Legislation implements increased protections for livery cab passengers. “Livery cabs are a staple of life in all five boroughs, and these passengers deserve the assurance that they are in a car that is safe and protected,” said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Far too often, these passengers don’t know that they are entitled to a certain standard, and even more often don’t know where to turn when they don’t receive it. This bill will now make livery cabs more accountable and provide passengers with information on where to turn to report and unsafe car or unfair charge.”
This bill was created after local council members received complaints from constituents about the conduct of some livery drivers. The livery cab ‘Bill of Rights’ would for the first time clearly state the rights of car service and ‘black car’ passengers to include those already guaranteed to taxi drivers.
Specifically, some of the key points of the legislation are:
- Require to post that the car that is in good condition and has passed all required inspections;
- Require that a properly licensed driver is in good standing with the commission-issued driver’s license information on display and;
- Require that taxi cab bases give passengers a pre-approved fare quoted by the dispatcher.
“The TLC has already dragged its feet for years in overhauling for-hire vehicle rules, including better explanation of passengers’ rights,” said Council Member John Liu. “We’re compelled to take such legislative action on a simple, rather intuitive matter because, unfortunately, if we wait for the TLC, the improvements may very well never get implemented.”
The Taxi and Limousine Commission estimates that it receives 1,000 complaints per year about issues that will be covered under the legislation. The passenger bill of rights will be posted where riders can see it.
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