New York City Council
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Sep 27, 2024
·
10:00 AM
5 hr 24 min
Summary
A hearing on taxi and for-hire vehicle industry issues, focusing on several proposed bills.
Discussions covered:
- Driver deactivations by ride-hailing companies
- "Lockouts" preventing drivers from accessing apps
- Allowing commuter vans to accept street hails
- Making Losar (Tibetan New Year) an alternate side parking holiday
- Insurance challenges for taxis/for-hire vehicles
- Transitioning to electric vehicles
- Taxi driver pay for e-hail trips.
The hearing addressed concerns about unfair deactivations, lack of driver recourse, impacts on public transit, and the importance of cultural recognition.
Features testimony from the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), ride-hailing company representatives, drivers, advocates, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Introduction to the TLC oversight hearing
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers opens the oversight hearing on the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), focusing on for-hire vehicles and commuter vans. She introduces herself as the chair of …
0:00:53
·
19 sec
Overview of legislation to be heard in the hearing
Council Member Brooks-Powers provides an overview of the legislation to be discussed during the hearing. The bills cover a range of topics related to the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry, …
0:01:12
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108 sec
Issues in the for-hire vehicle industry: Driver lockouts and deactivations
Council Member Brooks-Powers addresses the significant growth in the for-hire vehicle industry since 2011 and highlights current issues facing drivers, particularly lockouts and account deactivations by app-based companies like Uber …
0:03:01
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3 min
Challenges facing the commuter van industry
Council Member Brooks-Powers highlights the critical role of commuter vans in transit deserts and the near collapse of the industry. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the industry's challenges. - …
0:06:07
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112 sec
Concluding remarks, acknowledgments, and hearing logistics
Council Member Brooks-Powers concludes her opening statement with final remarks about the hearing's purpose, acknowledges staff members, and provides logistical information for the hearing. - Emphasis on hearing from TLC, …
0:08:05
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157 sec
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams addresses commuter van legislation and industry equity
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams discusses proposed legislation related to the commuter van industry, focusing on equity issues and the importance of commuter vans in New York City's transportation infrastructure. He …
0:10:44
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3 min
Council Member Amanda Farías introduces bill to suspend alternate side parking on Patriot Day
Council Member Amanda Farías presents a bill to suspend alternate side parking on Patriot Day (September 11th) and explains the rationale behind it. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse …
0:14:18
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63 sec
Council Member Krishnan emphasizes the importance of taxi and ride-hailing drivers
Council Member Shekar Krishnan opens the hearing by highlighting the essential role of taxi, Uber, and Lyft drivers in New York City. He emphasizes their importance before, during, and after …
0:15:26
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46 sec
Council Member Krishnan addresses the issue of driver deactivation
Council Member Krishnan discusses the problem of driver deactivation by Uber and Lyft, highlighting its impact on drivers' livelihoods. He describes the current unfair process and lack of transparency in …
0:16:13
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96 sec
Council Member Krishnan explains Intro 276 to protect drivers from unfair deactivation
Council Member Krishnan outlines the key components of Intro 276, a bill designed to protect drivers from unfair deactivation by ride-hailing companies. The bill aims to establish due process, create …
0:17:49
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3 min
Testimony by Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of New York Taxi Workers Alliance, on Intro 276
Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of New York Taxi Workers Alliance, testified in support of Intro 276, which aims to provide job security rights to Uber and Lyft drivers in New …
0:23:17
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141 sec
Testimony by Luis Alzate, President and Business Agent of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1056
Luis Alzate, representing ATU Local 1056 and other ATU locals, testified against proposed legislation (Intro 939 and Intro 950) that would allow commuter vans to replace public bus transit. He …
0:26:34
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123 sec
Testimony by Alexander Kemp, Representative from TWU Local 100
Alexander Kemp, representing TWU Local 100, testifies against Intros 939 and 950, expressing concerns about the impact on bus operator safety and the potential for undermining labor standards in public …
0:28:59
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122 sec
Testimony by Leroy Morrison, President of NYC Commuter Van Association, on Commuter Van Services
Leroy Morrison, President of the NYC Commuter Van Association, testifies about the importance of commuter vans as a lifeline transportation service in New York City, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. He …
0:31:08
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126 sec
Council member introduces discussion on commuter vans and public transit
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers introduces the topic of commuter vans and their relationship with public transit in New York City. She acknowledges the importance of both systems and seeks …
