten Island Yan - Day , a warm-up for tennis’ US kees at the conclusion of each home Open. (It’s also fun to take the fam - Tour the land of the lost on the game (July 3, 19, 20 and 26; Au - ily to a daytime match during the Bronx Zoo’s Dinosaur Safari , a gust 2, 3, 16, 21, 23, 24 and 30). tournament.) Arthur Ashe Day: woodsy wagon ride populated by August 24; US Open: August 26– animatronic dinosaurs. Through Bring the brood to Pier 46 for September 8 November 3 screenings of Hudson RiverFlicks . A number of last year’s top kid hits Witness wheels – or, possibly, Then do it again (this time inside) will be shown. July 12–August 23 wheel – in motion at the Unicycle at the T. rex exhibition , courtesy of (Fridays) Festival on Governors Island Au - the American Museum of Natural gust 29-September 1. History. Through August 9, 2020 Get so promotional at a Brooklyn Everyday Classics Cyclones game. Seinfeld Night Eat street food at any of Smorgas - (with Fusilli Jerry figurine), Mar - burg’s three outdoor locations. vel Superhero Night (with Spider- Walk the length of the Brooklyn Through October: Fridays, North Man bobblehead) and Mo Willems Bridge . Wing of the Oculus; Saturdays, Day (free Pigeon cap) are all good East River State Park; Sundays, Board a ferry for a free ride to choices. July 13, July 14 and Au - Staten Island or Governors Island . Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill gust 10, respectively. Take flight at the New York Hall of Scream yourself silly for 2 minutes View a space movie near a space on the Coney Island Cyclone . Science with the Above and Beyond shuttle when First Man plays on exhibit. A party on July 20 (and the deck of the Intrepid. You only Meet the monuments of Queens' plenty of other summer occasions ) get so many chances to make an Flushing Meadows Corona Park . commemorates 1969’s Apollo 11 aircraft carrier your movie theater. mission. Now-September 8 July 19 Roam the lush grounds of the New York Botanical Garden . Let your voice be heard – even if Tune in to the “power” theme at it’s still changing (all ages wel - the Rubin Museum’s summer block Amble along above the buildings of come) – during karaoke nights at party . July 21 Chelsea on the High Line . Summer on the Hudson . Plenty of other options exist for the season- Witness a series of Native Ameri - Splash around at one of NYC’s pub - long festival. July 5, August 2 and can dance competitions at the lic beaches. Jacob Riis Park , Man - September 6 Queens County Farm Museum. hattan Beach and Orchard Beach July 26–28 are a few of our favorites. Now-Sep - Find something wild among Mau - tember 2 rice Sendak’s opera and ballet de - Celebrate Oaxacan music and folk - Source: NYCGo TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 18 • • JULY 2019 FEATURE TOP SUMMER HEALTH TIPS Summertime means longer days, sunshine, picnics, barbecues and kids out of school. Here’s how to make the most of your summer and stay healthy, too. 1. Hydrate. The benefits of hydration are plentiful. Drinking the rec - ommended eight to ten glasses of water a day can help prevent illness, keep your bones and muscles strong, help you maintain a healthy weight, improve brain function and best of all, fuel your activities throughout the day! Make water an essential part of your day this summer; never leave home without it. 2. Eat Fresh. Summer means fresh produce! Visit your local farmers’ market or grocery store and you’ll see healthy fruits and vegetables of every color. Reserve a place on your plate every meal for fresh produce and you’re sure to reap the tasty rewards. 3. Transform Activities into Exercise. Warm summer weather means that you can spend a lot of time outdoors being active. Regular exercise has been shown to improve heart health, reduce pain and improve stress. Turn simple activities like going to the zoo or visiting a park into exercise by using the stairs, taking the long route or even adding in some stretches and strengthening exercises along the way! 4. Lifestyle Modification. The nice weather means you can get outside and start exercising or take pleasure in a new sport, club or activity. New social settings and activities will keep you busy, which might also help you quit smoking. Also, visit your local farmers’ market to kick-start a new healthy eating plan. 5. See Your Doctor. If you have nagging pains from the winter and spring, seeing your doctor is essential. You want to feel at your best dur - ing the summer months so you can enjoy all of the joys that summertime offers, like parades, fairs and fun! Schedule an appointment for a check- up to make sure pain or injury doesn’t sideline you this summer. 6. Stay Shady. We all love the summer heat, but it is important to stay in the shade whenever possible. Try to limit your time in the direct sun - shine between 10:00am and 4:00pm, when UV exposure is at its peak. If you are going to be outside, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen 30 min - utes before sun exposure. It is also a good idea to wear a hat and sun - glasses whenever possible. 7. Plan a Personal Vacation. A vacation away from work and/or obliga - tions can help you re-energize and re-fuel. Whether you take a long week - end at the beach or stay around the house to enjoy a book and coffee on the porch, take some ‘you’ time this summer to relax and rejuvenate. 8. Disconnect. Disconnect from the internet, put down those smart phones and see a world without selfies, hashtags and videos. Enjoy life without technology and engage in conversations and activities that en - courage socialization with other people. 9. Sleep Well. Sleep plays a vital role in your health and well-being. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can improve your mental and physical health, safety and quality of life. 10. Stay Cool. When it’s hot, do what you can to stay cool! Give your oven a summer vacation to keep your kitchen cool and opt instead for a meal cooked on the barbeque. Go swimming at your neighborhood pool and visit local air-conditioned attractions. Source: Advanced Pain Management

