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Vol. 36 No. 6 IIndustryndustry LLeaderseaders JUNE 2021 SSUPPORTUPPORT AAdamsdams fforor MMayorayor A recent BCAC Zoom meeting with candidate Eric Adams offered hope for our industry. Be sure to vote in the mayoral primary June 22.

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Ira’s Insights: JUNE 2021 • STATE RELAXES COVID GUIDELINES • THE MAYORAL PRIMARY ELECTION TLC Pilot to Add More How to Tell if Your NYC’s Plans to Fully • MORE CAR-FREE NYC STREETS EV Taxi Models Car is Burning Oil Reopen in July • WILL BEVS LOSE CAP EXEMPTION? 2 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 3 Attention NYC FHV Drivers:

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Editorial ...... 4 BLACK CAR NEWS Ira’s Insights — By Ira Goldstein ...... 6 714 Crestbrook Avenue • Cherry Hill, N.J. 08003 Tel: 800-723-9119 • Local: 856-751-0656 • Fax: 856-751-0657 News ...... 7 Email: [email protected] • Web: www.blackcarnews.com Features...... 12 Street Stories — By RH Stovall, Jr ...... 18 Editor/Publisher: Copyright JUNE 2021 © Attorney’s Corner — By Laurence I. Cohen...... 21 Neil Weiss The Black Car News is published monthly IATR Outlook — By Matthew W. Daus ...... 22 Adv. Sales Mgr./Art & Design: on the first Tuesday of each month except Michele Norton holidays. All inquires should be directed Direct line: 856.262.2368 Taxi & FHV Relief Stands ...... 25 by mail to the above address. The Black [email protected] Car News is not liable for any typograph-

ical errors in its advertisements. The Defensive Driving ...... 26 Contributing Writers: views expressed in the articles of con- Matthew W. Daus, Esq. Industry News ...... 27 Ira Goldstein tributing columnists are solely those of the Bertram Merling author and not necessarily those of the IN THIS ISSUE Classifieds...... 29 RH Stovall, Jr. Black Car News.

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IRA’S INSIGHTS BY IRA J. GOLDSTEIN

Hello to all. As we get ready to kick Most importantly however, with re- The Taxi and Limousine Commis- off the summer, it’s truly amazing to gard to transportation policy, he also sion (TLC) also seems poised to take an- think about how far we’ve come since agrees that trade groups like the Black other step to battle congestion this this time last year. When we entered Car Assistance Corporation, as well as month. As you know, there has been a June last year, the future looked dim other industry stakeholders, need to be moratorium on the issuance of new and June proved to be a difficult month, more involved by the next administra- FHV licenses, but wheelchair accessible filled with fear and civil unrest. This tion in the discussions and decisions vehicles (WAVs) and battery electric ve- year, June looks poised to be much dif- that affect us. He would support creat- hicles (BEVs) have been exempt from ferent as COVID restrictions have been ing a transportation czar that would in- the cap. In June, the TLC will hold a eased and most things are back to nor- volve us more intimately, and support public hearing on a proposed rule mal in terms of reopening. the interests of small businesses so that change that will remove the exemption As most of you have heard by now, our voice is not overpowered by those of for battery electric vehicles. the state relaxed the mask guidelines mass transportation advocates. The The TLC states that this is being and requirements, following changes to Mayor's race is always important, but done due to an expected influx of BEV the CDC's recommendations. However, with everything that has happened over applications now that BEVs have be- there had been confusion and uncer- the last year, the devastation it has had come more affordable and widely avail- tainty as to whether drivers and pas- on the ground transportation industry, able. Some of you may have heard that sengers were still required to wear and with everything our current Mayor the company Revel, had recently an- masks. To be clear, however, New York has done (or not done) during his nounced that they planned on launch- State has adopted the CDC definition of tenure, it has never been more impor- ing a fleet of BEVs with employee "public transportation" in regards to tant. drivers. There was some clear pushback continuing to require masks. Under this Moving onto other City news, the from the TLC who said that they would definition, black cars are included, so City Council recently passed a bill that be unable to launch due to the cap, but for the time being, drivers and passen- will ultimately create more car-free Revel was quick to point to the BEV ex- gers must continue to mask up! streets in the city. The Open Streets emption. This June is also particularly impor- Program, which was started in March On a final note, in recent months, I tant because of the primary election for 2020, allowed certain roads to be closed have written about our new partnership Mayor. The Democratic nominee will al- temporarily to be used for pedestrian with Vuro Technologies that expanded most certainly go on to become our next space and for outdoor seating for restau- our S.A.F.E. iD program. Through Vuro, Mayor so it’s important to go out there rants. It was started as a temporary we are able to provide drivers who opt and vote. This is also the first mayoral measure and extended this past fall. into S.A.F.E. iD with BOTH a free dual- primary to implement the new “ranked The bill that just passed now formally sided dashboard camera, as well as an choice” voting, so it will be very inter- codifies the program, but more impor- onboard device, to bring them the best esting to see how the election plays out. tantly, it establishes funding for it so of both worlds. The Vuro devices also For our city, particularly with re- that the Department of Transportation have new features such as distraction gard to small businesses, the black car (DOT) can manage the existing and new and drowsiness alerts, a panic button, industry believes that Brooklyn Bor- street closures throughout the city. and even a parking mode that protects ough President Adams is undoubtedly According to the DOT, there are cur- your car while it’s parked and can the best choice to lead us. He has al- rently about 60 miles worth of street record if it senses motion or impact. ways been a strong supporter of small closures in the city. Under the new leg- The spots in this part of the program businesses and understands the critical islation, this number will have a major have filled up fast and there are only a role they play in our city's economy. He increase now that business improve- handful of devices available, so don’t would push forward smart policies and ment districts, community groups, and wait! Head on over to a better government that delivers for all other organizations are able to request www.nybcf.org/safeid to opt-in now! We New Yorkers. As a 20-year veteran of resources from the city to maintain also have some more exciting news re- the NYPD, he also understands the im- street closures. The bill even allows garding our S.A.F.E. iD program that I portance of public safety and knows some streets to be closed 24 hours a day. look forward to announcing soon. Keep that more must be done to reel in the The city as a whole continues to move your eyes peeled! spike in crime our city has recently in an anti-car direction as they work to seen. reduce congestion. Until next time!

Ira J. Goldstein is the Executive Director of the New York Black Car Fund, Chief Operating Officer of the Black Car Assistance Corp. (BCAC), and Treasurer of the Coalition of Transportation Associations (COTA).

WHEN NEWS BREAKS, WE ARE ON IT FOR YOU JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 7 NEWS BUSINESS TRAVEL, ROAD WARRIORS ARE RETURNING

In recent months, there has been population (almost150 million people) come back. Similar comments followed some encouraging news about the return had at least one dose. Meanwhile, COVID the travel pause after 9/11, almost 20 of the road warrior. In a recent survey of positive test rates are trending down. Na- years ago – but business travel did re- business travelers commissioned by in- tionally, positive tests were at about 5% bound and grow. However, the 2001-2002 surance company Chubb, 54% from North nationally, down from a January 2021 “pause” was much shorter than the still- America indicated they were OK with do- high of 13.3%. ongoing pandemic disruption, and avail- mestic flying and 52% of survey respon- The entire U.S. travel industry ($1.1 able bandwidth and videoconferencing dents were comfortable staying in a hotel. trillion in 2019, measured by traveler technology have vastly improved, making Only 39% were comfortable eating in spending) has been damaged by the inexpensive and relatively reliable video- restaurants and renting cars, while 30% COVID-19 pandemic. But no sector has conferencing a legitimate alternative. De- would take a taxi or For-Hire Vehicle been harder hit than business travel, spite that, face-to-face meetings have (FHV). which was a $334.2 billion market in the long been considered essential for busi- Larger meetings and conventions U.S. in 2019, supporting 2.5 million jobs. ness – and mass U.S. vaccinations have may be slowest to return. Just 18% of One estimate says U.S. business travel changed perceptions for many. North American business travelers said declined 54% in 2020; other measure- As for 2021, a GBTA Business Travel they would find it acceptable to attend an ments are even higher. Survey suggested that “ roughly 60% of event with over 100 people. With the widespread adoption of respondents expect to resume domestic Although such numbers are moving videoconferencing platforms like Mi- business travel in the third and fourth targets, confidence in business travel ap- crosoft Teams, Cisco WebEx and Zoom, quarter of the year.” pears to be on the rise, as vaccination some are suggesting that a large portion rates go up. By early May, 45% of the US of the business travel market may never Source: Forbes

