New York City Council
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Feb 10, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 42 min
Summary
A hearing on the status of the yellow cab industry and proposed legislation affecting taxis and for-hire vehicles in New York City.
Discussions focused on:
- Vehicle accessibility requirements
- The impact of congestion pricing
- Driver compensation
- Insurance coverage
Key bills addressed included:
- Requiring warning decals for cyclists
- Extending vehicle retirement dates
- Studying electric vehicle adoption
- Potentially lowering insurance requirements
Features testimony from the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), industry stakeholders, disability advocates, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Brooks-Powers introduces the transportation and infrastructure hearing
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers opens the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, introducing herself as the chair. She announces that the focus of the hearing will be on the …
0:00:28
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17 sec
Overview of legislation to be discussed in the hearing
Council Member Brooks-Powers outlines the legislation to be discussed during the hearing, including several introductions and a resolution related to the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry in New York City. …
0:00:45
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87 sec
Overview of changes in the taxi and limousine industry
Council Member Brooks-Powers provides an overview of the significant changes in the taxi and limousine industry over the past decade, highlighting the challenges faced by yellow cab drivers and medallion …
0:02:13
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84 sec
Taxi Medallion Owner Relief Program and additional debt relief measures
Council Member Brooks-Powers discusses the Taxi Medallion Owner Relief Program and subsequent measures implemented to assist struggling medallion owners with their debt. - The program helps small medallion owners restructure …
0:03:38
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45 sec
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the taxi industry
Council Member Brooks-Powers highlights the additional challenges faced by the taxi industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing effects. - The pandemic further reduced daily trips and driver …
0:04:25
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25 sec
Implementation of congestion pricing and its impact on taxis
Council Member Brooks-Powers discusses the recently implemented congestion pricing program in New York City and its effects on the taxi industry. - The program launched on January 5, 2025 - …
0:04:50
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39 sec
Overview of topics to be discussed in the hearing
Council Member Brooks-Powers outlines the various topics that will be addressed during the hearing, emphasizing the challenges faced by drivers in recent years. - Topics include TLC's electrification efforts, yellow …
0:05:30
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56 sec
Invitation for legislation sponsors to speak
Council Member Brooks-Powers concludes her opening remarks by inviting the sponsors of the various pieces of legislation to speak about their proposals. - She invites sponsors of Intros 193, 373, …
0:06:27
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20 sec
Majority Leader Amanda Farías presents Introduction 676 and Resolution 80 on electric and accessible for-hire vehicles
Majority Leader Amanda Farías introduces and explains two pieces of legislation: - Introduction 676, which calls for a comprehensive study on expanding electric for-hire vehicles in NYC - Resolution 80, …
0:06:48
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3 min
Introduction and overview of TLC testimony
Commissioner David Do of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) introduces himself and sets the context for the hearing on the taxi industry. He explains that he …
0:11:16
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38 sec
Current state of the yellow cab industry: trips, revenue, and trends
Commissioner Do presents data on the current state of the yellow cab industry, highlighting recent improvements and ongoing challenges. He notes that while trip numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels, …
0:11:54
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117 sec
Initial impact of congestion pricing on the taxi industry
Commissioner Do discusses the early data on the impact of congestion pricing on the taxi industry. While noting it's too early for a comprehensive assessment, he shares some initial positive …
0:13:52
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68 sec
Wheelchair accessibility initiatives and challenges in the taxi industry
Commissioner Do addresses the critical issue of wheelchair accessibility in the taxi industry, highlighting recent developments and ongoing challenges. He emphasizes the impact of court-ordered requirements and the financial implications …
0:15:01
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63 sec
Intro 193: Requiring cyclist warning decals on taxis and for-hire vehicles
Commissioner Do discusses Intro 193, which would require all taxis and for-hire vehicles to display a decal warning passengers to look for cyclists when opening doors. He outlines the TLC's …
0:16:06
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102 sec
Intro 373: Extending vehicle retirement dates for taxis
Commissioner Do addresses Intro 373, which proposes allowing taxi owners to extend their vehicle retirement dates during the COVID-19 state of emergency. He explains the TLC's position on the bill …
0:17:50
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97 sec
Intro 676: Study on electrifying the TLC-licensed fleet
Commissioner Do discusses Intro 676, which would require TLC to conduct a study and issue a report on the costs and challenges of electrifying the TLC-licensed fleet. He outlines the …
0:19:27
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3 min
Intro 1050: Reducing Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance requirements
Commissioner Do addresses Intro 1050, which would prohibit TLC from requiring licensed vehicles to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage greater than state law, effectively reducing it from $200,000 to …
0:22:36
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91 sec