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Back in 2015, Mayor de Blasio proposed ican Dream turned into the American night - and pop businesses” – immigrants who came a bill for the New York City Council to cap mare. While the rolls of FHVs affiliated with to this country in search of the American the issuance of new For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) Uber and Lyft rose dramatically from 2012 dream. licenses until the New York City Department to 2018, the rolls of liveries drastically de - Under the new study, the City merely of Transportation (DOT), New York City De - creased from approximately 27,000 to states the “TLC would restrict the number of partment of Environmental Protection (DEP) slightly over 10,000 today. new FHV licenses it would issue going for - and of course, the New York City Taxi and Now, the City has finally produced its ward, regularly examining factors including Limousine Commission (TLC) performs a final report, making all sorts of recommen - congestion in the Manhattan core, driver complete a study of the impact of FHV indus - dations for – among other things – placing a pay, service levels, and license renewal try growth on traffic congestion, air quality, cap on cruising, mandating a minimum fare, rates.” This gives way too much discretion to noise, and public health. Once completed, the improving efficiency, managing growth, re - the TLC. In fact, while the report was just TLC was to submit recommendations to the ducing traffic congestion and increasing released a week ago, two days later the TLC Speaker and the Mayor for mitigating any driver pay. All of these goals are laudable, released its proposed regulations to imple - impacts identified in those areas. and the City should pursue them all, but ment many of the recommendations stated The reason for the proposed cap in 2015 there is one main problem as I see it: The cap in the report. was because there was no growth control on new FHV licenses was put in place almost The TLC also set a date for a public hear - mechanism in the FHV industry. The growth one year ago in order to put the brakes on ing on promulgating those regulations. rate in this industry back in 2015 was ap - growth and take time to study the entire in - Rather fast work for the TLC to have drafted proximately 63%. To put this in perspective, dustry. Yet, the entire study produced opin - regulations before the report was released. in June 2011, before Uber and Lyft came to ions on what should be done relative to High And all this was apparently done before the town, there were approximately 38,600 Volume For-Hire Services. City Council, who is supposed to make public FHVs. In 2015, there were nearly 63,000 On August 14, 2018, Mayor de Blasio policy, has had a chance to digest the report FHVs. signed Local Law 149 of 2018, creating a new and weigh in with its own opinions. In fact, While growth of the entire FHV indus - license category for TLC-licensed FHV bases on June 13, 2019, City Council Member Yda - try was tremendous, not all sectors of the that dispatch more than 10,000 trips per day. nis Rodriguez, Chair of the Transportation industry were experiencing growth and not This category named HVFHS (High Volume Committee, addressed the proposed ongoing all sectors were the cause of increased traf - For-Hire Services) only applies to Uber, Lyft cap on FHVs. In a press release, Council fic congestion and noise, along with de - and Juno. Today, there are currently 340 liv - Member Rodriguez said “In New York City creased air quality. I vividly recall ery bases with slightly over 10,000 affiliated the growing for-hire vehicle industry has left testifying before the City Council Trans - vehicles. This is less than 10% of the total behind many drivers from all sectors. We portation Committee stating that it would number of FHVs. There was never a claim must ensure that we have an open discussion be inherently unfair to place a cap on the that the livery industry was the cause of traf - about the for-hire vehicle cap implementa - livery sector because the liveries were cer - fic congestion, worsening air quality and tion before we impose them onto our drivers.” tainly not experiencing tremendous growth. noise – or that they had a problem with Council Member Rodriguez went on to I remember giving my opinion to the mem - cruising or being inefficient. So, with the liv - say that “[t]he council should have an ade - bers of the City Council Transportation ery industry not being the cause of the prob - quate period of time in which we can review Committee, which was to either place the lems the City seeks to solve, and with the and digest the report that was released, moratorium on the sector of black cars that recent study being solely on the HVFHV which made the cap recommendations. I be - experienced massive growth and was the providers like Uber, Lyft and Juno, what is lieve the council and myself were not given cause of congestion, or to place a complete the rationale for maintaining a cap on the the appropriate time to look over the report cap on black cars, while allowing the liver - liveries? before the changes were announced.” ies to continue to be licensed at the histori - I have read the entire study produced by So why is the TLC again in a rush to reg - cal normal growth rate of 6%. the City a number of times and nowhere in ulate? On the one hand you have a Commis - In the end, our fight was a waste of time, the study is there one mention of liveries… sion that released its proposed regulations 2 because after a weeks-long political battle or even traditional black cars for that matter. days after the report was produced. On the between ride-hailing companies and New Some livery and black car bases are still reel - other hand, we have the head of the City York City (Mayor de Blasio), an agreement ing from the Uber effect. Livery bases have Council Transportation Committee stating between Uber and the City was reached to provided a valuable service to residents in they need time to digest the report. The TLC not cap FHV growth, while a study on FHV the outerboroughs, have done so for decades, must remember that the City Council sets impact in the municipality was conducted. and did such at a time in history when it was public policy and TLC is merely a regulatory The City did not act until 2018. not popular to do so. Many of them are either agency. While the TLC is regulatory agency In August 2018, responding to the in - extinct due to the overregulation of the in - it is also an arm of the Executive Branch (i.e. creasing congestion on Manhattan streets dustry or inability to compete due to the cap the Mayor). and the financial hardship facing many taxi or they are teetering on the verge of financial The Mayor is seeking to run for Presi - and FHV drivers, the New York City Council ruin. dent of the United States, and he will do passed Local Law 147, pausing the issuance So back to my original question: What is what is politically expedient and best for his of new FHV licenses for a year and instruct - the reason or rationale for the City to main - career. Unfortunately, what is best for the ing the TLC and DOT to study the impact of tain a cap on the liveries? There is no reason, Mayor and his career is not necessarily best the FHV sector on traffic congestion, vehicle no rationale and no justification. The City for the livery industry. It is a sad state of af - utilization, driver income, traffic safety, and seems hell bent on letting the liveries go the fairs when an entire sector of an industry is access to services throughout the city. By way of the dinosaur, Blockbuster Video on the verge of being wiped out without that time the City took action, there were ap - and/or Kodak, either into extinction or bank - rhyme or reason. This is not a matter of mar - proximately 120,000 FHV’s, with over 80,000 ruptcy. Shame on the City’s elected leaders ket forces or competition that is killing the affiliated with Uber and Lyft. Thus, the for turning its back on an entire industry livery industry but is a matter of the actions City’s delay only added to the problem. that still provides a valuable service to the and inactions of the City’s elected leaders Traffic congestion was at its all-time members of the communities where they op - and their appointed regulators turning their worst, vehicle utilization was low and driver erate. These livery bases are still mainly mi - backs on a sector of the FHV industry that is income was despicable. For most, the Amer - nority owned and/or are family owned “mom on the verge of extinction.

Steven J. Shanker, Esq. is General Counsel to the Livery Roundtable, Inc. and the New York Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund. By Matthew TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 23 W. Daus, Esq. IATR OUTLOOK TAXICAB, FHV, TNC AND PARATRANSIT INDUSTRIES INCLUDED IN FTA MOBILITY INNOVATION GRANTS FOR PUBLIC/PRIVATE TRANSIT PARTNERSHIPS

In May, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal The First FTA Sandbox Program Transit Administration (FTA) announced $15 million in research The 2016 Mobility on Demand (MOD) Sandbox program funds would be made available through a new Integrated Mobility (www.transit.dot.gov/research-innovation/mobility-demand-mod- Innovation Demonstration Program. With the goal of improving sandbox-program ) initially offered an opportunity for transit mobility across the country, the program is designed to award providers to form partnerships with mobility providers, technology funds to innovative programs in automation applications, service suppliers, and others to demonstrate new concepts and solutions models, and payment systems. In a time when transportation par - to deliver innovative mobility options in an every-day real world adigms are rapidly shifting, these grant mechanisms will help setting. The eleven winning demonstration projects in the 2016 public transit providers develop new and exciting technologies to program continue to help the FTA and state and local jurisdictions assist their customers in achieving more seamless trips. learn how to approach MOD-related policies and identify promis - In the past, such demonstration programs have been known ing technologies and business models. The new Sandbox 2.0 grant in academic and policy circles as the “FTA Sandbox.” A new grant opportunity similarly solicits projects that build upon the existing opportunity is now on the street, as part of what the agency is call - knowledge base of the 2016 Sandbox program, with the goal of ad - ing “Sandbox 2.0,” with an application deadline of August 6, 2019 vancing the state of transportation and continuing to test models (www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=315743 ). across rural, suburban, and urban settings. See Figure 1 These programs are important as they represent the future of mo - FTA Sandbox 2.0: bility, and, if successful, could form the basis for massive expen - The Current Integrated Mobility Innovation Grant Competition diture of federal funds during the next Congressional reauthorization on transportation spending. Since the last sandbox evaluation, MOD has continued to During Sandbox 1.0, mostly new mobility companies took ad - evolve. A growing number of transit agencies and communities vantage of the numerous pilot programs underway around the have partnered with private mobility providers to integrate new U.S., which involve public-private partnerships between mobility mobility options into public transit. Agencies are transforming providers, technology companies, Transportation Network Com - their operations and business practices to better meet passenger panies (TNCs) and public transit agencies. However, the incum - needs with new or enhanced services, including new trip planning bent taxicab and for-hire vehicle industry has been noticeably tools and apps, on-demand bus and micro-transit options, and absent from such endeavors – and many are eligible to partner other flexible service models. To continue this wave of transfor - with transit agencies and apply for mobility projects that include mation, the current Integrated Mobility Innovation program has “first and last mile” shared mobility, the use of Wheelchair Acces - three distinct funding priorities: (1) MOD, (2) mobility payment sible Vehicle (WAV) service to supplement or replace public para - integration, and (3) strategic transit automation research. Inter - transit services, and Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) platforms that ested agencies can propose projects in one or multiple areas. marry public and private multi-modal services. The new MOD program will make $8 million available in fund - If you are interested in learning more about the Sandbox 2.0 grant ing to improve mobility through a traveler-centric approach that opportunity, including how to participate or partner with public transit continues to leverage innovations in technologies, service methods, agencies or others to submit a bid, please contact me at mdaus@windels - and business models. Building on FTA’s initial 2016 demonstra - marx.com or at 212-237-1106. tions, this program provides a venue for integrated MOD concepts and solutions supported through local partnerships. Specific at - tention will be paid to projects that improve mobility for those with