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ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING Rami Yazar 8 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 NEWS TLC PASSES RESOLUTION TO ADD MORE BEV TAXI MODELS The New York City Taxi & Limousine To address potential safety concerns has four Tesla taxis, and the company’s Commission (TLC) unanimously passed about acceleration, particularly sur- president, Savis Tsitiridis, is planning to a resolution on May 4 to make way for rounding drivers who lease BEVs for get more electric cars. more electric taxis, as some yellow cab short periods and do not regularly drive “It’s definitely the way of the future,” companies are already opting to go green BEVs, the TLC will permit medallion said Tsitiridis, who installed charging with Teslas. Some of the benefits: No owners who wish to put their medallions stations at a nearby car wash, but ac- gasoline, no engine check, no transmis- on BEVs to apply under the following knowledges that a lot more chargers sion problems. conditions: need to be strategically placed around The pilot program – pursuant to sec- • The BEV the Medallion Owner puts the city. “There’s a cost savings, charging tion 52-27(a) of the TLC’s rules – will test forward for certification meets all the the vehicle versus spending 25 to 30 dol- whether more battery electric vehicles requirements for hacking up a vehicle lars per shift.” (BEVs), “defined as vehicles that are as a taxi contained in 67-05.1 of An additional $30 million is now fully-electric, use rechargeable batteries, TLC’s Rules, with the exception of the available through New York State’s and do not use gasoline, can be used requirements contained in 67-05.1(f) Drive Clean Rebate program to encour- safely and efficiently for taxi use.” • The BEV does not have a 0-60 mph age drivers to lease or purchase an all- Until now, the TLC permitted the use acceleration rate faster than 4.4 sec- electric car (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric of only one BEV model: the Tesla Model onds vehicle. The funding and program 3. Medallion Owners and Agents have • The Participant certifies that all TLC changes are aimed at increasing vehicle shown a desire to add more variety, but Licensed Drivers that operate a BEV affordability and helping more New there have been issues related to the as a taxicab will be trained, and can Yorkers lower their carbon footprint technology, according to the TLC: “Pur- demonstrate their ability to safely op- while driving. suant to TLC Rule Section 67-05.1(f), all erate the BEV to the Participant prior The program incentive levels for driv- vehicles approved for use as taxis cannot to operating the BEV as a taxicab ers will change starting June 30. These have a horsepower that exceeds 295. This changes include updated rebate levels to prohibits most BEVs from being ap- Pursuant to Chapter 52, Subchapter incentivize EVs with longer all-electric proved as taxis on both a conceptual and C of the Commission’s Rules, participa- ranges and EVs with a base MSRP of less practical level. On a conceptual level, tion in the TLC Pilot Program is subject than $42,000. There are an increasing BEVs’ motor outputs are measured in to the following terms: number and variety of EV models avail- kilowatts, not horsepower, so the concept • Duration. The TLC Pilot Program able, with more than 50 models currently of horsepower does not apply to BEVs. will commence on the date on the first available in New York. Of those models, On a practical level, many BEVs, if their BEV is certified for use as a taxi and 15 have a range of more than 200 miles kilowatt output is converted to horse- will continue for a maximum of 12 and are eligible for the rebate. Eligible power, would exceed the 295-horsepower consecutive months. The Chairperson vehicles under the Drive Clean Rebate limit in TLC’s rules.” can terminate the TLC Pilot Program include EVs, plug-in hybrids and fuel cell For the Tesla Model 3, kilowatts were at any time. electric cars. Rebates have been ap- converted to the horsepower measure- • Pre-Qualification Conditions. proved in all 62 of the state’s counties. ment and that vehicle’s horsepower did Each Participant in the TLC Pilot New rebate levels as of June 30, 2021 not exceed 295. “However, horsepower is Program must enter into a memoran- will be: not a similar measure of power output dum of understanding (MOU) with • Cars with a range of 200 miles or since BEVs instantly achieve power the Chairperson, to be approved by more: $2,000 while gas combustible engines must the New York City Law Department, • Cars with a range of 40-199 miles: build revolutions per minute (RPMs) obligating the participant to adhere $1,000 through acceleration until the vehicle to all requirements of this Resolution. • Cars with a range of less than 40 reaches its maximum power.” miles: $500 This means many recent BEV models MOUs will be accepted only from have acceleration rates that may be dan- Medallion Owners or Agents. It should be New York State is also investing in gerous for drivers unfamiliar with driv- noted that participating in the Pilot does the rapid build-out of its charging infra- ing BEVs, especially on city blocks. not remove a Medallion Owner’s obliga- structure with more than 7,000 charging Horsepower is not the only obstacle to tion to place a Wheelchair Accessible Ve- stations currently installed statewide. widespread adoption of BEVs in the taxi hicle into service. The Charge Ready NY program provides fleet. There is currently a lack of readily During the Pilot Program, the Chair $4,000 per charging port with an addi- available charging infrastructure, giving will review data, including but not lim- tional $500 per port for stations installed some drivers “range anxiety” – the con- ited to trip records and crash data, to in disadvantaged communities and can cern that their vehicles will not have evaluate the range (both distance and be combined with New York State’s 50% enough of a charge to make it to the clos- time) of BEV taxis, as well as the impact tax credit for charging station installa- est charging station. This anxiety may be of a BEV’s range on the length of driver tion to boost savings. compounded when driving a taxi, where shifts. For more information about the a driver does not know if a particular A final report, including a recommen- TLC’s pilot, visit: passenger’s destination will put the vehi- dation on whether to commence rulemak- https://www1.nyc.gov/assets /tlc/down- cle beyond its battery range or anywhere ing, will be issued to the TLC within six loads/pdf/bev-pilot-resoluton.pdf. You can near a charging station. months of the conclusion of the Pilot Pro- also watch the TLC meeting at: Despite obstacles, BEV designs, battery gram. The Chairperson will commence https://livestream.com/ technology and charging infrastructure rulemaking, if warranted, within six nyctaxi/050421commmeeting. have improved enough to warrant piloting months of the issuance of the final report. Sources: CBS New York, more BEVs for taxi use, the TLC says. United Taxi Management already My Twin Tiers, NYC TLC JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 9

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Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law of New York State. 10 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 NEWS MAJORITY OF BUSINESS TRAVELERS SUPPORT VACCINE PASSPORTS While recent surveys show that many When asked, “What precautions One of the simplest solutions to en- business travelers are ready to get back would you want in place to be comfortable abling people to travel again is a vaccina- on the road, safety continues to be a con- traveling for business again?” The top an- tion passport, proving someone has been cern. One recent survey – conducted by swers were: vaccinated. It could feasibly be carried in Promoleaf (with Censuswide) – showed • Enforced mask-wearing: 56% a digital wallet on a phone or as a physical that, as vaccine rollouts continue, what’s • Recent negative tests for all travelers: passport. At least 67% of survey respon- on everyone’s mind is not if business 53% dents liked the idea. More than 71% felt travel will return but what it will look like • Increased sanitation: 53% companies should require people to be and how companies will ensure the safety • Enforced social distancing: 51% vaccinated before they can travel again. of those who travel for business. • Vaccines for all travelers: 45% Source: Hotel Business HOW NYC PLANS TO ACHIEVE A FULL REOPENING IN JULY In late-April, Mayor Bill de Blasio an- as the end of curfews everywhere else. In opening date. nounced that New York City would lift all addition, he ended the rule prohibiting The mayor hopes that the full reopen- restrictions on businesses and cultural seating at city bars. ing will put the city on track to regain institutions on July 1. His decision to re- By late April, many restaurateurs in 400,000 of the 600,000 remaining lost turn the city to normalcy comes from data residential neighborhoods said they were jobs, many of which came from the hospi- showing that the coronavirus is waning already beginning to fill to capacity, be- tality, tourism, and arts sectors. Mean- and a bet that 1.4 million additional peo- tween indoor dining at 50% and new out- while, city workers began returning to ple will join the 3.6 million who had al- door tables, although they are still offices in early May for the first time ready received at least one dose of a missing corporate diners, tourists, and since the onset of the pandemic, giving a Covid-19 vaccine. parties. boost to a New York office market that re- Achieving this feat means that state Some public health officials said that mains decimated by the coronavirus. lawmakers will have to let Gov. Andrew many of the regulations from the emer- Mayor de Blasio announced that the city Cuomo’s emergency executive orders ex- gency orders had begun to seem arbi- would start bringing remote workers pire and that businesses, employees, res- trary, even though curfews were back to their offices in May, and the ad- idents and tourists will accept the originally meant to keep people from con- ministration moved forward with that mayor’s assurance that regular activities gregating too long in one place and the pledge despite criticism from the city’s are once again safe. bar prohibition was meant to protect the largest municipal employees’ union, Coinciding with a significant drop in bartender. DC37. cases, restrictions on businesses have For live performances, capacity re- De Blasio encouraged anyone with been loosening. In February, indoor din- strictions have been a hindrance to re- questions about safety measures to check ing reopened. In March and April came opening, given the huge expense of out a guide the city had put together on announcements about billiards halls, mounting a show that would not be cov- managing the return to the office amid movie theaters and events. The city has ered by selling just a third of the usual the pandemic. Its guidance includes in- also been increasing capacities at restau- tickets. Large-scale shows need several creasing outdoor air ventilation, limiting rants and bars. Gov. Cuomo ended the months to prepare and may not have restroom occupancy, and establishing a midnight curfew on outdoor dining and at been willing to get started before an open- face-covering protocol. events where attendees were vaccinated ing date was set. The Broadway League Sources: Crain’s New York Business, or tested negative in May and set May 31 said September remains its targeted Crain’s New York Business LIMO OPERATORS COMPLAIN OF CRIPPLING INSURANCE COSTS Following the deadly Schoharie limo business by the cost of insurance. He says lation and following DOT policies. I’m still crash in October of 2018, lawmakers for one limousine he was looking at feeling hopeful. I put a lot into this busi- began working on federal Limousine $14,000 a year – double the amount since ness, a lot of blood, sweat and tears… and safety guidelines, but some drivers in the crash. just don’t want to let it go.” New York State say the crash, COVID “I’ve talked to other companies in the Currently, senators Chuck Schumer and state guidelines are putting them out area some of them have taken limos off and Kirsten Gillibrand are pushing fed- of business. the road, because it’s not enough revenue eral legislation to get unsafe limos off the Another major issue has been insur- coming in maintain the business,” said road and close federal safety loopholes. ance. Executive Limousine’s Steven Figueroa. “[That] one incident really af- Figueroa says he’s being driven out of fects a lot of companies that are in regu- Source: WRGB

