Car services, taxi drivers seeing influx of riders traveling in snow, ice in Williamsburg
New Brooklyn Car Service company’s president, Peter Caba, said about 20 of their 80 drivers are either stuck at home or worried about the weather.
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The snow and ice are still making it difficult for many Brooklyn residents to drive around, so some are relying on car services and taxi drivers.
Tony Pacheco, a driver in Williamsburg, said he’s seeing an influx of concerned riders.
“[They may be] afraid that they might fall, but it’s a hassle just to walk about,” said Pacheco. “So those types of conditions create more of a demand for us.”
But that demand could be dangerous.
Pacheco drives for New Brooklyn Car Service, where the company’s president, Peter Caba, said about 20 of their 80 drivers are either stuck at home or worried about the weather.
“I got stuck, and I had about 15 kids helping me to get out with the shovel and pushing and everything,” said Pacheco.
Two days after the storm, Pacheco told News 12 that things were progressing.
“The main streets, the main avenues, are cleaner,” said Pacheco. “The side streets need a little bit more care, if you will.”
But he said New Yorkers are not out of the woods just yet.
“People are throwing the snow back into the street; and when you’re throwing these hard chunks of ice into the street, it creates a hazard,” said Pacheco. “The car is low. You don’t want to damage the car.”
Statements from the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD):
“Tips & Patience matter now more than ever,” said Fernando Mateo, spokesman for NYSFTD. “Many drivers are staying home because the conditions are simply too dangerous, yet thousands continue to work so patients and essential riders can get where they need to go. These drivers are taking real risks on icy roads, and tipping them and allowing extra travel time is a simple but meaningful way to show respect and appreciation for the service they are providing during this emergency.”
For drivers who are on the road, NYSFTD urges patients and riders to plan ahead and allow extra travel time, as drivers cannot operate under normal conditions. “Our drivers understand how critical these trips are, especially for patients,” said Steven Rivera, president of NYSFTD. “They are working under extremely dangerous conditions to serve New Yorkers in need.”