Figure 1 : Examples of 2016 Sandbox Projects. Source: https://www.transit.dot.gov/re - search-innovation/fiscal-year- 2016-mobility-demand-mod-sand box-program-projects

Continued on page 24 Continúa en la página 24 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 24 • • JULY 2019 Viene de la página 23 Continued from page 23

limited transportation choices; provide Data Sharing & Collection Methods: Proj - www.transit.dot.gov/shared-mobility , with first-mile/last-mile connections to transit ects that provide innovative approaches to further information available at www.tran - hubs; and involve targeted approaches to data sharing arrangements and data collec - sit.dot.gov/funding/applying/notices-fund - data sharing and collection that can be re - tion methods, enabling increased under - ing/integrated-mobility-innovation-demons produced. standing of impacts to travelers and the tration-program-notice-funding . community. “Innovative” approaches in - Innovations may require new federal Key MOD Sandbox Demonstration Areas – For Sandbox 2.0 clude projects that provide open data plat - guidelines or changes to existing regula - forms, open source technologies, and data tions or policies, and applicants are encour - Travel Linkages: Projects that enhance sharing agreements that allow public and aged to identify any regulatory or policy linking travelers to transit stations and controlled access to project data. Innovative challenges they expect to encounter in the transportation hubs (first mile/last mile) approaches can also include collecting rele - implementation of their proposed demon - and enable travelers to access existing vant project data to understand MOD im - stration. Requests will be reviewed as part transportation resources and increase per - pacts, such as crowdsourcing information of the application process and used to help sonal mobility. This can include improved and incentive-based participation in data FTA understand barriers to implementing trip planning and payment mechanisms; collection efforts. MOD demonstrations. new service models for linking travelers to transit stations and transportation hubs; How to Participate in FTA Sandbox 2.0? and partnerships and approaches that pro - Anyone wishing to apply to the new vide new or expanded options for traveler MOD Sandbox demonstration project will Professor Matthew W. Daus, Esq. is President, linkages. need to do so through the Grants.gov web - International Association of Transportation MOD Accessibility Modes: Projects that Regulators (http://iatr.global/); Transportation site by 11:59 pm EST on August 6, 2019. El - Technology Chair, City University of New explore new MOD accessibility models, ap - igible applicants include public York, Transportation Research Center at The proaches, and technologies, especially those transportation providers, which can include City College of New York that increase access to transportation state and local DOTs, public transportation (http://www.utrc2.org/); and Partner and choices for older Americans, school-aged agencies, and federally recognized Indian Chairman, Windels Marx Transportation populations traveling independently, per - Practice Group (http://windelsmarx.com). He tribes. can be reached at: [email protected] sons with disabilities, or other individuals Rules and regulations are explained in or 212.237.1106. with limited ability to access existing public FTA’s Shared Mobility Frequently Asked transit. Questions document at COMMISSIONER’S CORNER

By Bill Heinzen Proposed Cap on Cruising, Extension of Vehicle Cap Propuesta del límite de circulación y extensión del límite vehicular The TLC and DOT released a study on for-hire vehicle growth El mes pasado, la Comisión de Taxis y Limusinas (Taxi and Lim - and congestion in New York City last month. The study followed ousine Commission, TLC) y el Departamento de Transporte (Depart - a one-year pause last summer on new for-hire vehicle licenses ment of Transportation, DOT) publicaron un estudio sobre el that are not wheelchair accessible while the City studied the im - incremento de los vehículos de alquiler y la congestión vial en la ciudad pact of the for-hire vehicle industry on traffic congestion, driver de Nueva York. El estudio se publicó después de una pausa en la income and traffic safety. Since the emisión de nuevas licencias para ve - one-year pause on new for-hire ve - hículos de alquiler que no tienen ac - ceso para sillas de ruedas, la cual hicle licenses, trips in this sector cumplirá un año en este verano. Por have continued to grow, and serv - otro lado, la ciudad realizó un estudio ice has risen in the outer boroughs. del impacto que tiene la industria de The study found that weekday vehículos de alquiler en la congestión travel speeds in Midtown Manhat - vial, el ingreso de los conductores y la tan have dropped to 4.3 mph in No - A wheelchair seguridad vial. A partir de esta pausa vember 2018, and down from 6.1 accessible vehicle de un año en la emisión de nuevas li - mph in November 2010. It also drives on a parkway cencias para vehículos de alquiler que found that Uber, Lyft, Juno, and in New York City. no tienen acceso para sillas de ruedas, los viajes en este sector han seguido Via drivers spend 40% of their aumentando y el servicio se ha incre - work time cruising for passengers. mentado en los distritos más lejanos. Cruising is unpaid time for drivers, El estudio descubrió que las ve - and it increases air pollution. locidades de los viajes durante los días The TLC is proposing a two-part policy based on the study’s de semana en Midtown Manhattan disminuyeron a 4.3 mph en noviem - findings: 1) a cap on cruising by the large app companies in Man - bre de 2018 y a 6.1 mph en noviembre de 2010. También descubrió que hattan and 2) an extension of the one-year pause on new for-hire los conductores de Uber, Lyft, Juno y Via ocuparon el 40 % de su tiempo vehicle licenses. Companies that do not meet a limit on how long laboral circulando en busca de pasajeros. La circulación es tiempo no remunerado para los conductores e incrementa la contaminación at - they allow drivers to cruise will face fines. The cap on cruising mosférica. will apply on weekdays from 6:00am to 11:00pm, and weekends La TLC propone una política de dos partes, la cual se basa en los from 8:00am to 11:00pm. The TLC will review service levels city - hallazgos del estudio: 1) un límite de circulación para las grandes com - wide every six months to determine whether the limit on new pañías de aplicaciones en Manhattan y 2) una extensión en la pausa de for-hire vehicles should be lifted. Wheelchair accessible vehicles un año para la emisión de nuevas licencias para vehículos de alquiler. and electric for-hire vehicles are exempt from this pause on new Se impondrán multas a las compañías que no cumplan con el límite vehicle licenses. de tiempo de circulación de los conductores. El límite de circulación se You can read the proposed rules at bit.ly/newtlcrules . We look aplicará los días de semana, de 6 a. m. a 11 p. m.; y los fines de semana forward to listening to industry members and other stakeholders de 8 a. m. a 11 p. m. La TLC revisará cada seis meses los niveles de ser - vicio en toda la ciudad para determinar si se debería eliminar el límite at the July 23rd hearing on the rules. You can also submit writ - para los vehículos de alquiler. Los vehículos con acceso para sillas de ten comments to [email protected]. ruedas y los vehículos de alquiler eléctricos quedan exentos de esta Medallion Fees pausa en la emisión de nuevas licencias vehiculares. Puede leer las reglas propuestas en bit.ly/newtlcrules. Esperamos Following successful pop-up driver assistance events in all TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 25 five boroughs last year, the TLC will create a escuchar la opinión de los miembros de la indus - driver assistance center tria y de otras partes interesadas en la audiencia pública sobre las reglas el 23 de julio. También within the next year that puede enviar sus comentarios por escrito a tl - will have on-site staff to [email protected]. connect licensees with TLC staffers Tarifas de medallón services that include debt speak with medallion Después de alcanzar el éxito en los eventos de restructuring assistance owners in asistencia al conductor en los cinco distritos el año and financial counseling, Sunset Park, pasado, el próximo año la TLC creará un centro de screenings for HRA bene - Brooklyn. asistencia que contará con personal para poner en fits, and referrals to men - contacto a los licenciatarios con servicios que in - cluyan asistencia en la reestructuración de deudas tal health services. y asesoría financiera, evaluación de los beneficios del Acuerdo de Reembolso de Gastos Médicos Professional Drivers and (Health Reimbursement Arrangement, HRA) y Cycling Advocates Ride in Brooklyn remisiones a los servicios de salud mental. Whether you are a professional driver or just someone who Conductores profesionales y Defensores de los ciclistas se movilizan en enjoys walking through their neighborhood, you may have no - Brooklyn ticed the growing tension on the road between cyclists and for- Ya sea que usted sea un conductor profesional o simplemente alguien hire drivers. Street space is limited, while the number of cyclists que disfruta caminar por su vecindario, debe haber notado la tensión and TLC-licensed vehicles has grown significantly. But on a creciente entre los ciclistas y los conductores de vehículos de alquiler en group ride together in Brooklyn, the TLC was pleased to learn las vías. El espacio en las calles es limitado y la cantidad de ciclistas y vehículos con licencia de la TLC ha aumentado significativamente. Sin that cyclists and drivers are natural allies. embargo, en un viaje en grupo por Brooklyn, la TLC se sintió satisfecha After riding together through Bush - al darse cuenta de que los ciclistas y los conductores son ali - wick, cyclists and drivers had a productive ados naturales. and thoughtful TLC-led conversation at the Después de conducir juntos por Bushwick, los ciclistas y Independent Driver Guild’s office. The event conductores tuvieron una conversación productiva y detal - participants listened to each other’s con - lada, moderada por la TLC, en la oficina del Gremio de Con - cerns and found common ground on street ductores Independientes (Independent Driver Guild). Los safety improvements that would allow cy - participantes de esta actividad escucharon mutuamente sus clists to ride without fear of dooring or being preocupaciones y hallaron intereses comunes sobre las mejo - ras en la seguridad en las calles que les permitirá a los ci - cut-off in the bike lane, while for-hire driv - clistas conducir sin temor a chocar con las puertas de los ers would have access to curb space to seam - vehículos o a que les obstaculicen el paso en la ciclovía, mien - lessly pick-up and drop-off passengers tras los safely. An excellent film was made about conductores de vehículos de alquiler podrían tener acceso the ride by an organization called Streets - A DOT staffer helps a professional al borde de las aceras para recoger y dejar a los pasajeros, films, and I encourage you to check it out at driver adjust his bicycling helmet. sin problemas y de forma segura. Una organización llamada bit.ly/differentperspectiveinbrooklyn . We Streetsfilms produjo un excelente video sobre esta actividad, believe the connections built that day will be fruitful for improv - y les recomiendo verla en bit.ly/differentperspectiveinbrooklyn. Creo que ing street safety for all. los contactos establecidos ese día darán frutos para mejorar la seguridad de todos en las calles. ATTENTION: “LIKE” BLACK CAR INSURANCE TAXI & LIVERY TIMES IS OUR SPECIALITY Are You Over Paying? Check With Us!!!