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MET3208 MKT 21.033 Excelsior Print ad v9 9.5Wx13H.indd 1 4/27/21 4:19 PM 12 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 FEATURES MAKING THE MOST OF BUSINESS TRAVEL With a first or second shot in our arms, a knowing the rules around travel deductions meal costs, lodging, and other business-re- lot of people are starting to feel an unaccus- allow you to leverage business vacations to in- lated expenses incurred for the additional tomed optimism about reopening. They’ve clude a bit of personal use. night. That’s because the stay-over has a busi- been locked indoors for a year and a half, but ness purpose of cutting travel costs. it finally looks like we may get a chance to get Domestic Travel off our sofas and out the door. While “travel is People traveling within the United States Foreign Travel back” may be a bit of an overstatement, it often mix business and pleasure. In that case, When your destination is abroad, you seems like a good time to start thinking about you can deduct 100% of your travel expenses must allocate your travel expenses in propor- getting mobile again. Business owners have to and from the destination, as long as the trip tion to the number of days you spend on busi- several advantages when making the most of is primarily related to your business. What ness and personal activities. However, there their travel. The following covers the basics makes a business trip “primarily related to are a few instances where the allocation rule about maximizing the value of business your business?” As with your tax home deter- doesn’t apply. travel. mination, the IRS focuses on how much time For example, if you are out of the country Deducting business travel. For busi- you spend on each activity as a determining for seven consecutive days or less (not count- ness travel specifically, deductible expenses factor. Suppose you go away for 10 days and ing the day you left the U.S. but counting the include ordinary and necessary expenses spend seven days meeting with clients and a day you return to the U.S.), then you don’t away from home. Your “home,” in this case, is couple of days lounging by the pool. That qual- need to make the allocation. That means you the entire city or general area where you work ifies as primarily a business trip, and you can can fly to Germany for a four-day meeting and or have your principal place of business, and sightsee for two days and deduct your travel that may not necessarily be where you live. If expenses. you don’t have a regular or a principal place The allocation rule also doesn’t apply if of business because of the nature of your work, you are out of the U.S. for more than a week then your tax home may be the place where but spent less than 25% of your time on per- you regularly live. You have to be away from sonal activities. You’re also exempt from the your tax home for a period substantially allocation if you have no substantial control longer than an ordinary day’s work, and you over the arrangement of the trip. need to get sleep or rest to meet the demands If you travel outside the United States pri- of your work while away. marily for vacation, the entire cost of the trip When figuring out your principal place of is a nondeductible personal expense. But, if business, the IRS considers factors like total you spend some time attending professional time you ordinarily spend in each location, the seminars or a continuing education program, level of your business activity at each site, and you can deduct your registration fees and whether income from each place is significant other costs you have that are directly related or insignificant. Deductible travel expenses to your business. while away from home include, but aren’t lim- ited to: Other best practices • Travel by airplane, train, bus, or car be- Document everything: Because the tween your home and your business des- rules can be a bit convoluted and the amount tination. (If you’re provided with a ticket of time you spend doing business and personal or you’re riding free as a result of a fre- activities is so significant, it’s best to keep a quent traveler or similar program, your log to substantiate your business activities. cost is zero.) The record should include the dates of depar- • Fares for taxis or other types of trans- ture and return, the number of days spent on portation between: (a) The airport or train deduct the total cost of getting to and from business, and the reason for the travel. It may station and your hotel, (b) The hotel and your destination. also be helpful to outline your trip and docu- your customers’ work location, clients, You can also deduct lodging, 50% of meal ment your plans before leaving. This can help business meeting place, or temporary costs (or potentially 100% for 2021 and 2022), prove the business purpose of the trip. work location. and other qualified business expenses for the Bring the family along, but don’t • Shipping of baggage and sample or dis- days you spend on business, but only to the deduct the personal expenses: If you drive play material between your regular and extent that you would have incurred the costs to your business conference and take your temporary work locations. if the trip had been entirely for business. family with you, you can deduct the total cost • Using your car while at your business Travel days count as business days, as do of the back-and-forth trip. You would have in- destination. You can deduct actual ex- weekends, holidays, or other standby days if curred these expenses regardless. If you fly, penses or the standard mileage rate, as they fall between days devoted to business, only your airfare is deductible. You may also well as related tolls and parking. If you and it wouldn’t make sense to travel back have to make some adjustments when you rent a car, you can deduct only the busi- home. share your hotel room with family. You may ness-use portion for the expenses. If you spend more time on pleasure than only deduct the cost of what you would have • Lodging and non-entertainment-related business (say seven days relaxing and three paid for a single, rather than double room. meals. days seeing clients), none of your travel ex- Just remember that any incidental personal • Dry cleaning and laundry. penses to and from the destination would be travel within the trip – visiting family or tak- • Business calls while on your business trip. considered deductible. But, you could write off ing a side trip, for example – are nonde- (This includes faxes or use of other com- any expenses that would qualify as business ductible personal expenses. munication devices.) deductions. If, while you’re visiting friends in Deductible doesn’t mean free: As al- • Tips you pay for services related to any of Oregon, you take a client out to lunch to dis- ways, remember that getting to deduct some- these expenses. cuss business, your transportation to and thing as a business expense doesn’t make it from the customer’s and the meal cost would free. You are still spending money. So, make Mixing business and personal travel. qualify as a deductible business expense. sure it’s money that you would have spent You can only deduct expenses that are ordi- When staying over on a Saturday night otherwise. nary and necessary for business. However, saves you on airfare, you may deduct 50% of Source: Forbes JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 13 14 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 FEATURES HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAR IS BURNING OIL

Here are three ways to tell if your car burning oil emits. When the oil heats up this problem is to identify what’s causing is burning oil: after coming in contact with hot compo- the oil leak. External oil leaks can be Monitor the Car’s Oil Level. Per- nents, it gives off a distinct burning odor. caused by wear and tear in any of these haps the best way to tell if your car is Look for Bluish Smoke Coming components: burning oil is to observe the vehicle’s oil From the Tailpipe. Yet another symp- • Oil filter level. If it seems to be declining at a faster- tom of a car burning oil is bluish smoke • Oil pan than-normal rate, you may have a prob- drifting from the exhaust while the engine • Cooler line lem. is running. This can become especially ap- • Filler cap Note if There Is a Burning Smell. parent when you accelerate or decelerate. • Drain plug Another telltale sign is the smell that WHAT TO DO. The first step to fixing With an internal oil leak, the problem could be triggered by worn piston rings, valve stem oil seals, a malfunctioning PCV system, or even a blown head gasket. A de- cent mechanic should be able to tell you what’s causing the leak and provide the necessary repairs. If your car is burning oil, it’s essential to deal with the issue promptly. In the meantime, be sure to check your oil fre- quently and keep it topped off to the man- ufacturer’s suggested level. The longer you wait to address an issue, the more likely it you’ll be left with engine damage that lands you with a hefty repair bill. Source: AAA

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Click here to submit your resume JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 15 16 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 FEATURES JULY 4 IS THE DEADLIEST HOLIDAY TO DRIVE

During the first wave of the pan- Christmas or Easter mean time with pendence Day (or the Fourth of July) has demic, we saw a substantial decrease in family and good food. Many of these hol- only been a holiday since 1941. It com- fatal crashes on our nation’s roads as idays mean time off of work, too, some- memorates July 4, 1776, when delegates folks quarantined at home and traveled thing we all enjoy. from the original 13 colonies formally less. This decrease was especially true, Sadly, many holidays result in a spike adopted the Declaration of Independence, due to a dramatic drop in drunk driving. in fatal crashes across the country, with a document separating this nation from It’s been predicted that crash rates more people on the road and a sizable in- the imperial power of Great Britain. In- will rise again, especially during holidays, crease in drunk driving incidents. The dependence Day brings with it a lot of fes- when traffic fatalities, especially drunk following list comes from a three-year tivities, including fireworks, barbeques, driving-related deaths, are significantly study of the 10 deadliest holidays for and excessive drinking. This last activity high. As the vaccine rolls out over the driving in the United States from 2016 to is largely what makes Fourth of July next several months, experts are predict- 2018. roadways so deadly for U.S. drivers. The ing similar spikes throughout the year. 1. Independence Day Department of Transportation reports In a recent study, autoinsurance.org 2. Memorial Day that there are a couple tragic statistics to ranked the 10 most dangerous holidays 3. Labor Day keep in mind from July 4, 2018: for driving. Their biggest concern is that 4. Columbus Day • Lots of DUIs: Of those who died in people, stir-crazy from staying home dur- 5. Father’s Day alcohol-impaired crashes, 71% were ing the pandemic, will cause a spike in 6. Mother’s Day in a crash involving at least one holiday traffic deaths that even exceed 7. Halloween driver or motorcyclist with a blood al- previous years. They have been analyzing 8. Thanksgiving cohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or the phenomenon of holiday fatal crashes 9. Veterans Day higher. for four years, noting that the National 10. Cinco de Mayo • The dangers of nighttime driving: Highway Traffic Safety Administration Of the people who died in alcohol-im- (NHTSA) reports on fatal crashes and As you can see, this list compares paired crashes, all but nine occurred that each wreck can result in multiple drinking-heavy holidays, like Independ- between 6:00pm to 5:59am. deaths. ence Day, with holidays that see a big in- crease in traffic, like Columbus Day. As Considering the national BAC limit is The 10 Deadliest Holidays for Driv- the Deadliest Holiday of the year, Inde- .08, these statistics mean people are ing in the U.S. pendence Day statistics show a three- drinking heavily across the nation on In- We all love to celebrate one or many year total of fatal crashes of 1,349, which dependence Day. Tragically, this has led of our nation’s biggest holidays. Holidays averages out to 449.67 fatal crashes per to thousands of deaths over the last like Independence Day or Cinco de Mayo year. decade. mean parties and fireworks. Ones like Despite what many may think, Inde- Source: autoinsurance.org

