COMMISSIONER’S LETTER

For anyone who thinks that the summer is a "slow period", I would recommend that they take a walk down the busy halls of the TLC because Summer 2006 has been anything but slow!

One of many exciting projects we have been working on is the kick-off of "Garden In Transit," which Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg unveiled a few weeks ago. This unique project combines a celebration of the centennial of the metered taxicab and a community service/public art effort that combines taxicabs, children, and the healing power of creativity.

The short story is that beautiful floral panels, hand painted by tens of thousands of children from throughout the city, will decorate our taxicabs between September and December 2007. A more detailed explanation, however, involves a partnership between the Design Trust for Public Space's TAXI 07 project (www.designtrust.org), which will celebrate the centennial of the metered taxicab in 2007, and the not-for-profit group "Portraits of Hope."

Beginning September 2006, school aged children from throughout the five boroughs, along with thousands of volunteers from corporations and community programs, will paint large, colorful flowers onto decals that will be applied to New York City's iconic yellow taxicabs.

The "Garden in Transit" project was approved unanimously by the TLC's Board of Commissioners at our last meeting. The Board's approval allows for the painting of the panels for the project to commence in September 2006. The painting process will last approximately one year.

The installation of the panels will begin in September 2007. A preview of the installation will take place during the New York International Auto Show in April 2007. The installation will be on display for a total of sixteen weeks ending in December 2007. For more information on how to volunteer and participate and I know you will want to contact 311 or visit www.nyc.gov.

Planting a "Garden In Transit" are Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
(third from left) and (left to right) TLC Board Members
Noach Dear, Elias Arout, Edward Gonzales, Howard Vargas and
Commissioner/Chairman Matthew W. Daus.

Updating our most recent and most successful medallion sale to date, we have now seen 37 brand new alternative fuel vehicles hacked up to go with their corresponding specialty medallions. This brings to 68 (65 hybrid-electrics and three CNGs) the number of cleaner, greener vehicles on the street serving New Yorkers and visitors.

Make no mistake about it, those who have ridden in these new vehicles have been coming away justifiably impressed with our commitment to the environment. And in the case of our visitors, they are taking that message of commitment home with them to cities around the world.

Both medallion closings and hack-ups are proceeding nicely on schedule, as anticipated, thanks to the TLC's hardworking and dedicated staff. I look forward to updating you all at public meetings and in upcoming columns.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for their congratulatory messages of support for the legislative victory we recently accomplished together hand in hand with the NYC Law Department, the Mayor's Office of Legislative Affairs, State Senator Marty Golden and Assemblyman Jose Peralta, Victor Dizengoff of the Black Car Assistance Corporation, as well as Commissioner Barbara Monohan of the Westchester County TLC.

Of course, I'm talking about the Inter-Jurisdictional Pre-Arranged For-Hire Vehicle Operation Act (S8400/A11540), or better known as the Reciprocity Agreement. While the Governor has not yet put pen to paper and signed it, I do know that it has been submitted for signature and will keep you updated on this as well.

Until next time, enjoy the remainder of the Summer and the coming of Autumn...

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Commissioner/
Chairman Matthew W. Daus discuss the massive public service/art
project moments before its unveiling.

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

© 2015 TLC Magazine Online, Inc.