PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Frank Haley, Taxi Driver on Unfair Deactivations and Support for Intro 276
2:48:48
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124 sec
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 unjust treatment by Lyft and the MTA, highlighting the lack of recourse and transparency in the current system.
- Described an incident where a Lyft passenger filed a false complaint, and Lyft didn't provide enough information for him to defend himself
- Mentioned being deactivated by the MTA for allegedly missing a drug test, which he claims he was never notified about
- Criticized the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) for not following up on his case despite claiming an 80% success rate
- Stressed the severe financial consequences of deactivation for drivers, including potential poverty due to ongoing car payments and loss of income
Frank Haley
2:48:48
Hello, city council.
2:48:49
My name is Frank Haley.
2:48:50
I've been a TLC licensed driver since 2016.
2:48:54
I worked for Uber, Lyft, and I worked for apps that dispatch MTA accessory trips.
2:49:00
I'm here to support intro 276.
2:49:03
Hopefully, that gets passed.
2:49:05
Drivers need something to protect them.
2:49:08
Against unfair deactivations.
2:49:10
We have absolutely nothing.
2:49:11
I mean, any app or any client can make a story up lie.
2:49:16
Recently, I had a lift passenger just lie because, you know, she was in a rush.
2:49:19
She wanted to get there quick.
2:49:20
She wanted me to drive quicker.
2:49:23
Told her no to be vindictive.
2:49:24
She filed a complaint against me.
2:49:26
Lyft didn't even give me the the the date of the incident.
2:49:30
So even if I have Dash came in my car, I can't even defend myself if they don't even provide that information.
2:49:36
They don't disclose the time and date of the incident they're referring to, and they can just come against you with anything.
2:49:42
And it's very hard for a driver to defend themselves.
2:49:45
I was also deactivated from the MTA because they claimed I didn't take a drug test.
2:49:51
And was never notified from the app companies, and it was completely unfair.
2:49:57
It was never disclosed that they would do random drug tests.
2:50:01
Drivers are also not compensated for those drug tests.
2:50:03
It's and and when they deactivate, you have no recourse.
2:50:08
I did try to file claims with IDG.
2:50:12
They, you know, they have a website where you can submit claims.
2:50:15
They didn't even get back to me.
2:50:16
I opened the opened the case.
2:50:18
They gave me a case number.
2:50:19
They signed a Stewart.
2:50:21
But they they never got back to me.
2:50:23
You know, they claim an 80% success rate.
2:50:26
What is the I I doubt that's that's that's accurate.
2:50:30
I mean, this is very important drivers they'll lose all their income.
2:50:34
Right?
2:50:34
If you deactivate them, they have car bills to pay.
2:50:37
Soon as you deactivate them, the the the the the the you write to poverty.
2:50:41
I mean, it's I'm asking the city council to to seriously consider past this bill.
2:50:46
Drivers need these protections.
2:50:48
And it's it's long overdue.
2:50:50
So I hope you pass it.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
2:50:52
Thank you.