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No appointment or car necessary, but if you do have a 2011 or newer model car please call Patricio to see if your vehicle is acceptable. Come see and talk to us. Find out how you can become part of our family. Where you can exceed your expectations. For further information call Patricio Martinez (718) 482-8585 Extension 3233. 18 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 STREET STORIES WAITING TIME BY RH STOVALL, JR. Waiting Time (WT) can be good and I texted her that I was On Location, as I and sister of the two passengers texted me bad. This Street Stories article gives ex- always do. She replied to my text to say to ask what was happening. By hour amples of both. she wasn’t ready and needed more time. three, I explained that I had to give up my When there’s no ride after the current After 15 minutes – when waiting time next ride because I was waiting for her one and you can have a few extra dollars starts – she was not out yet. Then she mom and sister on this one. The woman of waiting time, that’s good. When you are texted me a few minutes thanked me for staying with doing a “Cab Ride;” picking up someone later to say she needed my her relatives and not leaving. for a short distance and a very low fare help to carry cupcakes By hour four, I texted her to and their lateness causes you to miss a down to my SUV from her say I was giving up a second good-paying fare, that’s bad. apartment. ride because I was determined By the time I pressed to bring these two women Kennedy Airport Chaos “POB” (Passenger On safely to their destination in I was waiting for a woman who was on Board), it was 10:15. She New Jersey. The woman I was a plane that had just landed on a cold, was huffing and puffing texting said she was sending snowy night in February of 2015. We were and complaining about her husband to JFK to see if he texting back and forth with each other. this, that and everything. could help with any immigra- The outside crew was de-icing the plane After I drove her to tion issues. after it landed (which I thought was Manhattan, I had another Five hours later (a new strange). Four hours later, my frustrated pickup at Newark Airport. record!), at 12:45pm, the two and exhausted passenger appeared and I came back to Manhattan exasperated woman appeared we were on our way to bring her home for her 3:00pm pick up. She through the double glass doors, safely. finally came out at 3:30. leaving Customs behind them. The next day, I learned that she had More waiting time. I drove the two women to northern written and e-mailed a very nice compli- The next day she called me, she was in New Jersey without incident. When I got ment to my company, expressing her ap- an enraged state. She was furious that she there, the husband (who never made it to preciation for my commitment to wait for was being charged waiting time. I calmly JFK), handed me a $140 tip to thank me her and drive her home safely. explained to her that I can’t press “POB” for my commitment to their family and until she’s in my vehicle. She wasn’t lis- giving up two other rides to stay with this Princeton Princess tening. She demanded the waiting time one. His wife (whose mother and sister I’ve been driving a woman back and fee be removed from her bill or there’d be were on the flight) said: “We feel like forth between Princeton and Manhattan hell to pay. you’re part of our family.” for the past year. She is ornery, always I called Dispatch and asked that the Nice! complaining about this or that. I call her waiting time fee be removed, which they The moral of this Street Story is: Stay the Princeton Princess… because she is. did. It didn’t matter, because she sent me with your passenger, no matter what hap- The Princeton Princess is always late a text the next day to say she would not pens. Even if you lose a ride or two be- and always argues about the bill. In early be needing our services in the future. cause of a delay, your passenger will May, she had a pickup in Princeton at Good Riddance! appreciate your commitment to them, and 8:30am. As I was en route to pick her up it’s just the right thing to do. at 7:30am, she called my company to re- A New WT Record quest a later pick up – to 9:45. Normally, In mid-May, I arrived at Kennedy Air- RH Stovall, Jr., is a Senior Executive Chauf- my company would not allow this because port for an international arrival from feur, Trainer & Mentor for Royal Coachman it was too close to the pickup time – within Doha, Qatar. The 8:00am flight landed Worldwide (Denville, NJ) and Leros Point to two hours – but we made this exception early, at 7:39. I thought I would be on the Point (Valhalla, NY). He can be reached at because she’s a steady customer. road by 9:00. Wrong! [email protected] or call / text him at I arrived on time for her 9:45 pick up. As the hours ticked by, the daughter 908.358.4172.

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On May 5, 2021, and in response to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, plans are not yet available, the minimum requirements of what a plan New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the New York Health must contain are known. Accordingly, employers should use the next few and Essential Rights Act, or NY HERO Act. This new law imposes work- weeks to evaluate their workplaces and any existing COVID-19 policies place safety requirements intended to prevent the spread of airborne in- and protocols they may have in preparation for the effective date of the fectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza. Specifically, it requires Act. Among other things, employers must make all supervisory personnel that employers implement a workplace health and safety to reduce the aware of the Act, its requirements, and its anti-retaliation provisions, and spread of disease; one that meets or exceeds the standards being imple- they should designate one or more supervisors to monitor compliance (e.g. mented by the NYS Commissioner of Labor and NYS Department of social distancing, mask wearing). Ventilation within the workplace should Health. Employers must also create a joint labor-management workplace be evaluated and if necessary increased, and distancing should be opti- safety committee to inter alia facilitate the raising by employees of health mized to the extent practical. This includes moving work stations apart and safety concerns to the company. where space permits, relocating employees so they are further apart, and Unlike most pandemic-inspired laws and rules that have been enacted erecting Plexiglas or other barriers where necessary. Plans should be during the course of the past year and a half, this law is a permanent one; made to regularly clean and disinfect everything employees touch, and to reportedly the first such permanent law in the nation. For many pan- ensure hand hygiene supplies such as sanitizer, soap and paper towels demic-weary businesses struggling to keep their doors open, the need to are always available. For those employers with 10 or more employees, comply with yet another new and complex workplace regulation will no thought should be given to forming the required workplace safety com- doubt be unwelcome news. However, the key to reopening businesses and mittee on or before the fall deadline for doing so. getting back to some semblance of pre-pandemic life is reducing the spread As always, if you have questions about new laws or legislation such of COVID-19, and for better or worse this law is intended to do just that. as the NY Hero Act, we encourage you to discuss them with your attor- Let’s take a closer look at the NY HERO Act and its requirements. neys.

Health and Safety Plan Requirement The first part of the Act requires that the Department of Labor and Department of Health create industry-specific model workplace health Kenneth R. Tuch, Esq. and Laurence I. Cohen, Esq. are partners with Tuch & Cohen LLP, with offices located at 1025 Old Country Road, Suite 411, West- and safety plans. These model plans are scheduled to be posted on the bury, New York 11590. The firm specializes in commercial and employment DOL’s website within the next few weeks in multiple languages. Employ- litigation, including misclassification, wage and hour, employment practices, ers may either choose to adopt a model plan appropriate for their business, franchising and business practice matters, and transactional matters. The fore- or they may adopt their own plan provided it meets or exceeds NYS stan- going is provided solely as general information, is not intended as legal advice, dards. To be compliant, a must cover the following: (a) employee health and may not be applicable within your jurisdiction or to your specific situation. screenings; (b) face coverings; (c) required personal protective equipment; You are advised to consult with your attorneys for guidance before relying upon (d) hand hygiene; (e) regular cleaning and disinfecting; (f) social distanc- any of the information presented herein. ing; (g) compliance with mandatory/precautionary orders of isolation/quar- antine; (h) compliance with applicable engineering controls (e.g., ventilation); (i) designation of one or more supervisory employees to en- force compliance; and (j) verbal review of health and safety standards. Once a plan has been adopted, employers must post it in the workplace, add it to their employment manuals (if the company maintains a manual), Tuch & Cohen LLP and distribute copies of the plan to all employees in English, as well as the employee’s primary language if it is not English. Attorneys at Law Penalties for failure to adopt a prevention plan start at $50 per day, while those for failing to comply with an adopted plan range from $1,000 to $10,000. Penalties for repeat violations within a six-year period are sub- 1025 Old Country Road, Kenneth R. Tuch stantially higher. On top of these penalties, if an employer fails to comply, Suite 411 aggrieved employees may seek injunctive relief through a civil action and, Laurence I. Cohen if successful, recover their attorneys’ fees. Employees may also recover liq- Westbury, New York 11590 uidated damages of up to $20,000, unless the employer establishes a good faith basis for having believed that its health and safety measures were compliant. Effective Management-Side Representation Retaliation is strictly prohibited. More specifically, employers may not retaliate or take adverse action against employees who complain about a to the Ground Transportation Industry workplace health or safety concern, who refuse to work under conditions that the employee reasonably believed to be unsafe, or who otherwise ex- ercise their rights under the Act. Remedies available under the Act to em- SPECIALIZING IN ployees who experience unlawful retaliation in response to an exercise of their rights include an award of reinstatement, back pay, liquidated dam- Litigation and Administrative Proceedings, ages, costs and attorneys’ fees. Contract and Transactional Matters, Joint Labor-Management Workplace Safety Committee In addition to its requirement that employers adopt a workplace Regulatory Issues, and General health and safety plan, the Act also requires that employers with at least 10 employees establish a “joint labor-management workplace safety com- Business and Corporate Law mittee,” two-thirds of which must be comprised of non-supervisory em- ployees. The committee, which must be in place on or before November 1, 2021, is empowered to: (1) raise health and safety issues to the employer; (2) review and provide feedback on health and safety policies; (3) review Tel: 516-783-0062 workplace policies put in place in response to laws and/or executive orders; (4) participate in any government workplace site visits; (5) review em- Fax: 516-783-0082 ployer health and safety reports; and (6) meet at least quarterly during working hours, and without any loss of pay. Civil penalties of up to [email protected] $10,000 may be imposed against employers who retaliate against commit- tee members. Aggrieved committee members may also obtain liquidated damages and attorneys’ fees in court.

Takeaway The NY Hero Act goes into effect on June 4, 2021, and while the model 22 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 IATR OUTLOOK THE 2021 NYC MAYORAL ELECTION:

