Press Release - NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission

NEW YORK CITYTAXI AND LIMOUSINE COMMISSION AND OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCE TAXI WORK ACTION CONTINGENCY PLAN

Contingency Plan Includes Group Rides and Flat Fares

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) today announced the City’s contingency plan in anticipation of a 24-hour work action by some drivers of yellow taxis, which will be implemented on Monday, October 22, 2007. The plan will be implemented to optimize space in yellow taxis that are operating, while also encouraging the use of mass transit.

Riders from LaGuardia (LGA) or John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airports may choose between group rides at a flat fare (see charts, later in this release), group rides at a zone-based fare structure, or non-group rides at normal metered rates. At all other locations throughout the City of New York, taxicab drivers will be required to pick-up multiple passengers and to charge fares on a zone-based system that is detailed in a chart later in this release.

The OEM and TLC, working together with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the New York Police Department (NYPD), announced the amended fare structures today to ensure that Monday morning’s commute was as convenient as possible under the circumstances. In addition, the NYPD will assign additional Police Officers to transit hubs to ensure driver safety.

“Improvements pioneered by the TLC and Bloomberg Administration, in addition to the two significant fare increases, have allowed drivers to benefit from participation in the strongest and most viable taxi industry of its century-long history,” said TLC Commissioner Matthew W. Daus. “Experience shows that most drivers appreciate this, and will show their appreciation by doing what they do best and serving the riding public this coming Monday. As before, we will have a contingency plan to maximize these drivers’ efforts, which will be particularly helpful given the fact that Mondays are traditionally among the slowest days for taxicab leasing.”

“If there is a labor action by taxi drivers on Monday, it is important that the City is prepared,” 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.”

The contingency plan will go into effect at 5 a.m. on Monday, October 22, 2007. If the TLC determines the labor action by drivers is not significantly impacting taxi service, it may be cancelled. If the contingency plan is cancelled, all normal taxi fare structures will immediately be put back in place.

Group ride travel to/from Manhattan and JFK will be a $30 flat fare per person, while group ride travel 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.

ForAll Rides From LGA and JFK Airports:

If riders 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 from LGA and JFK have the option to choose non-group rides. In that scenario, normal metered rates will apply.

CHARGE (PER PERSON)	DESCRIPTION
$30 (Per Person)	Trips To/From Manhattan and JFK
$20 (Per Person)	Trips To/From Manhattan and LGA
ZONE CHARGES	Trips To/From JFK or LGA from boroughs other than Manhattan

In All Cases:

Tolls are included in all zone-based and flat fare rides.
Charges apply to adult riders only. Children under 12 ride free with adults

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:

ZONE	AREA
Zone A	Manhattan: South of 23rd Street
Zone B	Manhattan: 23rd Street – 60th Street
Zone C	Manhattan: 60th Street – 96th Street
Zone D	Manhattan: North of 96th Street
Zone E	Brooklyn
Zone F	The Bronx
Zone G	Queens
Zone H	Staten Island

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. 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 monitoring service capacity on the M60 bus route and will enhance service if necessary. 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. Additionally, the Q33 bus route 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.