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The New York Times , represented by Brian rose. The 60-day delinquency at year end 2013 earlier WAV auctions, some did, based on the Rosenthal’s reporting, has revealed itself to be was $32,000 on a portfolio of $1,500,000,000. poor infrastructure of the WAV dispatch, car the spokesperson for certain powerful people In other words, borrowers were paying on time. replacement and other related issues. A lender in this city. There were many errors in the In fact, there were so few repossessions and who already had a substantial stake in medal - story published on May 19-20 and reiterated foreclosures in the preceding 10 years, we lions would be wise to support the industry on “The Weekly,” an FX show produced by the didn’t know who to call for repossessions as the auctions. Times. Rosenthal has been all over local and prior repo companies went out of business. But, go read Meera Joshi’s deposition in national media, including “The Daily,” a NY The only item that changed after that was Singh v NYC, TLC et al, and you might come Times podcast, and the Brian Lehrer show on the city permitting Uber and Lyft to rapidly ex - away with the idea that she knew very little of WNYC radio. It’s important to combat the mes - pand their fleet. This was done without an en - her agency, and suspected even less. Her eva - sage he is fomenting. Had I known his bias was vironmental impact study, which was a sive answers to questions were quite revela - as pronounced as it was, I might not have par - statutory requirement to add any medallions. tory. Now, she blames the lenders, much the ticipated in this circus. Black cars, however, could expand unfettered, way Rosenthal has. To review, Rosenthal posits that Uber’s apparently, even though their contribution to Before blaming the lenders, Joshi would contribution to the fall of the medallion value pollution and congestion was the same. This carp about the industry needing to be more has been overestimated. In his view, the benign “neglect policy” had the effect of de - competitive with Uber. Competition usually is lenders are mostly responsible. The TLC’s pro - stroying medallion values while maintaining fought in the streets of pricing and since she motion of medallion auction sales was a con - plausible deniability that the city and TLC and the TLC controlled the pricing of fares and tributing factor in inflating the medallion were doing anything harmful. Had the TLC ac - the quality of vehicles, this was a disingenuous bubble, he says. He also claims that federal knowledged that they were intentionally tak - argument. Easier to blame the lenders, right? and state examiners were not as vigilant as ing no action, they would have been liable Most taxi industry observers and stake - they should have been. financially to compensate medallion owners. holders realize that the city government under The first claim that is bogus is that income Other curious items in the Times article Bloomberg, Yassky and Joshi are directly re - has only declined 10% for each medallion and TV show include the fact that there was sponsible for the bubble inflating and bursting owner. The Daily News claims the figure to be minimal mention of Bloomberg, Yassky, and – whether it was the rates being taken off the closer to 36%, and others as much as 44%. Joshi, under whose governance the medallion doors… the taxi strike, when Bloomberg said, Rosenthal doesn’t address the medallion own - bubble accelerated and popped. “Let the liveries pick up”… the night in the ers who lease to fleets and have seen their in - Rosenthal goes back to the early 2000s Garden when he famously said “I’m going to come decline from $3,500/month to when Matthew Daus was chairman of the TLC destroy your f__ing industry”… or the settle - $1,200/month. Nor does he account for the and promoting medallion sales, as if that was ment with the ADA that required 50% of the owners, especially the newer owners who a bad thing. I must say that I went on NY1 to taxi fleet be wheelchair accessible (while Uber needed a second shift driver in order to make voice my displeasure with those sales then, is only required to be 25%). enough to pay expenses and have a decent liv - and Mr. Daus voiced his displeasure with me Now the brokers and lenders are the bad ing. for that. Nonetheless, the city sold those guys. He made a point to single out Savas Kon - We used to calculate that drivers, on aver - medallions, and the paradoxical effect of those stantinides of Omega Brokerage as a bad guy age, were grossing $350/day, which annualized auctions was that it caused the value to appre - – who I guess made the mistake of putting a on a six-day week to $105,000/year. Add in a ciate. guy into business with a minimal down pay - second driver, and the figures were closer to Regardless, Daus hasn’t been chairman of ment, and even obtained a bank loan for him. $150,000. Quite frankly, the $350/day figure TLC since 2010. Lenders were typically In my 30-plus years in the taxi industry, there was on the low side, then. Expenses generally against these sales back then – but to listen to are few people who are as generous of spirit as totaled $30,000 before payments on the medal - Rosenthal, you’d think the lenders invited the Savas. He was, and is, a gentleman, and of all lion loan, which made the loan payment make - auctions. the things that were distasteful in this expose, able up to a certain point, depending on what The TLC’s behavior during the Bloomberg the demonizing of Savas was appalling. other personal expenses each individual had. years demands more scrutiny. Rosenthal was One of my major objections to Rosenthal’s Rosenthal states that these loans were in - told about the bogus TLC average price they coverage is his identifying an extreme abuse tentionally made to fail. There is no evidence posted on their website, but he chose not to by lenders and extrapolating that to be a pat - of this, and the truth is, I’ve never seen or mention it. For over a year the TLC claimed tern or even the norm. It’s blatantly not true. heard anyone express this point of view. It is the individual price was $1,050,000, based on This is what makes me feel that the smearing an outrageous accusation. the “average” of sales. In reality, there were a of industry leaders was intentional. Additionally, Rosenthal makes no real dis - total of three sales that reached that level, and Some might take the position that he was tinction between how banks or private lenders when a medallion sold for less than $1,050,000, doing Uber a favor, but in my view, he is operated and how credit unions treated their brokers were required to get a NYC Dept of Fi - Bloomberg’s, Yassky’s and Joshi’s mouthpiece, borrowers. He generalizes that lenders abused nance waiver to allow that sale of $950,000 or for they are the ones responsible for the loss of their customers and members by insisting bor - whatever the transfer price was. $13 billion of lost asset value so far, and their rowers sign a confession of judgment. No credit Certain lenders relied on that average behavior needs to be viewed under the micro - union that I know of ever insisted that borrow - price to set values in order to lend. Once it was scope of an investigation. ers sign that document for their loan files until discovered that the TLC statistics were indeed the NCUA took over management of a few bogus, federal examiners and the TLC were no - credit unions. tified. The TLC then switched to posting a Rosenthal also claims that balloon loans spreadsheet with all sales and included more were used as a way of suckering borrowers. Ac - details. Nobody at the TLC has ever taken re - tually, the balloon loans in the taxi industry sponsibility for this fraudulent activity, and Larry Fisher entered the NYC transportation in - began in the late 80s as a way to extend amor - Rosenthal never mentions it. dustry in 1982 as a yellow taxi driver, and has tizations, lowering interest rates and making He also doesn’t mention that at the medal - also worked as a black car driver. In 1987, he be - loan payments more palatable for borrowers. lion auctions, the TLC required a lender’s com - came a lender for Progressive Credit Union, then Lower payments, and lower interest rates are mitment letter for at least 80% of the bid. So, took the position of lending supervisor in 2003 for consumer friendly, in my opinion, and helped if the borrower only qualified for a loan of 50% Melrose Credit Union – which he held until he many people stay in business over the years. of the bid, and had a down payment for the re - retired in 2016. Currently, Mr. Fisher is a con - As rates rarely moved higher, it was an un - mainder, his bid would have been disqualified. sultant for his own firm, LAF Consulting Serv - usual case that a borrower paid a higher rate The lenders were practically forced to lend 80% ices Corp. He can be reached at: when the balloon matured and refinancing was in order to participate in the medallion auc - [email protected]. necessary. Hardly a sucker play. tions by the TLC. The lenders could have de - I can only speak to my experience at Mel - clined to lend in these situations, and as for the TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 27 THE TAXI ATTORNEY

