“We’ve provided taxi drivers with two significant fare increases in return for customer service improvements. Our Administration has the utmost respect for drivers and we’ve treated them fairly. Now, we’re asking for the same,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “We will not tolerate drivers who want to disrupt this City intimidating or threatening their fellow drivers who are interested in making a living and providing a service to New Yorkers. Unfortunately, we’ve already heard reports of drivers planning to stay home because of intimidation. That’s why there will be additional police officers on hand at the train stations and airports and wherever drivers congregate so we can be certain that no one who wants to earn a living is intimidated doing so.”

“While we are hopeful that taxi drivers do not strike, it is important that the City have a plan to provide adequate transportation if they do,” said OEM Commissioner Joseph Bruno. “The contingency plan we have created will ensure that New Yorkers, as well as visitors to our City, are able to travel without serious disruptions.”

“Beginning at 4 a.m. tomorrow, the New York City Police Department will assign extra police officers, including plainclothes officers in taxis on patrol, to Grand Central, Penn Station, and other transportation hubs, as well to taxi garages,” said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly. “We are taking these steps to ensure the public safety and to guard against reprisals against cabbies who elect to drive during the planned strike.”

“The TLC and the Bloomberg Administration have a great and abiding respect for taxi drivers, which was tangibly demonstrated by providing for a living wage or better through two significant fare increases, and by ensuring that the taxi industry stays strong and vital as a career market,” said TLC Commissioner/Chairman Matthew W. Daus, “We believe the vast majority of drivers know and appreciate this, and will continue to do what they do better than anyone in the world tomorrow. If an appreciable number of drivers choose not to do so, however, we are well prepared to maximize the services of those that do.”

The contingency plan will go into effect at 12:00 AM on September 5, 2007. If the TLC determines the labor action by drivers is not significantly impacting taxi service, it will be cancelled. If the contingency plan is cancelled, all normal taxi fare structures will immediately be put back in place.

Trips to/from Manhattan and JFK will be a $30 flat fare per person, while trips to/from Manhattan and LGA would be $20 per person. Zone charges would dictate fares for trips to/from airports and boroughs other than Manhattan. The City also reserves the right to allow livery hails if the TLC determines that it is necessary after evaluating the situation. Subsequent public announcements about plans will be made by the TLC.

In all cases:

• If riders to/from LGA and JFK airport select the group ride option, they will be required to adhere to the flat fare or zone based system.
• All riders to/from LGA and JFK have the option to choose non-group rides. In that scenario, normal metered rates will apply.
• Tolls are included in all zone-based and flat fare rides.
• Charges apply to adult riders only. Children under 12 ride free with adults

If riders choose the group ride option for travel to/from JFK or LGA and boroughs other than Manhattan, they will be required to adhere to a zone-based fare structure. The zone-based fare structure citywide charges $10 per person within a given zone, and an additional $5 per person for each zone subsequently entered or passed through. Below are the zones:

The City has taken steps to ensure taxi riders at JFK and LGA are aware of the amended fare options, as well as of mass transit alternatives. Large posters indicating fare options and encouraging the use of mass transit will be posted at both airports. Additionally, Port Authority customer care representatives will be on hand at both airports to provide information to travelers.

The MTA will be providing additional service on the M60 and Q33 bus routes to/from LGA. The M60 transports riders between LGA and Manhattan, running along 125th Street and making connections with the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D subway lines, as well as Metro-North Railroad. The Q33 connects LGA with the 74th St. – Broadway Station in Jackson Heights, Queens, where connections to the 7, E, F, R, V, and G subway lines is available. Travelers at JFK can use the AirTrain to connect to the A train at the Howard Beach station, or the E, J, and Z trains at the Sutphin Boulevard station.

Any driver charging or attempting to charge fares in excess of the fares authorized by the TLC will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Passengers can report complaints or get updated information to 311 or via the TLC’s website by clicking on www.NYC.gov and following the links to TLC.