BY MATTHEW W. What Candidates Are Saying About Transportation DAUS, ESQ. Issues & What the Next Mayor Should Do! During the primary election on June and influencers in the NYC area. to the streetscape, such as adding pro- 22, New Yorkers will have a say in how the Some of the members of the Advisory tected bike lanes and busways and ex- City moves forward from the pandemic. Committee include: the Riders’ Alliance; panding the Open Restaurants and Open Every citywide office is on the ballot, in- Transportation Alternatives; the Re- Streets programs, which Mayor de Blasio cluding Mayor. gional Planning Association; and the recently made permanent. Dianne Morales As usual, the mayoral field is crowded. Tri-State Transportation Campaign. wants to expand everything – bike lanes, The leading Democratic contenders cur- busways and pedestrian plazas across the rently registering in the polls are Eric ABOUT THE CANDIDATES City – and redesign the streets. In stark Adams, Shaun Donovan, Kathryn Garcia, Eric Adams is the Brooklyn Borough contrast, Fernando Mateo thinks the City Ray McGuire, Dianne Morales, Scott President. Shaun Donovan is currently needs more street parking and would evict Stringer, Maya Wiley, and Andrew Yang. a senior strategist to the president of Har- Citi Bike docking stations from the streets In addition, there are two Republican vard University and previously served as to give the space back to cars. Donovan, candidates: Fernando Mateo and Curtis Secretary of Housing and Urban Develop- Garcia, Morales, Stringer, and Wiley en- Sliwa. Regardless of who wins, Bill de Bla- ment and director of the Office of Manage- dorse Transportation Alternative’s “NYC sio’s successor will have to deal with the ment and Budget under President 25x25” challenge to reclaim 25% of the pandemic’s aftermath, as well the unprece- Obama). Kathryn Garcia is the former street space currently designated for cars dented economic disruption it has wrought Sanitation Commissioner under Mayor de (including three million on-street parking on New Yorkers and the City. Blasio. Ray McGuire is a former Vice- spaces) by 2025. A Yang administration Among the many policy decisions the chair of Citigroup. Fernando Mateo is would reclaim streets from cars and trans- new mayor must make will be those affect- President of the New York State Federa- form them into walkable, mixed-used pub- ing transportation – or, as it has been var- tion of Taxi Drivers and spokesperson for lic spaces with superblocks – a new iously referred to by the candidates, the the United Bodegas of America. Dianne urban-planning idea out of Barcelona that “central nervous system,” “heartbeat,” and Morales is Executive director and CEO of creates three-by-three blocks that restrict “lifeblood” of the City. From busways, bike social-services nonprofit Phipps Neighbor- traffic to roads around the outside, while lanes, and Open Streets to traffic conges- hoods. Curtis Sliwa is the founder and the inside is open to pedestrians and cy- tion, Vision Zero, aggressive emissions and CEO of the Guardian Angels and radio- clists. climate-change goals, the next mayor will talk-show host. Scott Stringer is the cur- A Yang administration would also re- shape the way people and goods move rent New York City Comptroller and claim full control of the City’s subways and around the City for years to come. previously served as Manhattan Borough buses from the state-run Metropolitan Budgets will be tighter and tough deci- President. Maya Wiley is Senior Vice- Transportation Authority (MTA), vesting sions will need to be made about which President of Social Justice and professor of municipal control with the NYC Depart- transportation policies the City will pur- urban policy at the New School and is for- ment of Transportation. sue. For the mayoral election in 2013, the mer counsel to Mayor de Blasio. Andrew Current City Comptroller Scott University Transportation Research Cen- Yang is an entrepreneur and former pres- Stringer told a District Council 37 Forum ter (UTRC) at the City College of New idential candidate in the 2020 Democratic that he has “crunched the numbers” and York (of the City University of NY), issued primary. the City cannot take on the debt, making a report entitled the “Mayoral Election it impractical to take over the MTA – and Transportation Policy & Issue PRIMARY ISSUES IN THE McGuire concurred. Primer: Candidates’ Positions and NYC TRANSPORTATION REALM Currently, the New York City mayor Plans.” Several mayoral candidates have of- appoints a few MTA board members and The Center will be releasing a similar fered transportation-specific policy agen- the City owns the tunnels and tracks un- report in advance of early voting in June das that, if realized even partially, would derground, but the state controls the MTA. for this mayoral election, along with a transform New York City. Yang has pro- Yang would fill the board with people who voter e-palm card summarizing the candi- posed an MTA takeover by the city and su- align with how the City’s residents get dates’ positions on key issues impacting perblocks, while Stringer wants to be the around and will best advocate for their transportation. The purpose is to educate “Bus Mayor” (his words) of a city “where communities. Separately, to modernize the voters on important transportation issues buses roll by every six minutes with not a City’s transportation system, Yang be- and the candidates’ stances on the issues single car parked in the dedicated lane.” lieves that the MTA must facilitate a bet- that matter to New Yorkers. Be sure to Garcia, the former Sanitation Commis- ter degree of usability and explore visit the UTRC website www.utrc2.org in sioner, as part of her transport plan, would something similar to Mobility-as-a-Service the coming days for the full report and the clear curb space by taking trash bags off (MaaS). voter palm card. the sidewalks and replacing them with To facilitate this coming report, UTRC sealed containers. Among the mayoral can- Cycling and Micromobility formed a NYC Mayoral Election Trans- didates who have put out policy positions Cycling and micromobility (including portation Policy “Advisory Committee,” on transportation, most address buses and bikes, mopeds and scooters) have become which is currently advising and assisting bikes, as well as congestion pricing and the increasingly popular modes of transporta- in the preparation of the 2021 NYC May- MTA. Nearly every candidate wants to up- tion, especially during the pandemic. How- oral Transportation Policy & Issue Primer. grade and integrate the City’s subways, ever, the City lacks the infrastructure to The Advisory Committee is comprised of buses, and bike infrastructure, and serve support these alternatives, making them experts from every mode in the transporta- the needs of all New Yorkers. less viable options for many people. In ad- tion field, including government policy- dition, many of the City’s 1,300-plus mile making, and representative/ leaders of Street Design network of bike lanes remain unprotected various critical transportation stakeholders Many candidates emphasize changes from vehicle traffic, which raises safety is- JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 23 sues. The Democratic candidates want to get the candidates to focus in more depth Lyft, should exist today, saying that he change that to varying degrees. Stringer’s on the private passenger ground trans- does not believe that unfettered competi- campaign website calls for a 425-mile, five- portation industries, over the past few tion helps drivers earn a living. Regarding borough bikeway connected to greenways, months I hosted a series of “Transporta- livery/community car services, Adams said while Wiley’s campaign website calls for tion Chats” with the candidates leading he believes New York City must take care the creation of 300 miles of bike lanes. the polls at the time – namely Adams, of both drivers and base owners, and that Also, Yang told Newsweek “I want it so Stringer, and Yang. I was joined by indus- the next City government needs to listen that, when someone moves to New York try stakeholders that included Bus4NYC, to industry voices and find a middle City, they think, ‘Great! I don’t need to the Black Car Assistance Corporation, the ground. own a car.’ One aspect of that is going to Black Car Fund, the Limousine Associa- WHAT TRANSPORTATION ISSUES be making the City as bike-friendly as it tion of NY, the Limousine Association of THE CANDIDATES “DID NOT TALK possibly can be.” New Jersey, the Livery Roundtable, the ABOUT” & WHAT THE NEXT MAYOR Livery Base Owners Association and many SHOULD DO! Congestion Pricing others – to ask the candidates about issues Since the last mayoral election, the In 2019, New York State passed con- facing their industries. The leading candi- way people move around the City has gestion pricing legislation to charge vehi- dates discussed many ground transporta- changed and could change even more dur- cles a toll to enter Manhattan south of tion issues in response to questions from ing the next four years. None of the candi- 59th Street to generate revenue for mass- the bus/motor coach, taxi and for-hire ve- dates are talking about urban air mobility transit. The specific details have yet to be hicle industry leaders in New York City, (UAM) or automated vehicles, but they revealed – including who should get dis- as well as individual small business own- should be – it is happening elsewhere and counts or exemptions – and the project was ers in the transport sector, including the is inevitable. Sadly, New York City’s trans- delayed during the Trump administration. medallion debt crisis and extending the portation system lags behind many cities In March 2021, the Biden administra- For Hire Vehicle cap (which we will focus in the U.S. and internationally, and it will tion finally informed the MTA that it could on here). continue to do so simply because trans- submit an environmental assessment in- portation innovation has never really been stead of an environmental impact state- Medallion Values & Debt a top priority. ment – a welcome development for What to do with medallion debt is prob- The agencies tasked with regulating proponents of congestion pricing. The next ably the one issue where candidates dis- passenger transportation have been slow mayor will have some say in the matter, agree the most. Adams said he supports a to adjust to the changes in technology. and many candidates – including Adams, taxi medallion bailout, stating that he be- There is, at the very least, a lack of ac- Stringer, Wiley, and Yang – have said they lieves the City did a disservice to the yel- countability, oversight, and coordination will push to put the plan into action sooner low cab industry and must be held between and among City and State agen- rather than later. responsible. During the Transportation cies and public and private transport In testimony before the MTA during a Talk event, Yang indicated he aligns more modes. fare hike hearing in December 2020, with a proposal by then-Council Member Right now, transportation-related Adams said the City should “push to fast- (now Congress Member) Ritchie Torres to functions, responsibilities and policy-mak- track the implementation of Central Busi- revalue taxi medallions in the “six-figure” ing are spread-out across numerous inde- ness District tolling… which has been range, and for the City to provide a guar- pendent agencies. The New York City Taxi projected to raise up to $1 billion annually antee for every medallion. and Limousine Commission oversees taxis, in fees for the MTA and will pave the way Also, Yang commented on the current for-hire vehicles, green cabs, black cars, for a $15 billion bond issue by the agency.” plan put forward by Mayor de Blasio and liveries, limousines, paratransit, and com- Investing in public transit would help re- TLC Chair Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk’s, muter vans. The Department of Trans- duce the number of vehicles traveling in announcing that New York City is creating portation oversees scooters, bike sharing, the Central Business District (CBD), a $65 million Taxi Medallion Owner-Dri- shared micro-mobility networks, as well as which could create a more accessible tran- ver Relief Fund to offer 0% interest loans transportation infrastructure and traffic sit system. of up to $20,000 to use as down payments control of vehicles on the streets, while the to restructure medallion debt. He said he State-run MTA controls the subways, WHAT THE NYC MAYORAL ELEC- was “frankly a little bit confused by the buses, and rail. The Department of Sani- TION OUTCOME MEANS FOR THE mayor’s plan” and that “the whole thing tation is responsible for cleaning the PASSENGER GROUND TRANS- just seemed strange… like they were try- streets, and the Street Activity Permit Of- PORTATION INDUSTRIES ing to avoid making tough decisions.” fice within the Mayor’s Office issues per- The mayoral candidates’ general trans- Stringer released a statement calling mits to close the streets for festivals, block portation policies could have repercussions the plan “a disgrace” that “fails to deliver parties, farmers markets, and other for all sectors of the for-hire passenger the significant relief drivers deserve.” events. The Department of Finance is re- transportation industry in New York City. Stringer has been a supporter of the New sponsible for Parking Violations, while the The candidates have a general desire to in- York Taxi Workers Alliance (NYTWA) pro- New York City Policy Department has po- crease alternatives to driving personal ve- posal, which proposes that the City act as lice powers and can issue traffic tickets. hicles, such as expanding bus and bike a backstop for non-performing loans by The Fleet Division of the NYC Department lanes and installing related infrastructure. providing participating lenders a $125,000 of Citywide Administrative Services over- The expanded bus lanes would benefit op- guarantee on the loan if lenders restruc- sees the City fleet, except for school buses, erators who have buses in their fleets, but tured loan balances to $125,000. which fall to the Department of Education. the focus on bikes could sabotage the in- I am sure there may be more, but that terest of for-hire operators generally. In The FHV Cap & Exemptions is the point. Transportation responsibili- contrast to prior years when the sheer New FHV licenses have been on pause ties are in silos and spread around – so number of Uber and Lyft vehicles were since August 2018 with few exceptions for that everyone has a piece of the puzzle, but viewed as the source of traffic congestion wheelchair accessible vehicles and battery no one sees the big picture to piece it all to- and other woes, none of the candidates has electric vehicles. Currently, the TLC has gether. There needs to be a Deputy Mayor taken the position that there needs to be full authority to determine the number of for Transportation and Infrastructure to fewer for-hire vehicles (FHVs) on the road. new licenses that it will issue and whether oversee transportation policy, transporta- If fewer people drive their own cars in the any exemptions will be offered. tion infrastructure, and all transportation- City, they will still need to get around, and In May, the TLC published proposed related agencies and functions in City not everyone is going to take a bike or bus. rules to eliminate the exemption for bat- government, as well as a master plan to Unfortunately, the media and the can- tery electric vehicles. That hearing is prioritize policies to ensure affordable and didates have not paid much attention to scheduled for June 22 – primary day. efficient transportation. the private bus, taxi and for-hire ground Stringer said he believes some kind of cap The next NYC Mayor should create a transportation industries. In an attempt to on for-hire companies, such as Uber and Transportation Master Innovation