0:33:15
·
157 sec
TWU representative discusses balancing labor interests with commuter van services
Alexander Kemp, representing TWU Local 100, responds to the council member's questions, emphasizing the need to balance labor interests with the operation of commuter vans. He highlights the interconnected nature …
0:35:52
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127 sec
ATU representative expresses concerns about commuter vans' impact on public transportation
Luis Alzate, representing the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1056, presents the union's position on commuter vans and their potential impact on public transportation. He raises concerns about safety and …
0:38:00
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88 sec
NYC Commuter Van Association president defends industry practices and importance
Leroy Morrison, President of the NYC Commuter Van Association, responds to criticisms and defends the commuter van industry. He emphasizes the professionalism of licensed operators and the industry's role in …
0:39:29
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171 sec
Discussion of consequences for commuter vans violating traffic laws
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the consequences faced by commuter vans when they violate traffic laws. Leroy Morrison explains the regulatory framework and potential penalties. - Morrison outlines that violations …
0:42:22
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48 sec
Current operating areas of commuter vans and routes not serviced by MTA
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the remaining commuter van operations and routes that have lost service. Leroy Morrison provides information on current commuter van routes and areas underserved by MTA. …
0:43:11
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32 sec
Challenges faced by public transit in serving certain routes
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks representatives from ATU and TWU about challenges in providing service on certain routes, particularly in light of the ongoing bus redesign in Queens. Alexander Kemp responds, …
0:43:53
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3 min
Discussion of the loss of the Q74 bus route and its implications
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the loss of the Q74 bus route in Queens. Luis Alzate from ATU provides context on the route's discontinuation and its impact. - Alzate explains …
0:47:37
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78 sec
Challenges facing the commuter van industry, particularly high insurance costs
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks about the toughest challenges facing the commuter van industry. Leroy Morrison identifies high insurance costs as the primary issue and discusses efforts to address this problem. …
0:49:03
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112 sec
Impact on passengers when commuter van service is reduced or stops
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about alternatives for passengers when commuter van service is reduced or stops. Leroy Morrison discusses the challenges faced by commuters and their current transportation choices. - …
0:50:55
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79 sec
Impact of commuter van services on the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks Bhairavi Desai about the impact of commuter vans on the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry. Desai explains the various ways commuter vans affect their business, particularly …
0:52:17
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108 sec
Council Member Krishnan inquires about driver deactivations and Intro 276
Council Member Shekar Krishnan thanks the majority leader and addresses Bhairavi Desai, expressing gratitude for the work of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance. He poses two questions about Intro …
0:54:08
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27 sec
Extent of driver deactivations and reactivation challenges
Bhairavi Desai discusses the scale of driver deactivations, revealing that the New York Taxi Workers Alliance handles thousands of intake cases annually. She highlights the instability drivers face even after …
0:54:35
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43 sec
Specific issues leading to driver deactivations
Bhairavi Desai elaborates on specific issues that commonly lead to driver deactivations, with a focus on service animal complaints. She explains the challenges drivers face in these situations and the …
0:55:19
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112 sec
Lack of due process in driver deactivation cases
Bhairavi Desai highlights the lack of due process in driver deactivation cases, emphasizing that drivers are often presumed guilty from the outset. She explains how the system is stacked against …
0:57:12
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22 sec
Fear and anxiety among drivers over potential unfair deactivations
Bhairavi Desai emphasizes the pervasive fear and anxiety experienced by Uber and Lyft drivers globally due to the threat of unfair deactivations. She expresses strong support for Intro 276 as …
0:57:34
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53 sec
Unique aspects of driver deactivations and use of the Uber IDG appeals process
Council Member Krishnan asks about the unique aspects of driver deactivations compared to other workers and whether the New York Taxi Workers Alliance advises its members to use the IDG …
0:58:27
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28 sec
Financial and personal consequences of driver deactivations
Bhairavi Desai elaborates on the severe financial and personal consequences that drivers face when deactivated. She highlights the ongoing expenses drivers must manage without income and the uncertainty surrounding job …
0:58:56
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70 sec
Racial justice implications of driver deactivations
Bhairavi Desai highlights the racial justice implications of driver deactivations, given that the workforce is predominantly composed of immigrants and people of color. She emphasizes the unfairness of the current …
