NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission News

April 17, 2017

TLC Will Initiate Rulemaking on Tipping in FHV Industry

One step in a larger process to ensure TLC licensed drivers earn a livable wage while working for-hire

Following a recent hearing on industry economics where dozens of professional drivers gave testimony about their struggle for a decent livelihood, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) plans to initiate rulemaking in regards to tipping options in the For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) industry. The proposal, which will be introduced in the coming months, will be one step in a greater process to ensure that TLC licensed drivers earn a livable wage while working for-hire.

“Professional drivers are a vital part of both our City’s transportation network and economy, and driving for-hire has supported hundreds of thousands of New York City families for decades,” said TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi. “This rule proposal will be an important first step to improve earning potential in the For-Hire Vehicle industry, but it is just one piece of a more comprehensive effort to improve the economic well being of drivers.”

During an almost six-hour hearing on April 6, more than 80 speakers shared testimony with the Commission on industry economics and the working conditions that drivers face. Many drivers told stories of declining incomes and economic hardship, as well as a lack of transparency in pay.

“Safeguarding the economic health and workplace rights of drivers in the for-hire vehicle industry is essential to ensuring the livelihood of the growing population of New Yorkers who are part of this contingent workforce,” said Department of Consumer Affairs Commissioner Lorelei Salas.

“This proposed rule is a great first step towards ensuring more stable workplace standards for for-hire drivers so they can better care for themselves and their families. We look forward to continuing to work with TLC and other sister agencies to establish labor protections that work for our city’s evolving economy.”

The TLC received a petition in February from the Independent Drivers Guild, a group that represents FHV drivers who work for Uber in New York City. The petition called on the TLC to initiate rulemaking to require FHV bases that allow passengers to book trips through smartphone applications to include an in-app gratuity option.

The rules on tipping options will incorporate the idea put forward by this petition, but will be platform agnostic to ensure that all passengers can tip drivers seamlessly, regardless of whether they used an app or called a car service for a ride.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Industry Notice #17-06

April 03, 2017

LaGuardia Airport Parking Lot and Passenger Pick-Up Location Changes

On behalf of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), please note that the taxi and FHV holding lots and passenger pick-up areas are changing due to ongoing construction at LaGuardia Airport. Please proceed to the designated areas listed below:

Medallion/ Yellow Taxis:

• Drivers must first go to Parking Lot 7 in order to be dispatched to the taxi stand Area at Terminal B.
  There is no change to the Terminal C/D hold lot.
• Arriving passengers will continue to queue at the taxi stand on the west side of Terminal B.
  There is no change to the Terminal C/D taxi stand queue areas.

For-Hire Vehicle (FHVs)

I. Drivers

• Starting April 1, FHV drivers must go to Parking Lot 10 for Terminal B pickups or Parking Lot 5 for Terminal C/D pickups to wait for a dispatch from their base.
  They no longer are permitted to wait at the Marina Bay Lot near Citi Field.
• Starting April 5, FHV drivers serving Terminal B passengers will proceed from Parking Lot 10 to meet passengers at the designated pick-up location on Runway Drive, west of Terminal B.
• They will no longer meet arriving passengers in front of Terminal B. After picking up their passenger, drivers can access the Grand Central Parkway more quickly from this new location, and reduce travel time.
• There is no change to the passenger pick-up location at Terminal C/D.

II. Arriving Passengers

• Starting April 5, arriving passengers who pre-arrange FHV rides can take the Green Airport Shuttle Bus or proceed via walkway to the passenger pick-up area on Runway Drive. Estimated shuttle bus drive time will be 4-5 minutes with estimated walk time around 10 minutes.

See airport map below

TLC/FHV VEHICLE OPERATIONS AT LGA TERMINAL B