Continued on page 24 24 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 Continued from page 23

Plan as part of the reorganization of hire vehicles and taxicabs to help de- enue for the MTA. Where the mayoral can- transportation policy and oversight. This liver meals to seniors, engage in pack- didates diverge is on the how aggressive plan should prioritize policies to ensure af- age delivery, and to transport city the City should be in reclaiming street fordable and efficient transportation, employees; space from vehicles and their proposed ap- using a multi-modal approach to promote • Promote Electric Vehicle (“EV”) in- proaches to assisting the taxi industry that clean air and sustainability, resiliency, eq- frastructure by installing fast charg- was decimated by the unchecked growth of uity and accessibility for all. Some initial ing infrastructure on city property, Uber and Lyft until recently and the more ideas and priorities could include: including parking lots, and in strategic recent impact of the pandemic shutdown. • Implementing Mobility-as-a-Service residential areas around the city, as The 2021 New York City election con- so that uniform payment can be made well as on curb front property at taxi sists of Democratic and Republican pri- for private and public transport con- and FHV relief stands; and maries on June 22, 2021, followed by a nections that are seamless, using a • Provide EV incentives to all modes to general election on November 2, 2021. The city smartphone application (identify- increase the number of EVs on the early voting period for the primary is June ing the most sustainable, fastest and road in the taxicab, private bus and 12-20, 2021. Voters must vote at their as- least expensive routes from point A to for-hire vehicle industries (ideas could signed early voting site. Voters may also B, with every mode represented and include: priority queuing and parking; request an absentee ballot to vote by mail. available on one platform – taxis, pub- access to priority or express lanes; ex- To learn more about deadlines to register lic buses, trains, bike shares, scooter, emptions from congestion charges; to vote, requesting absentee ballots, early etc.); City grants to offset the purchase of voting hours and locations, ranked choice • An overhaul of the Access-A-Ride new EVs; and waiver of all TLC li- voting, and casting ballots, visit (AAR) system to exclusively use the censing fees or any other City fees). NYC Votes (www.voting.nyc/), the New many under-utilized Wheelchair Ac- York City Campaign Finance Board cessible Taxicabs and Green Cabs with NOW IT IS TIME TO VOTE, AND TO (www.nyccfb.info/nyc-votes), or the Board one smartphone app and phone num- LEAD! of Elections (vote.nyc/page/register-vote) ber, available on-demand to any AAR In this year’s primary, NYC will – for websites. Off to the polls! eligible user, and also to non-eligible the first time – use ranked choice voting users as well; for the mayoral race. In other words, vot- • Implement first and last mile part- ers can rank mayoral candidates in order Professor Matthew W. Daus, Esq. is President, nerships to promote equity, with free of preference. In a field with so many Dem- International Association of Transportation Reg- transfers from public transit to neigh- ocratic candidates, this could make pre- ulators (http://iatr.global/); Transportation borhood livery car services and com- dicting a winner very difficult. However, Technology Chair, City University of New York, muter vans (dollar vans), as part of that may not matter when it comes to Transportation Research Center at The City Col- lege of New York (http://www.utrc2.org/); and public private partnerships (including some transportation issues because the Partner and Chairman, Windels Marx Trans- livery stand and other franchise oppor- eight major Democratic candidates all portation Practice Group tunities); have very similar ideas about where their (http://windelsmarx.com). He can be reached at • Reduce the size of the City’s vehi- administration would take the City: more [email protected] or 212.237.1106. cle fleet and instead use the many for- busways, more bike lanes, and more rev-

The World’s Largest No-Kill Animal Rescue and Adoption Organization Freckles is a young cattle dog/terrier mix on the lookout for her pawfect home. This fun- loving dog is covered head to toe in beautiful white fur and lots of spots. She would do best in a home as the only pet so she can be the center of attention. Freckles is playful but also has no problem being a couch potato. Don’t go any further, your new best friend is right here! #GetYourRescueOn

Boone is an 11 month old hound mix who loves to play! He is a big hand- some gentleman who is looking for a home with some folks who can help him learn and grow with his current training. He would love to go to a home with a fenced-in yard to play and some active family members. Boone is just a big puppy who is looking for a home to grow old in, will it be with you? #GetYourRescueOn

A local rescue hero discovered Gertrude fending for herself last fall and secured her a safer retirement than the busy lot she occupied. We all agree that this shy senior deserves so much more than she had on the streets. She has been tucked away in a quiet space away from the bustling Adoption Center, providing her a safe place to adapt to life as a treasured family member. We are actively seeking a loving peaceful home with fearful cat experience and older children who will give her the predictable life she craves. When Gertrude’s trust is gained, she re- Every year, an estimated 2 sponds with a full heart of gratitude. If you think your heart has room for a worthy million homeless pets are new companion, please ask to meet Gertrude. #GetYourRescueOn As teenagers go, Ringo Starr is a pretty opinionated one! As soon as you enter his euthanized. Our goal: a no-kill private suite, he’ll share those opinions with you until time passes and you both re- alize it’s time for dinner. All Ringo needs is love and his special diet to live happily world where all homeless pets ever after with you. This tenacious senior is being treated for early Chronic Renal find loving homes. Here are some Disease through his diet which he thoroughly enjoys. His care is covered at no cost through our Pet Health Centers. Ringo is declawed, and does not enjoy the company sweet, beautiful animals that of other pets. He’ll settle in nicely to a quiet home with older children who’ll be as amused by all of his conversation as we are. If you’d like to be part of Ringo Starr’s desperately need a home. All Star Band, please ask about having a conversation with him! #GetYourRescueOn #GetYourRescueOn For information on how to meet our adoptable pets, please e-mail [email protected], call 516-883-7575 or visit animalleague.org/adopt. JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 25

Taxi 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 personal needs. Taxi relief stands should not be confused with taxi TAXI AND 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/taxirelief.shtml (as of July 24, 2018). RELIEF STANDS We recommend checking back periodically, in the event changes are made to these lists.