1:00:06
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72 sec
City's responsibility in protecting licensed drivers
Bhairavi Desai emphasizes the unique position of for-hire vehicle drivers as licensed by the city of New York and argues that this creates a responsibility for the city to protect …
1:01:18
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42 sec
Lack of collective bargaining rights for drivers
Bhairavi Desai discusses the lack of collective bargaining rights for drivers, explaining that they are not considered employees under the National Labor Relations Board. She emphasizes the need for basic …
1:02:01
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88 sec
Importance of Intro 276 in providing rights and protections for drivers
Bhairavi Desai concludes by emphasizing the critical importance of Intro 276 for drivers' rights and protections. She urges all drivers to read and understand the bill, describing it as a …
1:03:29
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27 sec
Council member inquires about driver deactivation data
Council Member Amanda Farías requests information from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance about driver deactivations, including the number of people served, ratios of deactivations to lockouts and waitlists, and …
1:04:11
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92 sec
Discussion on service animal regulations and driver education
Council Member Amanda Farías raises the issue of service animals and asks about efforts to educate drivers on the legal requirements surrounding service animals. She emphasizes that drivers cannot legally …
1:05:43
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38 sec
Explanation of Intro 276 and discussion on driver protections
Bhairavi Desai explains the importance of Intro 276 in providing rights and protections for drivers, particularly in cases of deactivation. Council Member Amanda Farías acknowledges the need to balance driver …
1:06:22
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175 sec
Council Member Narcisse questions insurance implications for commuter vans
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse inquires about potential insurance cost increases for commuter vans if street hails are allowed. She expresses concern about unintended consequences of the proposed bill and the …
1:09:52
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52 sec
Leroy Morrison addresses insurance challenges and cost reduction efforts
Leroy Morrison, President of the NYC Commuter Van Association, discusses the high insurance costs faced by black and brown community businesses in the for-hire vehicle industry. He outlines efforts to …
1:10:47
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80 sec
Leroy Morrison highlights challenges faced by commuter van drivers
Leroy Morrison describes the various challenges and dangers faced by commuter van drivers, including harassment, violence, and unfair treatment. He also discusses the role of commuter vans in filling transportation …
1:12:07
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70 sec
Bhairavi Desai explains lack of fair representation for deactivated drivers
Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, explains the current situation regarding representation for deactivated Uber and Lyft drivers, highlighting the lack of a fair and …
1:13:20
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50 sec
Council Member Narcisse advocates for improved communication with ride-hailing companies
Council Member Mercedes Narcisse discusses the communication challenges with ride-hailing companies and expresses her support for better access and direct communication for both drivers and users. - Narcisse highlights the …
1:14:10
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62 sec
Introduction and opening remarks from TLC Commissioner
David Do, Chair and Commissioner of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), introduces himself and his colleagues to the City Council Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He …
1:16:22
·
38 sec
Industry recovery and trip volumes post-COVID
Commissioner Do provides an update on the recovery of the TLC-regulated industry, focusing on trip volumes across different sectors compared to pre-COVID levels. He highlights the industry's overall recovery and …
1:17:01
·
59 sec
TLC's climate initiatives and Green Rides program
Commissioner Do discusses TLC's efforts to support the city's climate goals, focusing on the Green Rides program and the electrification of the taxi/for-hire fleet. He highlights the progress made and …
1:18:02
·
84 sec
Implementation of in-vehicle advertising in for-hire vehicles
Commissioner Do provides an update on the implementation of Local Law 336 of 2024, which allows for in-vehicle advertising in for-hire vehicles (FHVs). He discusses the progress and next steps …
1:19:27
·
34 sec
Driver lockouts and utilization rates in the for-hire vehicle industry
Commissioner Do addresses the issue of driver lockouts by high-volume for-hire vehicle companies like Uber and Lyft, explaining the background of the driver pay standard and the challenges with the …
1:20:01
·
161 sec
Commuter van sector updates and challenges
Commissioner Do provides an update on the commuter van sector, highlighting the current state of the industry and efforts to address challenges, particularly related to insurance costs. He discusses a …
1:22:43
·
71 sec
Insurance issues in the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry
Commissioner Do addresses the significant insurance issues facing the TLC-licensed industry, particularly focusing on the financial condition of American Transit Company, which insures about two-thirds of TLC-licensed taxis and for-hire …
1:23:55
·
82 sec
Taxi accessibility lawsuit and proposed rules
Commissioner Do addresses recent developments in a lawsuit related to taxi accessibility. He outlines the proposed rules resulting from a Federal District Court order and discusses the potential impact on …
1:25:18
