COMMISSIONER’S LETTER

I would like to begin this column by saying how pleased I am with the progress we have been seeing with regard to hybrid-electric taxicabs. As of this writing, there are 20 of these vehicles on the road, serving the public, helping us to gauge their future as New York City taxicabs. Of the 20, 18 are Ford Escapes and two are Toyota Highlanders, and it is my understanding that we have a Toyota Prius just “around the corner” that is about to join them.

An area of some contention has been the situation brewing between the Nassau County TLC and New York City’s Black Car industry. In a nutshell, Nassau County, unlike New York City, requires a permit for drop-offs as well as pick-ups and has set much higher fees for outside operators than for Nassau licensed vehicles; both of which are issues that have created some discord. This has sparked a lawsuit between Nassau County regulators and the Black Car Assistance Corporation.

I know the people on both sides of this disagreement to be reasonable, intelligent, and professional individuals. I have confidence that a mutually agreed upon compromise may be reached and that, at the end of the day, the riding public receives the services it both requires and deserves.

I wish all of you a most happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season.

TLC Commissioner Matthew W. Daus (at right) recently received a visit from Ireland’s recently-appointed National Taxi Regulator, Mr. Gerard Deering. Mr. Deering, the first to hold the post in the nation’s history, was eager to discuss the many shared issues in our respective jurisdictions.

Watch the TLC web site at www.nyc.gov/taxi for updates,
or to access monthly medallion price charts.

© 2015 TLC Magazine Online, Inc.