"The first three of four bills before me today increase transparency at the Taxi & Limousine Commission.  Introductory Number 232, sponsored by Council Members Vacca, Ferreras, Gentile, Van Bramer, Garodnick, Koo, Rodriguez, Rose, Ulrich, Koppell, Jackson, Lappin, and Williams, requires all taxicabs to include in the posted passenger bill of rights the requirement that all taxis be equipped with a functioning E-Z Pass.

"Introductory Number 233-A, sponsored by CMs Vacca, Dromm, Fidler, Foster, Gentile, Koppell, Nelson, Rodriguez, Garodnick, Halloran, Koo, Rose, Brewer, Van Bramer, Jackson, Lappin, and Williams, requires the Commission to report annually on enforcement actions taken against drivers.  This annual report will include information on the type of violation issued, where the enforcement action took place, the type of licensed driver issued the summons, and its status in the adjudication process.  Introductory Number 233-A also requires the Commission to post disaggregated information on complaints to the Commission.

"Introductory Number 235-A, sponsored by CMs Vacca, Fidler, Foster, Gentile, Koppell, Nelson, Rodriguez, Williams, Garodnick, Halloran, Brewer, Rose, Van Bramer, Sanders, Jackson, and Lappin, requires each taxicab to have equipment that records and stores fare data and the location or time the fare is in effect.  This data must be made available at no charge to the Commission and the driver who made the trip to which the data applies.

"With the enactment of these pieces of legislation, more information will be available to drivers, riders, and the broader public, and all interested parties will get an accurate portrayal of this vital transportation industry.

"I would like to thank Taxi and Limousine Commission Chair David Yassky and his staff for their work on these bills along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving these pieces of legislation."