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34 sec
Discussion of Intro 939 on commuter van street hails
Commissioner Do discusses Intro 939, which would authorize commuter vans to accept street hails. He expresses TLC's support for the legislation and suggests a potential modification. - Currently, TLC-licensed commuter …
1:25:53
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24 sec
Discussion of Intro 950 on commuter van violation thresholds
Commissioner Do discusses Intro 950, which proposes changes to the violation thresholds for revoking and suspending commuter van licenses. He provides context on current violation statistics and expresses openness to …
1:26:17
·
46 sec
Discussion of Intro 277 on taxi e-hail trip payments
Commissioner Do discusses Intro 277, which would require taxi e-hail trips to pay drivers at least as much as traditional street hail trips. He explains the background of the FlexFare …
1:27:04
·
133 sec
Discussion of Intro 276 on high-volume company driver deactivations
Commissioner Do discusses Intro 276, which would prohibit high-volume companies from deactivating drivers without just cause or a bona fide economic reason. He expresses support for the bill and outlines …
1:29:17
·
48 sec
Discussion of Intro 323 on maximum lease rates for for-hire vehicles
Commissioner Do discusses Intro 323, which would require TLC to establish maximum rates for leasing, rentals, and purchase arrangements of for-hire vehicles. He explains TLC's current efforts to address leasing …
1:30:06
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129 sec
Details of the agreement between NYC, Uber, and Lyft to reduce driver lockouts
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions Commissioner Do about the July 2024 agreement between NYC, Uber, and Lyft to reduce driver lockouts. The discussion covers the specific commitments made, how they will …
1:32:26
·
6 min
Implementation and impact of the Green Rides EV for-hire vehicle license program
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the Green Rides EV for-hire vehicle license program. Commissioner Do provides details on the number of licenses issued and the program's impact on the industry. …
1:38:55
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3 min
Implementation and effectiveness of the for-hire vehicle license storage program
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions Commissioner Do about the for-hire vehicle license storage program, its implementation, and effectiveness. - The long-term storage program ended in August of the previous year. - …
1:42:23
·
3 min
Challenges facing the commuter van industry and potential solutions
Council Member Brooks-Powers and Commissioner Do discuss the challenges facing the commuter van industry and potential solutions to support its recovery. - The number of commuter van bases, drivers, and …
1:46:08
·
8 min
TLC enforcement of regulations for licensed and unlicensed commuter vans
Council Member Brooks-Powers and Commissioner Do discuss TLC's efforts to enforce regulations for both licensed and unlicensed commuter vans. - Enforcement is carried out by both TLC and NYPD. - …
1:54:32
·
3 min
Enforcement of street hail prohibitions for commuter vans
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the enforcement of street hail prohibitions for commuter vans, and Commissioner Do provides information on TLC's approach. - TLC enforces the street hail prohibition when …
1:57:44
·
62 sec
Council Member Krishnan questions officials on Intro 276 regarding driver deactivations
Council Member Shekar Krishnan questions Commissioner David Do and Assistant Commissioner Carlos Ortiz about Intro 276, which aims to regulate the deactivation of high-volume for-hire vehicle drivers. The discussion covers …
1:58:48
·
172 sec
Council members inquire about EV licenses and Green Rides initiative progress
Council Members Amanda Farías and Selvena N. Brooks-Powers engage in a Q&A session with TLC Commissioner David Do regarding the progress of the Green Rides initiative and the status of …
2:01:40
·
3 min
Testimony by I. Daneek Miller, Former NYC Council Member, on Transportation Equity and Commuter Van Industry
I. Daneek Miller, a former NYC Council Member, testified about transportation equity issues and concerns regarding the commuter van industry. He criticized the TLC's understanding of the current state of …
2:08:01
·
5 min
Coexistence of transportation industries and ridership patterns
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks former former council memberr Miller about how different transportation industries could coexist without diminishing each other, particularly in Southeast Queens. They discuss ridership patterns when commuter …
2:13:12
·
172 sec
Queens bus redesign and potential commuter van integration
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the Queens bus redesign and the potential for commuter vans to fill gaps in service. Former Council Member Miller expresses concerns about creating a multi-fare …
2:16:04
·
112 sec
Transportation policy implications and industry concerns
Former Council Member Miller discusses broader implications of transportation policies on MTA revenue and expresses concerns about potential negative impacts on public transportation. - Miller emphasizes the importance of maintaining …
2:17:57
·
104 sec
Support for Intro 276 on labor rights
Former Council Member Miller expresses strong support for Intro 276, emphasizing its importance for labor rights. - Miller states that Intro 276 'makes all the sense in the world.' - …
2:19:41
·
19 sec
Testimony by Giovanni Ramos, Uber Driver
Giovanni Ramos, an Uber driver, pleads for help after his account was deactivated. He explains his history with Uber, the financial difficulties he now faces, and requests to be allowed …
2:22:15
·
65 sec
Testimony by Ibrahim Zuri, Member of NY Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA), on Driver Deactivation
Ibrahim Zuri, a member of NY Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA) and driver for Uber and Lyft, shared his experience of being deactivated by Uber in 2019. He described the negative …