Conclusion and invitation for questions
Commissioner Do concludes his testimony by thanking the committee for the opportunity to provide an update on the taxi industry and offer the administration's positions on the proposed bills. He …
0:24:07
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24 sec
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa's remarks on Intro 1050 and the taxi industry
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa, the prime sponsor of Intro 1050, addresses the committee about the importance of the taxi and limousine industry to New York City's economy …
0:24:40
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174 sec
Current medallion values and TLC's role in the market
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about current medallion values and the TLC's role in the market. Commissioner David Do provides information on recent medallion transfer prices and explains that the TLC …
0:27:36
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4 min
Overview and impact of the Taxi Medallion Owner Relief Program
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the Taxi Medallion Owner Relief Program (MRP and MRP Plus), and Commissioner Do provides details on its impact, funding, and current status. - The program …
0:31:56
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7 min
Update on the e-hail program for yellow and green taxis
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks for an update on the e-hail program for yellow and green taxis. Commissioner Do provides information on the program's progress and impact on driver revenue. - …
0:39:10
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4 min
Accessibility and wheelchair accessible vehicles in taxi and FHV fleets
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the progress of accessibility initiatives in the taxi and FHV industries. Commissioner Do provides updates on the number of wheelchair accessible vehicles and incentives for …
0:43:48
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5 min
Early impact of congestion pricing on taxi and FHV industry
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the early impact of congestion pricing on the taxi and FHV industry. Commissioner Do provides initial data and insights on trip volumes and surcharges. - …
0:49:48
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4 min
Current state of electric vehicles in NYC taxi and FHV fleet
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about the current number of electric for-hire vehicles (FHVs) licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Commissioner David Do provides this information. - The …
0:54:36
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14 sec
TLC's GreenRise initiative and sustainability efforts
Commissioner David Do discusses the TLC's GreenRise initiative and progress towards sustainability goals in the taxi and for-hire vehicle industry. - The TLC aims for 100% of trips to be …
0:54:49
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54 sec
TLC's report on electrification and charging infrastructure
Commissioner David Do discusses key points from the TLC's report on electrification in the for-hire vehicle fleet, focusing on charging infrastructure improvements and data-driven planning. - The TLC has published …
0:55:46
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95 sec
Efforts to introduce wheelchair accessible electric vehicles
Commissioner David Do discusses the TLC's efforts to introduce wheelchair accessible electric vehicles to the market and the challenges they face. - The TLC has engaged with manufacturers and medallion …
0:57:37
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81 sec
Potential amendments to Intro 676 regarding wheelchair accessibility
Council Member Amanda Farías and Commissioner David Do discuss the possibility of including wheelchair accessibility in the study proposed by Intro 676. - Commissioner Do emphasizes the importance of considering …
0:58:59
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53 sec
Council Member De La Rosa questions Commissioner Do on taxi insurance regulation and fraud
Council Member Carmen N. De La Rosa questions TLC Commissioner David Do about the city's legal powers in regulating insurance for taxi and for-hire vehicles, the susceptibility of PIP insurance …
0:59:59
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3 min
Progress and challenges in achieving 50% wheelchair accessible yellow taxi fleet
Council Member Narcisse inquires about the city's progress towards having 50% of the active yellow taxi fleet wheelchair accessible by the March 31, 2025 deadline. Commissioner Do responds with current …
1:04:18
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158 sec
Concerns over congestion pricing impact on taxi industry
Council Member Narcisse raises concerns about the impact of congestion pricing on taxi fleets, noting drivers' worries despite potential long-term benefits. Commissioner Do acknowledges these concerns and discusses the cumulative …
1:06:56
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95 sec
Addressing financial burdens on medallion owners
Council Member Banks inquires about measures to address the financial burden on medallion owners due to plummeting medallion values. Commissioner Do discusses the implementation of the MRP and MRP Plus …
1:08:36
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132 sec
Leveling the playing field between yellow cabs and FHVs
Council Member Banks asks about TLC's plans to level the playing field between yellow cabs and for-hire vehicles (FHVs) like Uber and Lyft. Commissioner Do discusses recent measures and challenges …
1:10:48
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131 sec
Modernizing the yellow cab industry through technology
Council Member Banks inquires about steps taken to modernize the yellow cab industry and integrate it into the technology space. Commissioner Do highlights the technological advancements in New York City's …
1:12:59
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95 sec
Council Member Ariola questions TLC Commissioner on discriminatory practices and complaint procedures
Council Member Joann Ariola raises concerns about discriminatory practices against wheelchair users by taxi drivers and the difficulty in filing complaints against for-hire vehicles that refuse rides. TLC Commissioner David …
1:14:40
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3 min
Introduction to PIP insurance requirements in NYC