MANHATTAN QUEENS Type Street ...... Cross Streets Type Street ...... Cross Streets Taxi/FHVs 10 Ave (east side) ...... W 26 St & W 28 St Type Street ...... Cross Streets Taxi/FHVs 11 Ave (east side) ...... W 45 St & W 46 St Taxi 31 St (west side) ...... 34 Ave & 35 Ave Taxi/FHVs 3 Ave (west side) ...... E 14 St & E 15 St Taxi 31 St (east side) ...... 37 Ave & 36 Ave Taxi/FHVs 3 Ave (west side) ...... E 15 St & E 14 St Taxi 31 St (east side) ...... 38 Ave & 37 Ave Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (east side) ...... Thompson St & Grand St Taxi 34 St (west side) ...... 37 Ave & 38 Ave Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (west side) ...... W 22 St & W 23 St Taxi/FHVs 35 St (south side) ...... Starr Ave & Bradley Ave Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (west side) ...... W 38 St & W 39 St Taxi/FHVs 36 St (east side) ...... Skillman Ave & 43 Ave Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (west side) ...... W 39 St & W 40 St Taxi 43 Ave (north side) ...... 35 St & 36 St Taxi/FHVs 6 Ave (west side) ...... W 55 St & W 56 St Taxi/FHVs 43 Ave (north side) ...... 11 St & 12 St Taxi/FHVs 8 Ave (west side) ...... W 46 St & W 47 St Taxi 44 Rd (south side) ...... 21 St & 11 St Taxi 9 Ave (east side) ...... W 30 St & W 29 St Taxi/FHVs 43 Ave (north side) ...... 36 St & 37 St Taxi Ave A (west side) ...... E 2 St & E. Houston St Taxi 49 St (west side) ...... Newtown Rd & Northern Blvd Taxi/FHVs Church St *E Rdway (west side) ...... Franklin St & White St Taxi/FHVs 45 Ave (south side) ...... Jackson Ave & 23 St Taxi/FHVs E 116 St (south side) ...... 3 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi/FHVs 47 Ave (south side) ...... 11 St & Vernon Blvd Taxi E 15 St (north side) ...... Irving Place & Union Square E Taxi 55 St (east side) ...... Queens Blvd & Roosevelt Ave Taxi E 23 St (north side) ...... 1 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi 64 St (west side) ...... 34 Ave & 35 Ave Taxi E 26 St (south side) ...... 3 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi/FHVs 61 St (east side) ...... Roosevelt Ave & 39 Ave Taxi E 27 St (south side) ...... Park Ave S & Madison Ave Taxi Queens Blvd (south side) ...... 50 St & 51 St Taxi E 28 St (north side) ...... Park Ave S & Lexington Ave Taxi/FHVs Pearson St (west side) ...... Jackson Ave & DeadEnd Taxi/FHVs E 29 St (south side) ...... Madison Ave & 5 Ave Taxi Queens Blvd (north side) ...... 55 St & 54 St Taxi E 32 St (north side) ...... Madison Ave & Park Ave S Taxi 37 Ave (north side) ...... 32 St & 31 St Taxi E 77 St (south side) ...... 1 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi/FHVs Van Dam St (west side) ...... Queens Blvd & Skillman Ave Taxi E 78 St (north side) ...... Lexington Ave & 3 Ave Taxi E 78 St (south side) ...... Lexington Ave & 3 Ave BRONX Taxi E 86 St (north side) ...... Henderson Pl & York Ave Type Street ...... Cross Streets Taxi E 87 St (south side) ...... 1 Ave & 2 Ave Taxi/FHVs E 233 St (south side) ...... Carpenter Ave & White Plains Rd Taxi/FHVs Grand St (north side) ...... Forsyth St & Chrystie St Taxi Park Ave (east side) ...... E 135 St & E 138 St Taxi/FHVs Madison Ave (west side) ...... E 26 St & E 27 St Taxi Park Ave (west side) ...... E 135 St & E 138 St Taxi/FHVs Maiden Ln (south side) ...... Front St & South St Taxi/FHVs Pelham Pkwy S (south side) . . .Wilson Ave & Eastchester Rd Taxi Park Row (east side) ...... Ann St & Beekman St Taxi/FHVs W 231 St (north side) ...... Albany Cr & Broadway Taxi/FHVs South St (west side) ...... Wall St & Gouverneur Ln Taxi/FHVs West Kingsbridge Rd (south side)Sedgwick Ave & Webb Ave Taxi University Pl (east side) ...... E 13 St & E 14 St Taxi W 33 St (north side) ...... 9 Ave & 10 Ave BROOKLYN Taxi W 39 St (south side) ...... 8 Ave & 9 Ave Type Street ...... Cross Streets Taxi W 41 St (north side) ...... 10 Ave & 11 Ave Taxi 4 Ave (west side) ...... 3 St & 6 St Taxi W 55 St (south side) ...... 10 Ave & 11 Ave Taxi/FHVs 4 Ave (east side) ...... Prospect Ave Taxi/FHVs W 181 St (south side) . .Pinehurst Ave & Fort Washington Ave Taxi N 6 St (north side) ...... Berry St & Wythe Ave Taxi/FHVs West St (east side) ...... Laight St & Vestry St Taxi New Utrecht Ave (north side) ...... 55 St & 13 Ave

26 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 DEFENSIVE DRIVING JULY 4TH DANGERS, CARBON MONOXIDE AND GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

BY BERTRAM MERLING • LOSS CONTROL COORDINATOR, HEREFORD INSURANCE COMPANY

July 4th is considered the deadliest hol- • Do not negotiate with passengers in • Speeding and unsafe lane changing not iday celebrated in the U.S., due primarily the middle of the street. only cause accidents but road rage in- to partygoers who drink and drive. Please • Always try to pull into a passenger cidents. read the following tips, which also include loading area without impeding traffic. • Speeding violations can add points to details about avoiding carbon monoxide • Do not delay traffic when a passenger your driver’s license. poisoning, how to safely load and unload enters your vehicle at a red light; be • Drivers with a history of excessive passengers and general defensive driving ready to proceed. If need be, pull over speeding violations may see their in- recommendations. to the nearest curb space. Delaying surance rates increased or policy can- traffic can lead to road rage incidents celled. July 4th Safety or rear-end collisions. • Drivers who speed on NYC streets with This year, July 4th falls on a Sunday, • After loading your passenger, let them passengers in their vehicles often re- just a few days after Mayor de Blasio prom- know their safety is your primary con- ceive customer complaints and may be ised to “fully open the city” – so it should go cern, and that when you arrive at their reported to the TLC. without saying that people will be partying, destination, you will open the door for • Drivers delayed in traffic en route to a potentially that entire weekend. Some of them, and assist them, when it is safe. radio dispatched call should notify the those people will make the poor choice to • Encourage your passenger to sit on the passenger or base, and not speed to drive after drinking alcohol (and using side of the vehicle that will be curbside compensate for being late. other substances), rather than book a For- upon arrival at their destination (only • Simply stated: DO NOT SPEED and Hire Vehicle (FHV), so be EXTRA careful. applicable if the vehicle is occupied by AVOID THOSE WHO ARE SPEED- If you attend a holiday event, please be one passenger). ING. sure to get your rest before and afterwards. • Always check your rear- and side-view Driving while drowsy is as dangerous as mirrors prior to exiting your vehicle to Safe Distances driving while intoxicated. assist a passenger. ALSO: Ask your • It’s essential to maintain a safe dis- client to wait a moment, upon arrival, tance between your vehicle and the ve- Carbon Monoxide so you can make sure it is safe for them hicle in front of you, so you have time During the hot summer months, many to depart your vehicle, if they don’t to stop or take evasive actions to avoid drivers try to keep the temperature in their want your assistance. a potential accident. vehicles at a comfortable level, both for • Always assist your passenger to the • Rear-end collisions are commonly themselves and their passengers. Idling sidewalk before you retrieve luggage or caused by drivers tailgating and not al- brings with it some significant dangers, if other items from your trunk. lowing the proper distance between you are not careful. • If you arrive for a ride or respond to a them and the vehicle in front of them. • Vehicle motors emit carbon monoxide, street hail, wait for another FHV load- Use the “Three Second Rule.” Choose which can be deadly, so DO NOT leave ing at the curb to complete what they an object near the road ahead of you, your motor running while in a garage. are doing so you can pull into their va- like a sign or a telephone pole. As the • Don’t leave the motor running and win- cated spot. vehicle ahead of you passes it, count dows shut when waiting for a job. • Try to avoid loading or unloading pas- slowly, “one thousand one, one thou- • Don’t use the air conditioner (or heater) sengers or trunk items while your ve- sand two, and one thousand three.” If in a parked car with the windows up. hicle is double parked. you reach the object before you finish • Never leave the vents open when fol- • Do not leave cash or other valuables counting, you are too close to that ve- lowing closely behind another vehicle. openly exposed in the front seat, while hicle. Make an immediate adjustment. • Do not operate a vehicle with a defec- you are assisting a passenger or at- • Be sure to increase your following dis- tive muffler or exhaust system. tending to the trunk. tance on wet and slippery roads.

Loading & Unloading Dangers of Speeding Right-of-Way As tourism begins to return to the city • Always obey the posted speed limit. It’s • Traffic laws dictate who must yield the and restrictions ease, there will be more best to become familiar with the speed right-of-way in given situations. Driv- calls for FHV rides that involve luggage. limits and traffic laws of the areas you ers never get the right-of-way over Please heed the following: frequent most. pedestrians and you must always do • Always signal and pull as close to the • As you drive, regularly scan the entire everything possible to avoid striking a curb as possible when responding to a area so you can observe any vehicles pedestrian or other car, regardless of street hail or arriving to load or unload speeding or operating recklessly. Fre- the situation. Be extra cautious in a passenger, particularly if there is lug- quent and timely mirror checks help areas where vehicles and pedestrians gage involved. alert you to a speeding vehicle and let are likely to meet and there are no • Always scan the area behind you prior you signal and move out of the way. signs or signals to regulate traffic. to using your trunk. Make sure there • Be prepared to take defensive and eva- • Your highest duty is to drive your ve- are no vehicles approaching in an un- sive actions should you observe a vehi- hicle carefully and prudently. Your safe manner. cle speeding in your immediate area or speed and manner of driving must cre- • Never stop in an area to pick up a pas- even in the distance. ate a safe environment for yourself and senger that leaves you at high risk of • The faster a vehicle is traveling, the others – including pedestrians, cyclists, being rear-ended by traffic, especially greater the risk for a fatality or serious and other motorists. if there is available curb space nearby. injury in an accident.

Bertram Merling is the Loss Control Coordinator for Hereford Insurance Company. He welcomes your questions and comments, and can be reached at 718.361.9191 ext. 7235, or via email at [email protected] JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 27 INDUSTRY NEWS SKYLINE MOVES TO NEW LOCATION, SEEKS DRIVERS Skyline Credit Ride has moved to a a dramatic spike this summer, once every- new location: 3702 48th Ave. in Long Is- thing fully opens,” notes Mr. Potter. land City (on the corner of 37th Street and “We’re feeling optimistic as more work 48th Ave.), the most recent step the com- keeps coming in. We just want to bring pany has taken to streamline operations, more drivers onboard, so we accommodate after joining the Executive Transportation it.” Group (ETG) Consortium last year. Potter admits some drivers may still By consolidating operations with the be concerned about Covid-19 but points ETG Consortium, the company has been out that his company recently purchased able to weather the pandemic, and has sanitizing stations that the drivers can been seeing month-to-month growth since use, at their convenience. The company the early part of 2021. Now that business also covers the cost to install partitions in has started to bounce back and the city is drivers’ cars, if they want one, and Skyline opening up, Skyline President, George supplies all drivers with masks and hand Potter says his company is offering finan- sanitizer to help them stay safe and cial incentives to bring in more drivers. healthy. “We’ve seen a steady increase in trips For more information, click on Skyline these past few months, and expect to see Ride Inc or call (718) 482-8585.

“LIKE” BLACK CAR NEWS FOR BREAKING NEWS.