2:23:26
·
132 sec
Testimony by Jeremy Moskowitz, Executive Vice President of Voyager Global Mobility
Jeremy Moskowitz from Voyager Global Mobility testifies about their role in providing short-term TLC vehicle rentals and highlights the urgent need for addressing insurance issues in the industry. He emphasizes …
2:25:40
·
123 sec
Testimony by Mohammed Ali, Taxi Driver on Uber and Lyft Driver Deactivation
Mohammed Ali, a former Yellow Cab driver who switched to Uber and Lyft, testifies about the issues of driver deactivation by ride-hailing companies. He emphasizes the need for regulations to …
2:28:18
·
95 sec
Testimony by Bamba, Taxi Driver, on Uber Driver Deactivation
Bamba, a long-term taxi driver, shares his personal experience with Uber's driver deactivation practices. He describes being deactivated by Uber in 2019 due to low ratings, despite no complaints against …
2:30:04
·
123 sec
Testimony by a member of NY Taxi Workers Alliance on Driver Deactivation
A member of the NY Taxi Workers Alliance testified about his unfair deactivation by Uber, which resulted in a significant loss of income. He described three incidents that led to …
2:32:16
·
122 sec
Testimony by Dennis Addison, Member of the Public and New York Taxi Alliance Member, on Driver Deactivation Issues
Dennis Addison, a driver for 2.5 years and member of the New York Taxi Alliance, testifies about his unfair deactivation by Uber and Lyft. He describes the financial hardships caused …
2:34:34
·
124 sec
Council members question drivers about IDG process after deactivation
Council Member Shekar Krishnan inquires about the drivers' experiences with the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) process after being deactivated from ride-hailing platforms. The drivers share their frustrations with the lack …
2:36:44
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92 sec
Council members inquire about ongoing charges and current account status
Council Members Selvena N. Brooks-Powers and Shekar Krishnan ask follow-up questions about the ongoing charges drivers face and their current account status with ride-hailing platforms. The drivers provide more details …
2:38:17
·
3 min
Testimony by Yodon Thonden on Intro 100 - Suspending Alternate Side Parking for Losar
Yodon Thonden, a member of the Tibetan community in New York, testified in support of Intro 100, which would suspend alternate side parking for Losar (Tibetan New Year). She emphasized …
2:41:43
·
130 sec
Testimony by Desmond West, President of Royal Rose Transportation, on Commuter Van Regulations
Desmond West, president of Royal Rose Transportation, testified about the commuter van industry and the need to legalize street hails for commuter vans. He emphasized that commuter vans complement existing …
2:44:02
·
89 sec
Testimony by Carmen, Member of New York Taxi Workers Alliance, on Driver Protections and Intro 276
Carmen, a member of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance and an Uber driver for over 11 years, testified in support of Intro 276, which would provide job security and …
2:46:02
·
160 sec
Testimony by Frank Haley, Taxi Driver on Unfair Deactivations and Support for Intro 276
Frank Haley, a TLC licensed driver since 2016, testified in support of Intro 276, emphasizing the need for protection against unfair deactivations by ride-hailing companies. He shared personal experiences of …
2:48:48
·
124 sec
Testimony by Naveed Paracha, Taxi Driver, on Uber Driver Deactivation Issues
Naveed Paracha, an Uber driver since 2018, shares his frustrating experience with unfair deactivation and the company's poor communication. He describes being labeled for illegal driving and right cancellation without …
2:52:36
·
124 sec
Testimony by Suresh, Taxi Driver on Medallion Debt and Flex Fare Issues
Suresh, a taxi driver since 1994, testifies about the financial burden of owning a taxi medallion purchased for $865,000 during the Bloomberg administration. He highlights issues with obtaining loans due …
2:54:47
·
82 sec
Testimony by Samsa Raman, Uber Driver
Samsa Raman, an Uber driver for over 10 years, testified about his recent account deactivation due to alleged unsafe driving. He expressed frustration with Uber's lack of specific information about …
2:56:17
·
125 sec
Testimony by Wei Qing, Taxi Driver
Wei Qing, a taxi driver and medallion owner, testifies about the financial challenges he faces and requests support from the city. He advocates for fair pay rates and an extension …
2:58:28
·
86 sec
Testimony by Akhil Me, Taxi Driver, on Uber Driver Deactivation
Akhil Me, a taxi driver, testified about his experience of being deactivated by Uber without proper justification. He emphasized the importance of Intro 276 in protecting drivers from unfair deactivations …
2:59:58
·
93 sec
Testimony by Ali Langley, Staff Attorney at New York Taxi Workers Alliance on TLC Regulations and Proposed Legislation
Ali Langley, a staff attorney at the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, testified on several proposed bills related to the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry in New York City. She …
3:02:21
·
133 sec
Testimony by Tenzin Dorjee, Lecturer at Columbia University, on Adding Losar to Alternate Side Parking Suspension Calendar
Tenzin Dorjee, a lecturer in political science at Columbia University, testified in support of a bill to add Losar (Tibetan Buddhist New Year) to the alternate side parking suspension calendar. …
3:04:38
·
108 sec
Testimony by Bert Dumont, Ride-Hailing Driver from Queens
Bert Dumont, a ride-hailing driver from Queens, shared his experience of being deactivated by Uber in 2017 due to a dispute over a passenger's service animal. He expressed confusion about …
3:06:31
·
59 sec
Testimony by Tenzin Durjee, Uber and Lyft Driver on Driver Lockouts and Legislation Support
Tenzin Durjee, a part-time Uber and Lyft driver and full-time stay-at-home father, testified about the challenges faced due to driver lockouts and expressed support for legislation to help drivers. He …
3:07:35
·
39 sec
Testimony by Josh Gold, Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications at Uber, on Driver Deactivation Policies