BY MICHAEL SPEVACK

Hello everybody… this month I want riod of 60 days, and also the vehicle used future article, I may discuss penalties for to talk about 19-506b of the New York City to operate illegally if registered in NYS second and third offenses of driving an il - Administrative Code and its interplay shall have its registration suspended for legal taxi or for hire vehicle.) with Section 510 (2-a) of the New York 60 days. This provision also applies to a I want readers of this paper to know State Vehicle and Traffic Law. If that sen - first offense. that the law is quite restrictive, siding tence of legalese is too confusing, let me Let’s pause to consider these penal - with legal cab drivers. It is true that it is explain: 19-506(b)(1) provides a local rule ties… possible to avoid some of these penalties from the City of New York, that prohibits So, if a motorist gets caught operating by seeking the guidance of a lawyer but owning or operating a regular straight illegally as a taxi or for hire vehicle any - the consequence to the owner and/or oper - plate and/or no TLC license to operate where in NYC as a first offense, and the ator is quite severe, no matter what. such a vehicle-for-hire in NYC, and states motorist tries to get the summons dis - I hope this article has been useful. that TLC or the criminal court of NYC can missed at a OATH hearing at TLC and Thank you for your time. I hope that you impose a fine between $1,000-$2,000… or, loses, the motorist – together with the are working hard and making good money. in the case of criminal court, imprison - owner – will have to pay TLC up to $4,000 Until next month, be well… ment for up to 60 days… or both fine and within 30 days. This can turn into a judg - imprisonment. ment which the City of New York can col - Although prison for such violations lect like a regular judgement, garnishing may be unlikely, I wanted to stress that wages, seizing bank accounts, lien against Michael Spevack is a 1992 graduate of TLC has the right – and frequently does – real property (like a house, etc.). Further, NYU School of Law and has been a lawyer in good standing in New York State since fine owners and operators $2,000 each, for the motorist’s driver’s license will be sus - 1993. He has been helping for-hire vehicle a total of $4,000, if a driver is caught at, pended for 60 days, and in this scenario drivers in New York City since 1995, when say, JFK or a hotel without a TLC plate the car’s registration will also be sus - he opened his own law firm dedicated to and/or without a TLC license. This is for a pended for 60 days. Again: This is all for s “helping individuals, not large corpora - first offense! first offense. tions.” Mr. Spevack can be reached at Moreover, the Vehicle and Traffic Law As you can see, there is strict punish - 212.754.1011; he also welcomes visitors to his section 510 (2-a) provides for a suspension ment for those who seek to operate as ille - office at: 97-77 Queens Blvd, Suite 1120, of a driver’s NYS driver’s license for a pe - gal cabs, even for a first offense. (In a Rego Park, NY 11374.

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BY BERTRAM MERLING

The financial viability of profes - mind them that their safety is ables openly exposed in the front sional drivers is greatly affected by your primary concern, and let seat, while you are assisting a gratuities and gratuities are directly them know that when you arrive passenger, or attending to the impacted by customer service, atten - at their destination, you will trunk. tion to detail and a genuine concern open the door for them and as - for the safety of your passengers – sist them, when it is safe. Guidelines for Passenger Relations so this month we are focusing on • Try to make sure your passenger • Obtain advanced knowledge of how to make the most of your shift is seated on the side of the vehi - your passenger’s destination and and ensure your customers safely cle that will be the curb side at discuss it with them. reach their destinations. their destination (only applica - • Be diplomatic in representing ble when you have a single pas - yourself and your base or man - Accidents While Loading/Unloading senger). agement company. Passengers • Always check all rearview and • Avoid controversy. • TLC regulations and New York side-view mirrors prior to exiting • Never argue with a passenger. State traffic laws state that “all your vehicle to assist a passen - They are your temporary em - FHVs and Taxis must load and ger. If you are not exiting your ployers. Let passengers vent; drop off all passengers as close to vehicle to assist them, ask them apologize when necessary. the curb as possible.” If an open - to please wait a moment while • Be professional and tactful at all ing is within a reasonable dis - you check your mirrors before times. tance of a loading area or they depart to make sure it is • Remember: In addition to being unloading destination, drivers safe. a driver, you are also salesper - must use the opening and load • Always assist the passenger to son for your services, the base or unload within 12 inches of the the sidewalk before you retrieve you represent and the services of curb. This practice improves luggage or other items from the all other drivers working profes - passenger safety, keeps traffic trunk. sionally. moving and demonstrates your • When you are unloading the consideration of vehicles travel - trunk, scan the area behind you Conversational Etiquette ing adjacent and behind you. Al - first to ensure there are no vehi - • Politeness: Always say “please”, ways treat other motorists the cles approaching in an unsafe “thank you” and “you’re wel - way you would like to be treated. manner. come”. You’ll be surprised how • Always pull into a passenger • If you arrive for a radio dis - much of an impact these simple loading area without impeding patched passenger or respond to words can have on the tone of traffic. Do not delay traffic when a street hail, try to wait for an - your trip. a passenger enters your vehicle other FHV or Taxi loading at the • Ask permission if you plan to at a red light. Be prepared to curb to leave their spot, so you play the radio or adjust the vehi - proceed, and pull over to the can pull into the vacated spot. cle temperature. nearest curb space, if necessary. • Try to avoid loading or unload - • Let passengers choose the topic Delaying traffic can lead to road ing passengers or trunk items of conversation or respect their rage incidents or rear-end colli - while your vehicle is double right not to have one. sions. parked. • Learn to listen and listen to • After loading your passenger, re - • Do not leave cash or other valu - learn.

