As Mayor Bloomberg and the Taxi & Limousine Commission continue to search for ways to provide better cab service outside of Manhattan, the City Council took a step that should create greater incentives for cranky cabbies. The Council has voted to increase fines for cab drivers who refuse passengers a trip anywhere within the five boroughs. Under the new fine structure, cab drivers who are found in violation of the rules will be fined $500 for the first offense and $1000 for a second offense within two years. A driver found guilty of three offenses in three years will likely lose his or her license.
The new fines represent an increase of $150 for first-time violations. “This legislation is designed to send a very specific message, and that message is that no cab driver should refuse a person access to a cab based on where they want to go,” James Vacca, chair of the Council’s Transportation Committee said. “These days are coming to an end. People have a right to go where they want to go.”
We’ve debated the economics of fare refusals for a few weeks now as the city looks to find a way to add medallion cabs for people to hail to the streets of the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. The argument essentially boils down to Vacca’s statement. Not only do people have the right to go where they want, but cab drivers licensed by the city must follow the city’s rules. If they don’t, they’ll have to pay.
1 comment
Too bad this won’t lead to better hails in the outer boroughs.