Josh Gold from Uber testified about the company's driver deactivation policies, focusing on Intro 276. He explained that deactivations are a last resort, typically used for safety and fraud prevention, …
3:10:24
·
129 sec
Testimony by Basu Nangil Sherpa, Yellow Cab Driver
Basu Nangil Sherpa, a yellow cab driver since 2005, testifies about his financial struggles with a medallion loan and requests assistance for Tibetan community concerns. He asks for help in …
3:12:49
·
80 sec
Testimony by Milan Pierre Lewis, MTA Bus Operator from Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100
Milan Pierre Lewis, an MTA bus operator with 21 years of experience, testified about safety concerns related to commuter van operators in Jamaica, Queens. He highlighted the unsafe practices of …
3:14:24
·
123 sec
Testimony by Ganeshari, Bus Driver, on Commuter Van Operations
Ganeshari, a bus driver with 18 years of experience, testifies about the inaccuracies in previous statements regarding bus travel times and expresses concerns about the safety and regulation of commuter …
3:16:37
·
63 sec
Testimony by Tenzin Pindo on Intro 100 - Suspending Alternate Side Parking for Losar
Tenzin Pindo, a Tibetan New Yorker, testified in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking in NYC. She shared his …
3:17:57
·
122 sec
Testimony by Chhemang Lama, Board Member of Queens Community Board 2, on Losar Celebration and Driver Concerns
Chhemang Lama, representing Himalayan communities and Queens Community Board 2, expressed support for the Losar celebration bill and addressed concerns as a long-time driver in NYC. He emphasized the importance …
3:20:07
·
79 sec
Uber's complaint monitoring and review process
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about Uber's process for monitoring and reviewing driver complaints. Josh Gold from Uber explains their collaboration with the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) and the AAA panel …
3:21:28
·
108 sec
Types and reasons for driver deactivations on Uber
Josh Gold explains the various types of driver deactivations on Uber's platform, focusing on compliance-related deactivations and more serious permanent deactivations. - 99% of deactivations are compliance-related, such as not …
3:23:16
·
149 sec
Driver lockouts and TLC's utilization rule
Council Member Brooks-Powers expresses concern about driver lockouts, particularly in light of the TLC's fair wage efforts. Josh Gold explains the issues with the TLC's utilization rule and its impact …
3:25:47
·
3 min
Potential improvements to Uber's deactivation process
Council Member Brooks-Powers suggests implementing a grace period for easily fixable issues before driver deactivation. Josh Gold agrees and discusses some improvements Uber has already made. - A grace period …
3:29:18
·
4 min
Bus service and redesign in Southeast Queens
Council Member Brooks-Powers discusses bus service and the Queens bus redesign with TWU member Milan Pierre Lewis, focusing on issues in Southeast Queens. - The bus redesign aims to increase …
3:33:32
·
141 sec
The role of commuter vans in underserved areas
Council Member Brooks-Powers discusses the potential role of licensed commuter vans in areas underserved by buses and trains with TWU member Milan Pierre Lewis. - There's a distinction between licensed …
3:35:54
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3 min
Importance of fair process and notice for driver deactivations
Council Member Krishnan emphasizes the importance of having a fair process for driver deactivations that includes proper notice and an opportunity to be heard. He seeks agreement from Uber on …
3:39:33
·
84 sec
Current Uber deactivation process and its limitations
Council Member Krishnan questions Josh Gold about Uber's current deactivation process, highlighting its limitations and the need for a statutory process that includes prior notice. - Gold explains that the …
3:40:58
·
102 sec
Burden of proof in driver deactivation cases
Council Member Krishnan questions why the burden of proof falls on the driver to reverse a deactivation decision, arguing for a process similar to the legal system's 'innocent until proven …
3:42:39
·
6 min
Types of deactivation cases and their prevalence
Josh Gold explains the different types of deactivation cases and their prevalence, while Council Member Krishnan seeks clarification on non-egregious cases. - Gold states that 99% of deactivations are TLC …
3:49:18
·
131 sec
Discrepancies between Uber's data and driver testimonies
Council Member Krishnan points out the disconnect between Uber's statistics and the testimonies from drivers about their deactivation experiences. - Krishnan notes that many drivers testified about being deactivated for …
3:51:29
·
90 sec
Safeguards for ensuring a fair deactivation process
Council Member Krishnan questions the neutrality and fairness of Uber's deactivation process, given that Uber is involved in multiple stages of the process. - Krishnan asks about safeguards to ensure …
3:53:00
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3 min
Testimony by Richard Cho, Taxi Driver
Richard Cho, a taxi driver with 18 years of experience, testified about issues with e-hail companies' pricing and payment practices. He shared a personal experience with Uber where there was …
3:57:55
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125 sec
Testimony by Giallo Tidjane, Taxi Driver, on Driver Deactivation Issues
Giallo Tidjane, a taxi driver, testifies in support of Intro 276, which aims to end unfair deactivations by ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. He shares observations about situations that …
4:00:05
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123 sec
Testimony by Ugin Sherpa, Organizer at Chhaya Community Development Corporation on Intro 100 and Intro 276
Ugin Sherpa, an organizer at Chhaya Community Development Corporation, testified in support of Intro 100, which would designate Losar Festival as an alternate side parking holiday, and Intro 276, addressing …
4:02:16
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128 sec
Testimony by Kunchok Dolma on Intro 100 for Losar Alternate Side Parking Holiday