Bertram Merling is the Loss Control Coordinator for Hereford Insurance Company. He welcomes your questions and com - ments, and can be reached at 718.3 61.9 191 ex t. 7235 , or via email at bmerl [email protected]

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TL C BA SE #B00 256 * T erms & C onditions Apply TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 31 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 32 • • JULY 2019 NEWS JEFFREY ROTH NOMINATED AS TLC CHAIR AND COMMISSIONER

Mayor de Blasio in June nominated Jef - every day.” City government. In this role, Roth was frey D. Roth as the new Chair and Com - Jeffrey D. Roth brings a wealth of ex - recognized in City and State in July 2016 missioner of the Taxi and Limousine perience in City government to his new role as a "Veteran Still Serving to Improve New Commission (TLC). As Chair, Roth brings and has led several projects and initiatives York.” his extensive experience to bear to fight for to build operational, data and technology Prior to joining DVS, Jeff served as As - better wages for drivers and for a taxi and capacity in various organizations. He was sistant Commissioner at the FDNY. In that limo fleet that serves all New Yorkers previously the Deputy Commissioner for role, he was responsible for the Risk-Based fairly. Roth’s nomination was submitted to Policy and External Affairs at the New Inspection System, a multi-phase project Council in June for its advice and consent, York City Taxi and Limousine Commission that enabled the Department to identify as required by the City Charter. (TLC). There, he oversaw policy formation buildings most at risk for fire and prioritize “I am thrilled to nominate Jeff to head and data analytics for the TLC, which reg - them for inspections. the Taxi and Limousine Commission,” said ulates a historically high number of vehi - Jeff also serves in the New York Army Mayor de Blasio. “His depth of experience cles and drivers; over 80,000 vehicles National Guard as the 42nd Infantry Divi - in city government will serve New Yorkers driven by approximately 150,000 licensees, sion Fire Support Coordinator holding the well. I look forward to his help as we grow transporting nearly a million New Yorkers rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in our wheelchair accessible fleet and expand and visitors every day. 2004 in Sinai, Egypt as part of the Multi - efforts to combat discrimination and serv - Jeff is departing from his role as the national Force and Observers (MFO), an ice refusals more than ever before.” Deputy Commissioner for the Department organization charged with maintaining the “I am honored to be nominated to lead of Veterans’ Services. There, he was re - peace protocols between Egypt and Israel, the TLC, which regulates such an integral sponsible for overseeing the administra - and in 2012 during Superstorm Sandy in component of this City’s transportation tive, operational, programmatic and New York City. network” said Deputy Commissioner Jeff external affairs operations for the agency. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Roth of the Department of Veterans’ Serv - Specifically, he monitored and advised on Policy and Urban Planning from Harvard ices. “I look forward to working to fulfill the strategic planning of all DVS program - University and a Bachelor of Arts degree Mayor’s vision for improving the health ming, overseeing the development and im - from James Madison College at Michigan and vitality of this industry; and working plementation of VetConnectNYC, and State University. to protect the drivers, passengers, and vis - establishing positive relationships with key itors of NYC who rely on these services stakeholders and decision-makers within Source: NYC TLC NY COUNTY CLERKS REFUSE TO PROCESS UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS LICENSES

Clerks in upstate New York counties ing concerns that the information collected posed the measure. vowed in June not to comply with a new for applications could be exploited by im - However, in an editorial for the Times state law allowing undocumented immi - migration authorities. Union at the end of May, Hochul wrote she grants to apply for driver’s licenses, accord - “The key to this bill is not the political supported the measure that Cuomo signed, ing to the New York Post . intent but the legal effect. We hope the At - saying that her initial concerns, that un - “In the memo of the bill, they talk about torney General’s assessment is correct for documented people could use licenses to the reason why they’re passing this bill is the safety of the thousands of undocu - board airplanes or enter secure govern - to make sure that people who are here ille - mented individuals who are relying on her ment facilities, had been assuaged by the gally can get to and from work,” Erie legal opinion,” said Cuomo’s council introduction of the Real ID system. County Clerk Michael Kerns told the Post. Alphonso David. In states with similar laws, Hochul “It is illegal to hire people in the state of “The law is well crafted and contains wrote, “roads are safer, hit-and-runs are New York or anywhere that are here ille - ample protections for those who apply for down, the number of uninsured drivers gally. There’s an inconsistency there.” driver’s licenses,” Attorney General Leticia dropped dramatically, insurance premiums Clerks in Rensselaer, Niagara and Al - James (D). “As the state’s attorney and got cheaper, and immigrant communities legany counties also vowed to defy the law, chief law enforcement officer, my office will contributed greatly to the economy. My which Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed in vigorously defend it.” opinion, like those of many others, has June. When a similar measure came up in the evolved, based on the fact that driver’s li - The bill made New York the 13th state state legislature in 2007, when Cuomo was censes for New York will make us a safer to allow undocumented people to apply for attorney general, current Lt. Gov. Kathy state for all New Yorkers.” licenses. Cuomo signed it despite express - Hochul (D), then Erie County Clerk, op - Source: The Hill

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Taxi and For-hire Vehicle relief stands allow drivers to park their vehicles for up to one hour. This affords drivers the opportunity to leave their vehicles and take care of per - TAXI AND sonal needs. Taxi relief stands should not be confused with taxi stands, which are locations where drivers can wait in their cars to pick up passengers. DOT is not responsible for regulating taxis. Taxis are regulated by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. DOT regulates taxi relief stands. FOR-HIRE VEHICLE The type column indicates if the relief stand is for taxis alone, or for both taxis and For-Hire Vehicles (FHVs). Staten Island currently has no relief stands. The following information was found at www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/taxire - RELIEF STANDS lief.shtml ( as of July 24, 2018 ). We recommend checking back periodically, in the event changes are made to these lists.