Council Member Brooks-Powers introduces the topic of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance for TLC vehicles in New York City. She explains that NYC requires $200,000 of PIP coverage, which is …
1:18:16
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38 sec
Reasons for higher PIP insurance requirements in NYC
Commissioner Do explains why New York City requires higher PIP insurance coverage for TLC vehicles compared to the state requirement. The main reasons are the extended operating hours of TLC …
1:18:55
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77 sec
Determination of $200,000 PIP insurance requirement
Commissioner Do explains how the $200,000 PIP insurance requirement for TLC vehicles was determined. The amount was set in the 1990s based on the operating patterns of TLC vehicles. - …
1:20:14
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31 sec
Insurance fraud concerns and ATIC insolvency
Council Member Brooks-Powers raises concerns about insurance fraud and the insolvency of American Transit Insurance Company (ATIC), which provides PIP insurance to 60% of for-hire vehicles in the city. Commissioner …
1:20:47
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96 sec
Impact of PIP insurance rates on fraud and injury compensation
The council member and commissioner discuss the potential impact of higher PIP insurance rates on fraud likelihood and concerns about lowering the rates. Commissioner Do provides cautious responses due to …
1:22:24
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102 sec
TLC's data collection on PIP insurance claims
The council member inquires about the TLC's data collection practices regarding PIP insurance claims. Commissioner Do explains the limitations of TLC's role in this area. - TLC does not collect …
1:24:09
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40 sec
NYC's unique driving conditions and insurance requirements
The council member and commissioner discuss whether New York City's unique driving conditions warrant higher required insurance coverage. Commissioner Do provides a measured response. - Do acknowledges that TLC drivers …
1:24:50
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31 sec
Potential savings from lowering PIP insurance requirements
The council member inquires about the potential savings for drivers if PIP insurance requirements were lowered. Commissioner Do provides information based on conversations he's had, but emphasizes the lack of …
1:25:22
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42 sec
Coverage implications for injured individuals if PIP insurance is lowered
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about the potential consequences for injured individuals if PIP insurance coverage is lowered to $50,000. Commissioner Do is unable to provide a definitive answer. - The …
1:26:06
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27 sec
Council Member Banks questions TLC Commissioner on yellow cab industry's future
Council Member Chris Banks engages in a Q&A session with TLC Commissioner David Do about the future of the yellow cab industry in New York City. They discuss the long-term …
1:26:34
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4 min
Council Member Brooks-Powers questions TLC on vehicle retirement extensions and Intro 373
Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers inquires about Intro 373, focusing on vehicle retirement extensions for taxi drivers and the potential impact of the proposed legislation. TLC Commissioner David Do and …
1:31:26
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3 min
Testimony by Jean Ryan, President of Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York (DIA), on Taxi Accessibility
Jean Ryan, President of Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York (DIA), testified about the long-standing struggle for taxi accessibility for people with disabilities in NYC. She highlighted the slow …
1:39:12
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145 sec
Testimony by Eman Rimawi-Doster, Senior Community Organizer of the Disability Justice Program at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI)
Eman Rimawi-Doster from NYLPI advocates for the integration of accessibility and electrification in New York City's for-hire vehicle industry. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to transportation that …
1:41:57
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158 sec
Testimony by Robert Acevedo from Disabled in Action (DIA) on Accessible Dispatch and Cyclist Warning Decals
Robert Acevedo from Disabled in Action testified about the importance of maintaining the accessible dispatch system for taxis and the need for warning decals about cyclists and e-scooters. He expressed …
1:44:41
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132 sec
Testimony by Julia Yepez on Accessible Transportation for People with Disabilities
Julia Yepez, a resident of the Little Caribbean section of Brooklyn, testifies about the challenges faced by wheelchair users in accessing reliable and respectful transportation services. She emphasizes the importance …
1:47:05
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91 sec
Testimony by Wen Chen, Medallion Owner/Taxi Driver
Wen Chen, a medallion owner and taxi driver, testified on various issues affecting the taxi industry in NYC. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the current PIP coverage, increasing funding …
1:49:49
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121 sec
Testimony by Richard Chow, Member of New York Taxi Workers Alliance
Richard Chow, a taxi driver and member of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, testified against lowering the personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage from $200,000 to $50,000. He shared …
1:51:57
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125 sec
Testimony by Carmen Cruz, Member of New York Taxi Workers Alliance on Insurance Requirements for Ride-Hailing Drivers
Carmen Cruz, a member of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance with over eleven years of experience driving for Uber and Lyft, testified against reducing insurance coverage for ride-hailing drivers. …
1:54:23
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82 sec
Testimony by Allison Langley, Staff Attorney at New York Taxi Workers Alliance
Allison Langley from the New York Taxi Workers Alliance testified about the ongoing economic crisis facing yellow cab owners and the challenges of transitioning to wheelchair accessible vehicles. She urged …
