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Q&A

The role of commuter vans in underserved areas

3:35:54

·

3 min

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 and unlicensed commuter vans
Licensed commuter vans could potentially serve areas not covered by buses or trains
Concerns exist about unlicensed vans and their impact on bus operations and safety
The council member expresses interest in working with all stakeholders to find solutions that balance community needs with driver and public safety

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

3:35:54

And I agree in terms of folks on the bus lanes, which is a pet peeve, but it's my hope that the new automated cameras will take care of that behavior in terms of the parking and the bus stops.

3:36:07

Do you think that So earlier, first of all, I know that it was said by Mister Morrison when he was testifying that there is a difference in terms of the commuter vans.

3:36:17

Right?

3:36:17

There are some that are there's only about, like, 3940 that are actually like, with their credentials and everything like that.

3:36:25

But then there's another aspect that they are not licensed and registered with the TLC.

Amanda Farías

3:36:32

Right.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

3:36:33

And so I I understand anything in the bus route is a problem.

3:36:40

I actually agree with that because we don't we we're trying to find ways for you to speed up service.

3:36:47

However, there are areas that the buses do not touch and the trains do not touch as well.

3:36:54

So not thinking about the unregistered bands because I think that's gonna come with enforcement, and I I'm looking forward to work with TLC.

3:37:03

As they onboard more TLC offices and working with NYPD in terms of enforcement in that space.

3:37:09

Because as I said, I have issues in Rosedale with some of the ones that are not licensed and registered.

3:37:15

But for those that are licensed, registered, and following the rules, do you feel that there is a a potential for them to be helpful in terms of and not only looking through the lens as a a a driver, but as a lens of a member of the community, do you feel that there is a need in those areas where there's no buses and no trains that access those areas?

Milan Pierre Lewis

3:37:45

I would say yes because I do have some coworkers that works around Jamaica's Belmont going to Belmont, and we do have a lot of people that take the buses that goes down to Belmont, which is the 1 the q 110.

3:38:00

And we do have a lot of people that do take the dollar events because they will place there's spaces that they wanna stop.

3:38:07

The bus stop don't there's no there's no bus stop there.

3:38:10

So instead of getting on a bus, they would jump on a dollar van.

3:38:14

But if they if they are licensed and they are following the rules that we followed, you know, they could do their job, and we do ours.

3:38:24

But it's the fact that they are taking in they are taking in into up our job and making the hard and making it unsafe for us and for the pedestrian that's on the road.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

3:38:39

No.

3:38:39

I I totally agree with that.

3:38:41

And I look forward to having additional conversations with t w a t u, the commuter industry, Nitesua, and the administration to continue to have these conversations.

3:38:53

Obviously, these bills, we hear them are just a opportunity for us to talk about it, to hear all sides of a conversation, but then there's another phase of this process where there's negotiations and there's give and takes.

3:39:08

So I'm looking forward to working with all stakeholders in this because you know, there is a need for it in communities like the ones that I represent as, you know, you agree with also.

3:39:19

But then at the same time, we wanna ensure all drivers and all industries are safe, as well as the ones that the the public that's utilizing these services.

3:39:29

So I thank you, and I'm gonna pass it to council member, Krishna.

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