MANHATTAN QUEENS

Tayxpi/eFH V s 1S0t rAeveet ( E. .. s.i d. e. ) ...... W. . C26r oSst s& SWtr 2e8e tSs t Tayxpi e 3S1t rSete (t W .. .s i.d .e )...... 3C4r Aovses &S t3r5e eAtvse Taxi/FHVs 11 Ave (E. side) ...... W 45 St & W 46 St Taxi 31 St (E. side) ...... 37 Ave & 36 Ave Taxi/FHVs 3 Ave (W. side) ...... E 14 St & E 15 St Taxi 31 St (E. side) ...... 38 Ave & 37 Ave Taxi/FHVs 3 Ave (W. side) ...... E 15 St & E 14 St Taxi 34 St (W. side) ...... 37 Ave & 38 Ave Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (E. side) ...... Thompson St & Grand St Taxi/FHVs 35 St (S. side) ...... Starr Ave & Bradley Ave Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (W. side) ...... W 22 St & W 23 St Taxi/FHVs 36 St (E. side) ...... Skillman Ave & 43 Ave Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (W. side) ...... W 38 St & W 39 St Taxi 43 Ave (N. side) ...... 35 St & 36 St Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (W. side) ...... W 39 St & W 40 St Taxi/FHVs 43 Ave (N. side) ...... 11 St & 12 St Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (W. side) ...... W 55 St & W 56 St Taxi 44 Rd (S. side) ...... 21 St & 11 St Taxi/FHVs 8 Ave (W. side) ...... W 46 St & W 47 St Taxi/FHVs 43 Ave (N. side) ...... 36 St & 37 St Taxi 9 Ave (E. side) ...... W 30 St & W 29 St Taxi 49 St (W. side) ...... Newtown Rd & Northern Blvd Taxi Ave A (W. side) ...... E 2 St & E. Houston St Taxi/FHVs 45 Ave (S. side) ...... Jackson Ave & 23 St Taxi/FHVs Church St *E Rdway (W. side) ...... Franklin St & White St Taxi/FHVs 47 Ave (S. side) ...... 11 St & Vernon Blvd Taxi/FHVs E 116 St (S. side) ...... 3 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi 55 St (E. side) ...... Queens Blvd & Roosevelt Ave Taxi E 15 St (N. side) ...... Irving Place & Union Square E Taxi 64 St (W. side) ...... 34 Ave & 35 Ave Taxi E 23 St (N. side) ...... 1 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi/FHVs 61 St (E. side) ...... Roosevelt Ave & 39 Ave Taxi E 26 St (S. side) ...... 3 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi Queens Blvd (S. side) ...... 50 St & 51 St Taxi E 27 St (S. side) ...... Park Ave S & Madison Ave Taxi/FHVs Pearson St (W. side) ...... Jackson Ave & DeadEnd Taxi E 28 St (N. side) ...... Park Ave S & Lexington Ave Taxi Queens Blvd (N. side) ...... 55 St & 54 St Taxi/FHVs E 29 St (S. side) ...... Madison Ave & 5 Ave Taxi 37 Ave (N. side) ...... 32 St & 31 St Taxi E 32 St (N. side) ...... Madison Ave & Park Ave S Taxi/FHVs Van Dam St (W. side) ...... Queens Blvd & Skillman Ave Taxi E 77 St (S. side) ...... 1 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi E 78 St (N. side) ...... Lexington Ave & 3 Ave BRONX Taxi E 78 St (S. side) ...... Lexington Ave & 3 Ave Taxi E 86 St (N. side) ...... Henderson Pl & York Ave Tayxpi/eFH V s ES t2r3e3e St t. ( .S . s. i.d .e )...... C. a. r.p .e n. t.e .r .A .v .e .& . CWrhoistes P Slatirnese Rtsd Taxi E 87 St (S. side) ...... 1 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi Park Ave (E. side) ...... E 135 St & E 138 St Taxi/FHVs Grand St (N. side) ...... Forsyth St & Chrystie St Taxi Park Ave (W. side) ...... E 135 St & E 138 St Taxi/FHVs Madison Ave (W. side) ...... E 26 St & E 27 St Taxi/FHVs Pelham Pkwy S (S. side) ...... Wilson Ave & Eastchester Rd Taxi/FHVs Maiden Ln (S. side) ...... Front St & South St Taxi/FHVs W 231 St (N. side) ...... Albany Cr & Broadway Taxi Park Row (E. side) ...... Ann St & Beekman St Taxi/FHVs West Kingsbridge Rd (S. side) ...... Sedgwick Ave & Webb Ave Taxi/FHVs South St (W. side) ...... Wall St & Gouverneur Ln Taxi University Pl (E. side) ...... E 13 St & E 14 St BROOKLYN Taxi W 33 St (N. side) ...... 9 Ave & 10 Ave Taxi W 39 St (S. side) ...... 8 Ave & 9 Ave Tayxpi e 4S tArveee (t W .. .s .id .e .) ...... C . r.o . s.3s SSt t&re 6e tSs t Taxi W 41 St (N. side) ...... 10 Ave & 11 Ave Taxi/FHVs 4 Ave (E. side) ...... Prospect Ave Taxi W 55 St (S. side) ...... 10 Ave & 11 Ave Taxi N 6 St (N. side) ...... Berry St & Wythe Ave Taxi/FHVs W 181 St (S. side) ...... Pinehurst Ave & Fort Washington Ave Taxi New Utrecht Ave (N. side) ...... 55 St & 13 Ave Taxi/FHVs West St (E. side) ...... Laight St & Vestry St TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 35 NEWS STUDY SHOWS NYC TAXI MPG REQUIREMENTS CUT POLLUTION

Rules imposed 10 years ago to clean up at least 25 mpg; after October 2009 that toring sites to determine how much pollu - pollution from old taxi models in New York was raised to 30 mpg. (Exceptions were tion could be attributed to cabs. City has been working, according to a new made for wheelchair accessible vehicles.) While the news was certainly positive, study by researchers at the Columbia Uni - The move forced thousands of Ford researchers found that the improvements versity Mailman School of Public Health Crown Victorias, based on a platform that were concentrated in Manhattan, where (in New York) and Drexel University. The dated back to 1979, off the road within a taxis are densest. Unfortunately, there has study, published in the Journal of Expo - few years’ time. The Crown Victoria was been less of an effect in the lower-income sure Science & Environmental Epidemiol - rated at 14 mpg in the city. They were re - outer boroughs, where incidences of respi - ogy, shows reduced emissions of nitrogen placed with a variety of models – including ratory illnesses are higher. oxides across the city by 82% and emis - Toyota Priuses, Camry Hybrids, Ford Es - Still, the study shows a path to sions of particulate matter linked to respi - capes, Fusion Hybrids and Nissan NV200 progress. As study co-author Frederica ratory diseases by 49%. vans. The change more than doubled the Perera, a professor of environmental Starting in 2009 under then-mayor average fuel economy of the city’s more health sciences at Columbia says, “This Michael Bloomberg, the city began impos - than 13,500 taxis – from 15.7 mpg to 33.1 study provides evidence that air pollution ing fuel economy standards for new Yellow mpg, with corresponding reductions in pol - legislation can have real impact. Even Medallion Taxis and Green Taxis that lution. though overall, yellow taxis account for a travel to the outer boroughs and Long Is - Researchers used taxi trip data and in - small proportion of vehicular miles trav - land. The new standards set aside 9% of spection reports to map taxi-traffic inten - eled on New York City’s streets, in mid - city medallions for hybrids and granted sity across the city, approximating the town they account for almost half. Similar hybrids longer life spans than the three nitrogen-oxide and particulate emissions regulations targeting other vehicles could years normally imposed on Yellow Cabs. from the vehicles. They then cross-refer - make an even bigger difference.” All new NYC taxis starting in 2009 were enced the data with actual air-quality required to have EPA city mpg ratings of measurements from more than 100 moni - Source: Green Car Reports AMBULETTE UBER PLANS $200 FAMILY OF FORT LEE DRIVER KILLED IN NYC COPTER FLIGHTS GRAD KILLED BY TAXI SYOSSET CRASH STARTING IN JULY SUES CITY FOR $25M The family of a Fort Lee High School According to a report in the New York graduate who was fatally struck by a Cab IDENTIFIED Times , Uber will begin offering “air tran - last February in New York City is de - sit,” starting July 9, with its Uber Copter manding change and suing the city for $25 division. New York City will be the first Police have identified the ambulette million. Sherena Hundalini, 26, was city to get the service, specifically for Uber driver killed in a crash in Syosset, NY as struck by a Lincoln Town Car driven by Rewards members who’ve obtained Plat - 74-year-old Herman Hanson. He was Lakhvinder Singh while standing on the inum and Diamond status. killed on the shoulder of the Seaford Oys - sidewalk near 63rd Drive and Queens The flights will have dynamic pricing ter Bay Expressway in May. Boulevard. that changes based on demand, but Uber Hanson was transporting a patient but Singh, whose Cab license is currently Elevate’s Nikhil Goel estimates the aver - pulled over to speak to a relative of the pa - suspended, fled the scene but was stopped age cost between $200 and $225. Unlike tient, who had been following him. Offi - at a nearby intersection shortly after the Uber’s car service, it has a predetermined cials say Hanson was standing on the side incident and taken into custody. route that runs between a location near of the road when an Infinity sideswiped Hundalini’s parents – Prakash and the Staten Island Ferry in Manhattan and them. Hanson was killed instantly. Bina Hundalini – are seeking $25 million Kennedy Airport, with a flight time of Hanson worked for First Choice Am - in damages from New York City and its about eight minutes. bulette for more than a decade, according Department of Transportation, according Uber hasn’t publicly announced the to the company’s owner. to NorthJersey.com. The Hundalinis’ at - service, but according to the NYT article, The driver of the Infinity stayed at the torneys say NYC has outdated and flawed flights will have space for up to five pas - scene. Police have been investigating taxi regulations. whether the driver was speeding or dis - sengers, with two pilots, operated by the Source: Daily Voice tracted prior to the crash. Heliflite charter service. Source: News 12 Long Island Source: engadget.com