1:55:53
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152 sec
Testimony by Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of New York Taxi Workers Alliance, on Intro 1050
Bhairavi Desai, representing the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, expresses strong concerns about Intro 1050, which proposes to reduce Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage for taxi drivers. She argues …
1:58:30
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140 sec
Testimony by Freddi Goldstein, Representative from Uber
Freddi Goldstein, representing Uber, testified in support of Intro 1050, which aims to reduce personal injury protection (PIP) insurance requirements for for-hire vehicle drivers in New York City. She argued …
2:01:41
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121 sec
Testimony by Peter Mazer, General Counsel of Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade
Peter Mazer, representing the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, addressed two main issues affecting the NYC medallion taxi industry: high insurance costs and funding for accessible vehicles. He urged the …
2:03:47
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3 min
Testimony by Geoff Berman, Director of Public Policy at Lyft
Geoff Berman from Lyft testifies in support of legislation to lower the required Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage for TLC drivers from $200,000 to $50,000. He argues this change …
2:07:18
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140 sec
Discussion on how lowering PIP requirements would combat insurance fraud
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about how the proposed bill to lower PIP insurance requirements would combat fraud. The discussion focuses on the potential for nefarious actors to exploit higher coverage …
2:09:38
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28 sec
Examination of insurance coverage adequacy in various scenarios
Council Member Brooks-Powers probes the adequacy of the proposed $50,000 PIP coverage in various scenarios, including multi-victim accidents and severe injuries. The discussion covers different types of insurance coverage and …
2:10:06
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3 min
Impact of reduced PIP insurance on drivers and passengers
Council Member Brooks-Powers addresses concerns raised by drivers in a previous panel and questions the potential risks to passengers if no-fault insurance is reduced. The discussion covers the options for …
2:14:00
·
96 sec
Examination of medical costs and insurance coverage in accident scenarios
Council Member Brooks-Powers inquires about specific medical costs and how they would be covered under the proposed insurance changes. The discussion includes real-world examples of medical expenses and explanations of …
2:15:36
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163 sec
Testimony by KJ Singh, President and Chief Operating Officer of Maya Assurance Company, on Insurance Challenges in the For-Hire Vehicle Industry
KJ Singh, President and COO of Maya Assurance Company, testified about the challenges in providing insurance for the for-hire vehicle industry, particularly focusing on no-fault insurance abuse. He explained why …
2:18:19
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129 sec
Testimony by Michael Ring, Vice President of Disabled in Action, on Accessibility Issues in NYC Taxis
Michael Ring, Vice President of Disabled in Action, testified about accessibility issues in NYC taxis, particularly focusing on the challenges faced by wheelchair users. He highlighted the lack of incentives …
2:20:33
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125 sec
Testimony by Matthew Daus, Transportation Technology Chair at CUNY City College
Matthew Daus, former NYC Taxi and Limousine Commissioner and current Transportation Technology Chair at CUNY City College, testified about ongoing research on the insurance crisis in the NYC taxi industry. …
2:22:58
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4 min
Council member inquires about the timeline for insurance reform report
Council Member Brooks-Powers asks Matthew Daus about the finalization date of the report on insurance reforms. Daus provides information on the report's timeline and some of its recommendations. - Report …
2:27:40
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31 sec
Testimony by Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC, on Intro 193
Eric McClure, Executive Director of StreetsPAC, testified in strong support of Intro 193, which would require taxis and for-hire vehicles to display decals reminding passengers to look for cyclists before …
2:28:34
·
124 sec
Testimony by Andrew Greenblatt, Policy Director of Independent Drivers Guild (IDG) on Intro 1050
Andrew Greenblatt, Policy Director of the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG), testified in support of Intro 1050, which aims to lower the minimum personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage for for-hire …
2:30:55
·
96 sec
Testimony by Israel Acevedo, Owner/Operator and For Hire Vehicle Driver on Insurance Rates for For-Hire Vehicles
Israel Acevedo, an owner/operator of a for-hire vehicle, testifies in support of a local law to limit liability coverage requirements for TLC-licensed vehicles. He describes the increasing insurance rates he …
2:33:02
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76 sec
Testimony by Kathleen Collins, Disabled New Yorker, on Taxi Accessibility and Electric Vehicles
Kathleen Collins, a disabled New Yorker, testified against Intro 373-2024 and proposed amendments to Intro 676-2024 and Resolution 80-2024. She emphasized the importance of wheelchair accessibility in taxis and for-hire …
2:34:28
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104 sec
Testimony by Robert Grey, Attorney on No-Fault Insurance Coverage for Taxi and For-Hire Vehicle Drivers
Robert Grey, an attorney with 37 years of experience representing injured workers including taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers, testified against lowering no-fault insurance coverage. He emphasized the importance of maintaining …
2:36:21
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3 min
Testimony by Raul Rivera, TLC Driver and Advocate
Raul Rivera, a TLC driver and advocate, testified against Intro 1050 and in favor of Intro 193, while emphasizing the importance of recognizing TLC drivers as small business owners rather …
2:39:49
·
83 sec