“The final bill before me is Introductory Number 599-A, sponsored by Council Members Vacca, Arroyo, Brewer, Cabrera, Chin, Fidler, Gentile, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Koslowitz, Mendez, Vann, Williams, Foster, Mark-Viverito, Garodnick, Barron, Jackson, Nelson, Rose, Levin, Lappin, Dromm, Rodriguez and Greenfield.  Introductory Number 599-A requires taxis to be accessible to the visually impaired.

“Beginning on May 1, 2013 all taxicabs will be equipped with instructions for contacting the Taxi & Limousine Commission in Braille and large-print text and audible announcements concerning the fare, including instruction for paying the fare, the initial charge, periodic fare updates during the trip, the fare at the conclusion of the trip, and any rate code changes and any toll charges. 

“I would like to thank Taxi & Limousine Commission Chair David Yassky and his staff for their work on this bill along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs.  I would also like to thank the City Council for approving this legislation.”