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4 If you need a car, we can Rent-A-Plate help you finance one TLC (FHV) Diamond Plates for Rent (no credit, no problem) Call or text us today! 516-425-3355 4 We can also manage your FHV plates for you for more information 28 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 INDUSTRY NEWS ASSEMBLYWOMAN RAJKUMAR HOSTS ZOOM FOR “SOUTH ASIAN DRIVERS IN THE GIG ECONOMY” In April, New York State Assembly- the Zoom call by pointing out that 40% portant benefits at no cost to them, woman Jenifer Rajkumar held a Zoom of the drivers regulated by the New while leaving them with the flexibility meeting to discuss the challenges faced York City Taxi & Limousine Commis- they seek. by South Asian drivers in the “gig econ- sion (TLC) are South Asian immigrants. Co-sponsors of the event included omy.” The event featured special guests, In addition to the dangers caused by a the Sikh Cultural Society, Alliance of Congressman Ro Khanna; Terri Ger- recent spike in Asian hate crimes, Ra- South Asian American Labor, South stein, Director, Harvard Labor and jkumar said, “there are staggering rates Asian Fund for Education Scholarship Worklife Program and Local Enforce- of hypertension, diabetes and despair.” Training, Bangladeshi American Advo- ment Project; and Sohail Rana, Senior Mr. Rana explained that the IDG cacy Group, Tamang Society of America, Organizer for the Independent Drivers was formed to give drivers a voice and Minority Empowerment Network, Hi- Guild (IDG). ensure due process for those drivers malayan Democratic Club and the The group discussed the Taxi medal- who were getting deactivated without Bangladeshi American Society. lion debt crisis, independent contractor cause, but continuing efforts – including For more information, click on the classifications, Covid-19’s effect on driv- the IDG’s work with the New York following links for Assemblywoman ers, and industry regulations. Black Car Fund – has enabled Inde- Jenifer Rajkumar’s webpage and the Assemblywoman Rajkumar began pendent Contractor drivers to access im- IDG’s website.

SHERBUNE PAUL JOINS WINDELS TRANSPORTATION PRACTICE GROUP

Windels Marx announced that Sher- forfeited vehicles. Sherbune also was re- bune Paul has joined the firm’s Trans- sponsible for supervising numerous portation Practice Group as an TLC prosecutors and for training TLC Associate Attorney. According to law enforcement officials. Matthew W. Daus, Partner & Chair, Sherbune graduated from New York Windels Marx Transportation Law Law School, where she earned her Juris Practice, “Sherbune has significant ex- Doctor, and from the State University of perience in transportation regulation, New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, administrative hearings and litigation, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree and has already started assisting our in Sociology, Leadership and Develop- bench of clients. We are delighted to ment. In law school, she graduated with welcome her to our team.” High Honors on the Dean’s List, and re- Sherbune was most recently Super- ceived numerous awards. Sherbune is vising Attorney for the Appeals, Re- also actively involved in various profes- cruitment, Training & Seizures Unit at sional and volunteer activities, and cur- the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commis- rently serves as: President of the sion (TLC). At the TLC, she oversaw all Haitian American Lawyers Association unlicensed for-hire vehicle enforcement, of New York; Director for the Civil Serv- including the prosecution of the agency’s ice Bar Association; and as Student En- seizure matters, the filing of vehicle for- gagement Liaison for the NY Law feiture proceedings in civil court, and co- School Alumni Association. ordinated with the TLC general counsel to manage the storage and auction of Source: Windels Marx JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 29 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIED ADS ARE FREE TO THE DRIVERS IN OUR INDUSTRY! Want to sell your used vehicle? Want to sell a radio? If you are a • Or, you can mail it to Black Car News at: driver serving our industry, you can sell whatever you like (within 714 Crestbrook Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. reason) on our Classifieds page for FREE – including old furni- In all instances, please include your name, phone number, ad- ture, used exercise equipment… whatever you like. dress, email address and the company you are affiliated with. There are three ways to submit your classified ad. • You can visit www.blackcarnews.com, click on the “Classi- All other ads – from bases and the vendors serving our industry fieds” link, enter your information directly into the boxes and – must be display ads. Deadline and pricing information for our hit send. (This is the preferred method.) display ads can be found in the “RATES/DATES” section of our • You can fax your classified ad to 856.751.0657. website, under “Rates and Schedule.”

DIAL CAR FRANCHISE TABLET FOR SALE: $20,000. Please Yellow Taxi Drivers Wanted! contact: [email protected]. GET A CAR - PRIUS V HYBRID 2016 MERCEDES E350 WITH TLC PLATES, ready to rent: $500 a 7 days 24/7 $400 • 6 days 24/7 $350 week. Plz contact Rashid: 718-666-5511. 5 days 24/7 $300 • 1st week ½ price 2015 FORD FUSION SE FOR SALE. Very low miles (14k), car runs Get car in Chelsea 24/7 $80 per day like brand new: $11,999 or best offer. VIN: 3FA6P0H72FR260860. Grey Exte- rior/Black Interior. The car is in Clifton, NJ. Please call Ed: (716) 666-0411. 2015 MKT, TLC-READY, MINT CONDITION, lease to own Call Today! 917.374.8538 $450/wk. Down payment required. Please call Chris: 718-962-4799. or email [email protected] 2015 MKT, TLC-READY, lease to own: $400/week. Please call Chris: 718-962-4799. 2013 CHRYSLER 300 FOR SALE. Black on black, 189,700 miles, SKYLINE RADIO FOR LEASE: $125 weekly. Please call: (973)866- factory-rebuilt engine, runs like new. Great condition: Only $3,350 or best 7797. offer. Interested? Call: 718-772-2462. ELITE RADIO FOR SALE: Only $10K. Please call: (917) 731-2923. 2013 GMC YUKON FOR RENT with TLC plates: $350/week. Long or short term is okay. Call Alex: 917-440-5454. UTOG RADIO FOR LEASE (no contract), flat 33% on your booking, the rest you take home! Quality work (like UBER Black), you need a Black 2019 CADILLAC XTS LUXURY FOR SALE OR LEASE with Sedan or SUV 2014 or newer! For info, please call: 347-440-3247. the option to buy: $21,900. Excellent condition, 70,655 miles, like new, NO ACCIDENTS, clean Carfax, 4 brand new tires, new battery, Just changed DIAL CAR FRANCHISE TABLET for $20,000. Please contact me at: the transmission fluid, oil. Call: 201-494-8041. (718) 740-1079. 2014 CHRYSLER 300 EX8 FOR SALE. Car has been profession- VITAL FRANCHISE RADIO FOR LEASE. Weekly rate is only $50. ally stretched 8 inches, 84K miles, one driver, black/black leather, properly If you are interested, please contact me at 917-215-7193 or email me at maintained: $7,800. Call Nick for more info: 786-728-5888. [email protected]. 2016 MERCEDES E350 4MATIC FOR RENT. Interested? Call 2016 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV FOR SALE.Premium Pack- (917) 577-3592 or email [email protected]. age, black/black with 22” chrome rims, new tires, clean Carfax (no accidents). Never used/registered as a livery vehicle. Original owner. Warranty up 70K NYC TAXI MEDALLION FOR SALE: It’s a very lucky number, miles, only 46,850 miles: $51,850. Call Zack 201-290-3660. clean, unrestricted, no liens, no holds, not on any TLC list for conversion. Currently leased to broker. Papers easily transferred if you wish to continue. FOR SALE: 2015 CHEVY SUBURBAN, Black on Black with 96,000 Excellent opportunity for two partners. For more info, call Harvey at (516) accident-free miles. Clean Car Fax. $24,000 firm. Title in hand. Call: 347-384- 238-0066 or email [email protected]. 9201. 2016 CHRYSLER 200 FOR RENT. Excellent condition. Insurance 2009 LINCOLN TOWN CAR FOR SALE: 349K miles, black, in and maintenance included. Call Jose: (718) 812-4856. good shape (runs well). Asking $2,000 or B.O. Call Lewis (retired) at (516) 238-0327. RENTING OUT UTOG RADIO. Tired of driving for predator app com- panies? Drive for one of the oldest black car groups, UTOG. You can rent 2011 GMC YUKON XL SLT FOR SALE. Black, 153K upstate NY my radio for $200/month. Call: 516-868-7944. Please leave a message with highway miles, new trans, tires just one year old, aftermarket headlights, name, number. lighted running boards, 22-inch Escalade rims. Needs nothing, detailed and ready to work. Only $12,000. Call: 845-514-5304. PHONE OPERATOR SEEKS OVERNIGHT SHIFT. Highly expe- rienced, will travel locally (preferably Brooklyn /Queens), will work ONLY BELL RADIO FOR RENT. Bell is part of Executive Charge Transporta- Aleph system. Contact: [email protected] or 917-855-4290. tion Group, cost is $200/month. Please call or text Oscar at 908-477-8524. NY ONE RADIO FOR LEASE. Voucher work and plenty of line work DIAL CAR RADIO FOR LEASE: $50/week. $50/week. Please for serious $$. Net $1200+ per week! Just put in the hours. Best deal you call/text Mikhail: 917-755-5550 will find! Lease $15/per wk. Phone calls only: 917 816-7209. Ask for Irv. URGENT: SELLING 2016 LEXUS LX 570. Please directly contact DIAL CAR FRANCHISE TABLET FOR SALE. Asking $20,000. me by email for more info: [email protected]. Price: 22,000 Contact me at: [email protected]. Euro. WhatsApp No: +919139124955. 2007 LINCOLN TOWN CAR FOR SALE. Tan on tan, 190,000 2015 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR L FOR SALE: 31K miles, b/b, like miles, many new parts. Runs good, no major accidents, needs a little work: new, garage kept, bumper to bumper Lincoln warranty to 100k or 6yrs. Fully $2,500 or best offer. Best to reach me by email at [email protected] or loaded, rear entertainment, trailer hitch, 4+4 22inch wheels, reserve model: leave a message: (914) 636-0330. $45k. Must be seen and driven! Call Ari: 718-513-9428 or 561-291-2020.

“LIKE” BLACK CAR NEWS FOR BREAKING NEWS. 30 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021 JUNE 2021 • BLACK CAR NEWS • 31 32 • BLACK CAR NEWS • JUNE 2021