Kunchok Dolma, a Tibetan New Yorker, testified in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking in New York City. She …
4:04:28
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104 sec
Testimony by Chhongu Sherpa Rotter, Member of the Himalayan Community
Chhongu Sherpa Rotter, a member of the Himalayan community, testified in support of a bill to suspend alternate side parking on Losar (Tibetan New Year). He explained the significance of …
4:06:27
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119 sec
Testimony by Milan Gasawa, Member of New York Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA) on Uber and Lyft Deactivation Bill
Milan Gasawa, a member of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, testified in support of the Uber and Lyft deactivation bill. He shared personal experiences of being deactivated by Uber, …
4:08:32
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124 sec
Testimony by Alfa Bari, Member of New York Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA)
Alfa Bari, a member of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA) and former Uber and Lyft driver, testified about his experiences with account deactivation and lockouts from ride-hailing platforms. …
4:12:50
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123 sec
Testimony by Saif Aiza, Taxi Driver, on Uber and Lyft Driver Deactivation
Saif Aiza, a taxi driver, testified in support of Intro 276 regarding unfair deactivation practices by ride-hailing companies. He shared his personal experience of being deactivated by Uber and Lyft, …
4:15:02
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125 sec
Testimony by Saifal, Uber Driver on Driver Deactivation
Saifal, an Uber driver, testified about his account deactivation due to alleged substance use, which he disputes. He described the financial hardship caused by the deactivation and criticized Uber's complaint …
4:17:13
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126 sec
Testimony by Adnan Babar, Taxi Driver, on Uber Deactivation Experience
Adnan Babar, a taxi driver, shared his experience of being deactivated by Uber due to false customer complaints. He explained how he was unfairly treated despite providing evidence to counter …
4:19:30
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84 sec
Testimony by Mohammad Bari, Taxi Driver, on Uber and Lyft Deactivations
Mohammad Bari, a taxi driver, shares his experience of being deactivated multiple times by Uber and Lyft over a period of 5 years. He describes the challenges he has faced …
4:21:04
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101 sec
Testimony by Mohammad Bari, Taxi and Ride-hailing Driver
Mohammad Bari, a former taxi driver who later joined Uber and Lyft, testifies about his experiences with unfair deactivations from both platforms. He describes being deactivated by Uber while out …
4:22:51
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107 sec
Testimony by Norbu T. Choezung, Former President of Tibetan Community of New York & New Jersey (TCNYNJ) on Intro 100
Norbu T. Choezung, former president of the Tibetan Community of New York & New Jersey, testifies in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday …
4:25:45
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126 sec
Testimony by Toshi Chappell, Tibetan Refugee and Uber Driver, on Intro 100
Toshi Chappell, a Tibetan refugee and Uber driver, testified in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking in New York …
4:27:59
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128 sec
Testimony by Tsering Diki, Executive Director of New York Tibet and Service Center, on Intro 100 for Losar Parking Holiday
Tsering Diki, Executive Director of New York Tibet and Service Center, testified in support of Intro 100, which would suspend alternate side parking on Losar (Tibetan New Year). She emphasized …
4:30:15
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127 sec
Testimony by Tenzin Tsering, Program Director of New York Tibetan Service Center, on Intro 100
Tenzin Tsering, representing the New York Tibetan Service Center, testified in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking. He emphasized …
4:32:28
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125 sec
Testimony by Dua Yang Zi Sherpa, Spokesperson for United Sherpa Association Inc., on Intro 100 and Intro 276
Dua Yang Zi Sherpa, representing the United Sherpa Association Inc., testified in support of Intro 100 to suspend alternate side parking on Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Intro 276 to …
4:34:37
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120 sec
Testimony by Raul Rivera, Founder of NYC Drivers Unite
Raul Rivera, founder of NYC Drivers Unite, testified in support of commuter vans and lower insurance rates for drivers. He also called for the removal of Uber from New York …
4:36:42
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122 sec
Testimony by Sonam Sangpo, Managing Director of Lo-Nyamship Association USA on Intro 100
Sonam Sangpo, Managing Director of Lo-Nyamship Association USA, testified in support of Intro 100, which would recognize Losar (Tibetan Lunar New Year) as an alternate side parking holiday. He emphasized …
4:39:45
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96 sec
Testimony by Tenzin Putri, Tibetan New Yorker from Queens, on Intro 100
Tenzin Putri, a Tibetan New Yorker from Queens, testified in support of Intro 100, which would designate Losar (Tibetan New Year) as a holiday for alternate side parking (ASP) regulations. …
4:41:28
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89 sec
Testimony by Charing Sherpa, Member of the Public, on Intro 100 and Losar Alternate Side Parking Holiday
Charing Sherpa, a New Yorker of Himalayan descent, testified in support of Intro 100, which would designate Losar (Tibetan New Year) as an alternate side parking holiday. She emphasized the …
4:43:04
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103 sec
Testimony by Zubin Soleimany, Staff Attorney from New York Taxi Works Alliance (TWA) on Intro 276 and Driver Deactivation
