Livery drivers protest against TLC for ‘unnecessary’ fines

Livery drivers are protesting against the agency watching over them, saying the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission has been fining them for no reason.

News 12 Staff

Oct 30, 2019, 4:12 PM

Updated 1,654 days ago

Share:

Livery drivers are protesting against the agency watching over them, saying the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission has been fining them for no reason.
Over 25 union groups gathered Wednesday along East 149 Street and Trinity Avenue to protest in unity.
The protest revolves around the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. The agency is being accused of targeting drivers for unnecessary reasons and taking advantage of them.
Union leaders say agents are pretending to hail a cab and once the driver stops they're fined.
Under TLC rules, it’s illegal for livery drivers to pick up anyone flagging down a cab. If drivers do so, they risk a $200 ticket and a possible license suspension. News 12 is told some drivers have racked up to $25,000 in fines.
Drivers News 12 spoke with say they have been asking the TLC to change the rule for years, adding it's becoming harder and harder for independent drivers to find fares, making it nearly impossible to make a living without getting at least seven riders a day.
The livery drivers say they plan to drive down to 193rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan in hope of getting the TLC to listen.

Not only do they want the TLC to make it legal to pick up street hails. They're also looking for better pay on their terms.
A spokesperson from TLC said in a statement, "It’s absolutely true that illegal, unlicensed drivers are being summonsed for illegal pick-up. I understand that’s frustrating for drivers who can’t legally obtain a license for various reasons of their own, but these are very smart laws put in place by both State and City legislation to protect public safety, and our lawmakers have given the TLC the responsibility of enforcing them to protect the riding public and both drivers and legitimate, licensed operators. The vehicles we’re talking about are generally not insured for for-hire use, meaning that passengers have no protection in the instance of a crash, they aren’t inspected by the TLC for safety, and they are driven by people who have not been background-checked or drug-tested by the TLC."


More from News 12
1:45
NYPD: Driver wanted for hitting 2 women, killing 1 in Bushwick

NYPD: Driver wanted for hitting 2 women, killing 1 in Bushwick

2:08
Cool and calm Saturday ahead; chances for showers on Mother's Day

Cool and calm Saturday ahead; chances for showers on Mother's Day

2:21
Grieving father turns to advocacy in name of deceased fiancée

Grieving father turns to advocacy in name of deceased fiancée

0:44
East New York gang leader sentenced to 23 years in prison

East New York gang leader sentenced to 23 years in prison

1:52
NYCHA to cut security guards from dozens of senior buildings

NYCHA to cut security guards from dozens of senior buildings

1:32
CUNY to provide resources for students following FAFSA fiasco

CUNY to provide resources for students following FAFSA fiasco

1:09
Baby changing stations to be installed in all NYC parks bathrooms

Baby changing stations to be installed in all NYC parks bathrooms

1:51
Dyker Heights resident goes from heavy smoker to half marathon runner

Dyker Heights resident goes from heavy smoker to half marathon runner

1:40
NYPD: One woman dead, another injured in hit-and-run in Bushwick

NYPD: One woman dead, another injured in hit-and-run in Bushwick

1:53
Bushwick tenant displaced by fire tries to rebuild life while living in shelter

Bushwick tenant displaced by fire tries to rebuild life while living in shelter

1:28
Bushwick families displaced by massive fire receive clothes, supplies at relief drive

Bushwick families displaced by massive fire receive clothes, supplies at relief drive

1:58
Local officials and loved ones of victims rally for stricter laws against 'drugged drivers'

Local officials and loved ones of victims rally for stricter laws against 'drugged drivers'

0:52
Brooklyn teacher honored by News 12 during Teacher Appreciation Week

Brooklyn teacher honored by News 12 during Teacher Appreciation Week

1:55
New law allows NYC to set its own speed limits amid spike in traffic deaths

New law allows NYC to set its own speed limits amid spike in traffic deaths

1:55
​NYPD: Cyclist in critical condition after striking car door then ran over by school bus in Bensonhurst

​NYPD: Cyclist in critical condition after striking car door then ran over by school bus in Bensonhurst

1:44
Maimondes Health, Parker and Talia give away 1,000 sensory-free onesies to newborns

Maimondes Health, Parker and Talia give away 1,000 sensory-free onesies to newborns

0:50
Marine officials: Dead whale caught on cruise ship's bow in Brooklyn

Marine officials: Dead whale caught on cruise ship's bow in Brooklyn

1:02
Carroll Gardens pizzeria namedropped in Drake, Kendrick Lamar rap feud

Carroll Gardens pizzeria namedropped in Drake, Kendrick Lamar rap feud

0:31
Officials: 3 people involved in Brooklyn gang, death of 1-year-old sentenced to prison

Officials: 3 people involved in Brooklyn gang, death of 1-year-old sentenced to prison

0:31
City Parks Foundation opens registration for free 2024 summer sports programs

City Parks Foundation opens registration for free 2024 summer sports programs