INDUSTRY NOTICE #12-48
INDEPENDENT MEDALLION DRIVER OPTION FILING EXTENSION
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) rules allow a Medallion owner to designate an Independent Medallion Driver (IMD) for a one year period, beginning January 1 of each calendar year. The designation form MUST be submitted to the TLC by November 1 of the current year for the upcoming year. For example, a designation for Calendar Year 2013 must be submitted to the TLC no later than November 1, 2012. The IMD form and instructions can be found on our web site at:
www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/ind_med_driver_desig_removal_app.pdf.
Due to the storm emergency, the TLC is extending the 2013 calendar year filing deadline to 12/21/2012 for those medallion owners seeking to designate a driver under the Owner Must Drive Option for Calendar Year 2013.
PROPOSED RULES PAVE THE ROAD FOR TAXI-HAIL SMARTPHONE APPS
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) released proposed regulations that will permit apps for taxi e-hail and payment. At the same time it will update the
functionality of taxi technology systems and provide for the continuity of the taxi riding public’s ability to pay by credit card.
The proposed rules will be the subject of a public hearing at the agency’s 33 Beaver Street headquarters on November 29, 2012, with a vote anticipated to take place at the Commission’s following meeting on December 13.
“Taxi passengers should be able to use the most up to date technology available to find a cab faster,” said TLC Commissioner/Chair David Yassky. “We welcome feedback from the taxi and car service industries on how taxi-hail apps can best supplement the existing service models, so that we can finalize these rules and get apps on passengers’ smartphones by early next year.”
Passenger survey results say that 70% of those asked have a smartphone, and 55% want the ability to e-hail taxicabs and pay by smartphone.
Concurrent with the issuance of the e-hail rules, the TLC has also notified participants in the TLC’s RFP for a custom made smartphone app that the agency does not anticipate proceeding with the RFP. Because the e-hail rules will enable app developers to offer riders fare payment products the RFP will no longer be necessary.
With passengers having demonstrated a preference for paying fares by credit card (50% of all taxi trips are paid for by credit card; 57% of all fare dollars are paid by credit card), the rules package will also structure the means for apps to interface with the taxi technology systems (or TPEP – Taxi Passenger Enhancement Program) in taxicabs, creating an ongoing framework for credit card payment. The existing framework – an exclusive payment processing contract with two technology companies – will expire in mid-February.
Proposed Rule Highlights
E-HAIL APPS
E-HAIL APPS THAT ALSO PROVIDE FARE PAYMENT
T-PEP 2.0 Rules Would Require:
The TLC was created in 1971, and is the agency responsible for the regulation and licensing of almost 200,000 yellow medallion taxicabs and for-hire vehicles, their drivers, and the businesses that operate and support their industries. It is recognized as the largest and most active taxi and for-hire vehicle regulatory body in the United States.
To find out more about the TLC, or to review its rules, regulations and procedures, we encourage you to visit our official Web site at www.nyc.gov/taxi or call 311 in New York City, or 212-NEW-YORK from outside of New York City.
For Public Hearing – TPEPRules – November 29, 2012 at 10 a.m.
For Public Hearing – E Hail Application License – November 29, 2012 at 10 a.m.
Contact: Allan J. Fromberg - allan.fromberg@tlc.nyc.gov
Seth Melnick – 212-676-1028 - melnicks@tlc.nyc.gov
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
Instructions for Businesses and Individuals are different:
Part I – Assistance Information for Licensees Incorporated as Businesses
Part II – Assistance Information for Licensees NOT Incorporated as Businesses
Federal Assistance
Register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Call 1-800-621-3362 between 7am and 10pm, OR
• Register online (www.disasterassistance.gov) or through a mobile device (m.fema.gov)
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans.
You must register with FEMA first.
State Assistance
New York State Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
City Assistance
NYC Restoration Centers
Emergency Business Loans
II. If you are a TLC licensee NOT incorporated as a business, please read below for Hurricane Sandy assistance information:
Federal Assistance
Register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans. You must register with FEMA first.
Home and Personal Property Loan. Vehicle owners not incorporated as businesses are eligible.
State Assistance
New York State Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
City Assistance
NYC Restoration Centers
Emergency Business Loans
HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
You can register for FEMA assistance by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) or visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or m.fema.gov from a smartphone or Web enabled device.
Copy Steps to apply for FEMA assistance:
http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/StepsforApplyingforFEMAAssistance.pdf
There is never a fee to apply for FEMA disaster assistance or to receive it.
There is no fee for FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration property damage inspections.
Please be aware: Government workers will never ask for a fee or payment. They wear a photo ID. Watch out for middlemen who promise you will receive money, especially if they ask for an up front payment.
One of the dire consequences of any disaster for many people is the loss of important documents. Often, such documents are needed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency services in order to process assistance applications for those who suffered losses or damage to their homes and belongings.
If papers are lost – like birth certificates, Social Security cards, drivers’ licenses, tax records and so on – you can receive replacements by contacting the following:
For copies of your utility bills, bank records, insurance policies, mortgage payments and the like, call the appropriate firm and speak to a customer service representative.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Donate to the Empire State Relief Fund
To help those displaced by the storm find long term housing solutions donate to the Empire State Relief Fund.
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering in the relief effort in the areas affected from Hurricane Sandy there are regional volunteer centers statewide.
Donate to the Red Cross
You can help people affected by disasters like Superstorm Sandy by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Corporate Donations
If your company is interested in making a donation to help New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Sandy please visit http://www.governor.ny.gov/sandycompanydonations to fill out a form and someone from the Governor’s office will be in contact with you shortly.
Donate Blood
Hundreds of Red Cross blood drives have been canceled due to the storm representing a loss of thousands of blood and platelet products. The Red Cross is asking people who are eligible, especially in places not affected by the storm, to schedule a time to give blood in the days and weeks to come. To schedule a donation time or get more information about giving blood people can visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).