Zubin Soleimany, a staff attorney with the New York Taxi Works Alliance, testifies in support of Intro 276, addressing the unique challenges faced by for-hire drivers when deactivated from ride-hailing …
4:44:51
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125 sec
Testimony by Taxi Driver on Uber Deactivation and Ride-Hailing App Issues
A taxi driver testifies about their experience with Uber, including deactivation after only two months despite having over 17,000 rides and a 5-star rating. The driver expresses frustration with the …
4:47:14
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80 sec
Testimony by Marlene Cruz, Member of New York Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA)
Marlene Cruz, a mother of two and an Uber and Lyft driver since 2017, testifies about the unfair practice of driver lockouts and its impact on her ability to earn …
4:48:40
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64 sec
Q&A on lockouts and driver payroll
Council Member Shekar Krishnan asks about the relationship between lockouts and driver payroll. Zubin Soleimany from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance explains that lockouts were not contemplated in the …
4:49:51
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130 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public
Christopher Leon Johnson testifies in support of both the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) and the Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA), urging them to stop conflicts and unite against unfair deactivation practices …
4:52:46
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131 sec
Testimony by Chaudry Adnan, Taxi Driver, on Uber Account Deactivation
Chaudry Adnan, a taxi driver, testifies about his Uber account being deactivated despite his long service and high rating. He explains the difficulties he faced in trying to reactivate his …
4:55:00
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57 sec
Testimony by Mohammad Bari, Taxi Driver, on behalf of Ibrahim Makali Dijalu, Uber and Lyft Driver
Mohammad Bari translates for Ibrahim Makali Dijalu, an Uber and Lyft driver who was deactivated due to low ratings. Dijalu explains his difficult situation and appeals for help to regain …
4:56:24
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94 sec
Testimony by Samina Syed, Taxi Driver and Lyft Driver
Samina Syed, a former Yellow Cab driver now working for Lyft, testifies about her recent account deactivation by Lyft due to a misunderstanding with a passenger. She expresses frustration with …
4:58:07
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124 sec
Testimony by Tashi Dolma, Tibetan Community Member from Queens, New York
Tashi Dolma, a Tibetan community member from Queens, New York, testified in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking. She …
5:00:35
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81 sec
Testimony by Dorel Tamam, Head of Mobile Operations at Curb Mobility on Intro 277
Dorel Tamam, representing Curb Mobility, testifies against Intro 277, arguing that it would make taxis less competitive in the e-hail market. He emphasizes the importance of flexible pricing for taxis …
5:02:13
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121 sec
Testimony by Yohannes Lie, Taxi Driver, on Intro 277
Yohannes Lie, a taxi driver, expresses his support for Intro 277 and shares his positive experiences with the Curb app during slow business periods. He appreciates Curb's support and consistency …
5:04:49
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29 sec
Testimony by Akouete Afandalo, Taxi Driver, on Intro 277 and Curb App
Akouete Afandalo, a taxi driver with over 20 years of experience, strongly supports Intro 277 and praises the positive impact of the Curb app on the taxi industry. He highlights …
5:05:26
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96 sec
Testimony by Md Karim, Taxi Driver, on Intro 277
Md Karim, a taxi driver since 2014, testified in opposition to Intro 277. He praised the introduction of e-hail offers by Curb, which has increased his earnings and provided passengers …
5:07:09
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68 sec
Testimony by Tsetan Dekyi, Tibetan New Yorker from Queens
Tsetan Dekyi, a Tibetan New Yorker from Queens, testifies in support of Intro 100, which would make Losar (Tibetan New Year) a holiday for alternate side parking. She emphasizes the …
5:08:45
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96 sec
Testimony by Nicole Salk, Staff Attorney at Legal Services NYC
Nicole Salk, a staff attorney at Brooklyn Legal Services (part of Legal Services NYC), testifies in support of Intro 276, which addresses unfair deactivations of ride-hailing drivers. She shares her …
5:10:28
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124 sec
Testimony by Israel Acevado, Taxi Driver, on Driver Deactivation and For-Hire Vehicle Industry Issues
Israel Acevado, a taxi driver with 9 years of experience, testifies in support of Intro 276, which would provide a transparent process for driver deactivations. He shares his personal experience …
5:12:57
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77 sec
Testimony by Mohammed Mohammed, Uber and Lyft Driver and Member of NY Taxi Workers Alliance (TWA)
Mohammed Mohammed, an Uber and Lyft driver for 10 years and a member of NY Taxi Workers Alliance, testified in support of Intro 276, which aims to regulate driver deactivations. …
5:15:00
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123 sec
Testimony by Neema Sherpa, Uber Driver, on Driver Deactivation
Neema Sherpa testified on behalf of another driver, Numen Sharpa, who was permanently deactivated by Uber in 2020 due to two incidents. The testimony highlights the unfairness of the deactivation …
5:18:43
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89 sec
Testimony by Ugin Pema, Taxi Owner-Driver from New York
Ugin Pema, a Tibetan taxi owner-driver living in New York for over 26 years, testified in support of making Losar (Tibetan New Year) an alternate side parking holiday. He also …
5:22:00
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125 sec