READ TAXI & LIVERY TIMES ONLINE AT www.TAXILIVERYTIMES.com TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 36 • • JULY 2019 NEWS TLC OFFERS SAFE RIDING TIPS IN NYC After some recent disturbing national have commercial for-hire insurance, • Want to hail a car on the street? Only incidents, in which passengers were and checked for safety by the TLC. taxis are licensed to pick up hails in harmed after getting into a car they They have one TLC blue decal on the New York City. Yellow taxis can be thought was a requested app car – includ - front windshield and two on the side hailed anywhere, and green taxis can ing the tragic murder of University of of the car. be hailed in upper Manhattan and the South Carolina student, Samantha • Professional, TLC-licensed drivers will outer boroughs. Both have metered Josephson – the TLC drafted the following not approach you on the street and ask rates and offer a flat rate of $52 be - tips for passengers, as part of the agency’s if you need a ride. Never get in if this tween Manhattan and JFK Airport, in new SafePlate campaign. The TLC hopes happens. When you ride with a TLC- addition to surcharges and tolls. that the following tips will be shared licensed driver and vehicle, you have • TLC-licensed commuter vans have one among friends, families, and communities. peace of mind that the driver has been TLC blue decal on the front, two on the • Using an app to take a ride? Check the drug tested, undergone a criminal side, and one on the vehicle rear. vehicle license plates on your app – background check, and completed a When you get into an unlicensed van, and don’t get in unless they match. driver education course that includes the driver has not had a criminal back - • Ask the app driver who he or she is customer service and traffic safety. ground check or passed a drug test, picking up, and make sure the name The also vehicle has full commercial and the van might not have insurance. matches yours. for-hire insurance and has been in - • All app and livery cars are licensed, spected. Source: NYC TLC NYC MOVIES UNDER THE STARS ROOFTOP FILMS , August 18: Ralph Breaks the Internet July 26: Chocolat (1988), Riverside Park VARIOUS LOCATIONS (2018), Field 81 Pier I, Manhattan July 17: Anbessa (2019), Socrates Sculp - September 8: Creed II (2018), Field 42 September 3: Olivia (1951), Columbia ture Park, Queens FILMS ON THE GREEN , University, Manhattan OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS CINEMALIC , RANDALL’S ISLAND PARK , Tomboy HUNTERS POINT PARK SOUTH, July 5: (2011), Tompkins Square QUEENS FIELDS 81 AND 42 Park, Manhattan July 14: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse July 10: The Amazing Catfish (2013), J. July 18: Dirty Dancing (1987) (2018), Field 42 Hood Wright Park, Manhattan August 15: Jaws (1975) July 28: Tangled (2010), Field 81 July 12: Aya of Yop City (2010), Tompkins September 7: Mary Poppins Returns August 11: Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Square Park, Manhattan (2018) Field 42 July 19: Sequins (2004), Riverside Park Pier I, Manhattan

Third Generation Brokerage, Inc. TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 37 NEWS NYC TO CRACK DOWN ON TRIO OF ROBBERS FHV “CRUISING,” EXTENDS SOUGHT FOR TARGETING NEW LICENSE CAP FHV DRIVERS Police are asking the public’s help in locating a trio New York City announced in June that the temporary cap it wanted in connection to over 30 alleged robberies target - imposed last year to regulate the number on For-Hire Vehicle ing For-Hire Vehicle drivers in New York City in the span (FHV) licenses in the city has been extended indefinitely and in - of two months. Police say that between April 3 and June troduced a rule aimed at reducing “cruising” time. 3 the group requested taxis through different app-services NYC became the first city in the US to regulate the growth of 33 times in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn, app-based rides last August when Mayor Bill de Blasio signed a but when they got inside the vehicles they told the drivers bill placing a temporary cap on new licenses for a year, with the that they wished to change destinations but that their exception of wheelchair accessible vehicles. City Council ap - phones were not working. proved the 2018 package of bills, which included the temporary Allegedly, the group then requested to use the drivers’ cap, while the city studied the rapidly changing industry. phones to input the new destinations. Police say it was at The mayor also announced a crackdown on FHV “cruising” this point, while in possession of the drivers’ phones, that after data apparently showed vehicles flooding Manhattan with they accessed the drivers’ accounts and conducted unau - empty cars, cruising around for fares. The practice is not only thorized funds transfers out of the drivers’ accounts to un - hurting yellow cabs, it is exacerbating congestion. Because of known accounts. this, the newly introduced cap on cruising time will mandate Additionally, in several incidents, the individuals stole companies to reduce empty cruising to just 31%, by February the drivers’ phones, police say. 2020, of the time vehicles are on the road. The cap would pertain Police identify the three individuals sought as being to vehicles cruising without passengers, in Manhattan, south of men between 16 to 25 years old. One of them was last 96th Street. seen wearing a black baseball hat, multicolored hooded Strict penalties will be enforced, including the Taxi and Lim - sweatshirt and light blue jeans. The second individual ousine Commission’s right to suspend or revoke a company’s li - sought was last seen wearing a backwards black baseball cense to operate in the city. Bases could also face a hefty fine of hat and a black hooded sweatshirt, while the third was $1 million a month if they don’t abide by the new cruising rule. last seen wearing a black du-rag, black sweatshirt and These caps will take effect no later than Aug. 14, according headphones. to city officials, who also say that together they are expected to Surveillance video released by the NYPD show two of cut congestion, increase speeds during rush hour by 10% and in - the suspects before the alleged 32nd incident which oc - crease driver earnings citywide by up to 20%. curred in the area of 39th Avenue and 30th De Blasio said for far too long big corporations focusing on Street in Queens. It can be viewed at: https://www.nbc - app-based rides, have taken advantage of “hardworking people” newyork.com/news/local/Police-Trio-Sought-in-Robbery- and these caps will help city drivers earn better wages. Spree-Targeting-Rideshare-Drivers-in-New-York-City-51 Source: NBC New York 1568912.html Authorities urge anyone with information to call NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA. Tips can also be sent via www.nypdcrimestoppers.com . FORD ANNOUNCES MASSIVE Source: NBC New York EXPLORER RECALL, PLUS OTHER MODELS NYC MOM FACES MURDER In June Ford announced it is recalling 1.2 million Explorers CHARGE IN MYSTERIOUS over a problem with their suspensions. The recalled SUVs are from model years 2011 through 2017. Ford said vehicles that fre - quently ride over rough terrain may experience a fractured toe DEATH OF BABY link on their rear suspension, which can affect steering and in - crease the risk of an accident. The company admitted one cus - tomer reported hitting a curb as a result, but it is not aware of Daira Santana-Gonzales, 23, the mother of a Bronx any related injuries. toddler who mysteriously died this past winter, was Ford said it will spend about $180 million to fix the problem, arrested in May on a charge of second-degree murder. which will be done at no cost to owners of the SUVs. Authorities say one-year-old Darwin Gonzalez-San - Ford also announced three other smaller recalls. One is a re - tana was found unconscious in a Cab outside 1880 Uni - call of 12,000 Ford Taurus and Flex cars, as well as Lincoln MKS versity Place in the Bronx on Dec. 27, 2018. and MKT vehicles sold in Canada. They have a similar problem CPR was administered and the boy was rushed to with their toe links. The affected vehicles range from model year the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. There 2009 through 2017. were no obvious signs of trauma, but in March, police Ford is also recalling 123,000 Ford F-150 pickups from 2013 deemed his death a homicide after the medical exam - with 6-speed automatic transmissions that could potentially iner found traces of heroin and fentanyl in the boy’s downshift into first gear unintentionally. And it is recalling 4,300 system. Police say large quantities of heroin, cocaine Ford Econoline vehicles from model years 2009 to 2016 which and fentanyl were found in the child’s home. are used as ambulances or school buses. Those vehicles have a Source: NBC 4 New York weld in the clutch that could fail, preventing them from moving. Source: CNN TAXI & LIVERY TIMES 38 • • JULY 2019 TAXI & LIVERY TIMES JULY 2019 • • 39 Taxifleet Management LLC. 54-11 Queens Blvd. • Woodside, NY 11377 718-779-5000

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