Dollar van driver's death sparks conversation on regulatory action
While popular, state Sen. Roxanne Persaud warns residents that the vans can be dangerous on multiple fronts.
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A shooting in East Flatbush claimed the life of 25-year-old Johanci Chapman on Sunday. Police sources say he was the driver of a dollar van, a popular mode of transportation in the area.
"The cabs are $3, but the dollar vans are $2," explains one rider.
Police say the person who shot Chapman was also dollar van driver.
The rides are cheap, and incredibly easy to come by on Utica and Church avenues.
"If you wanna get in one, you just have to stand on the corner and hopefully they'll come pick you up," said another rider.
While popular, state Sen. Roxanne Persaud warns residents that the vans can be dangerous on multiple fronts.
"I've seen safety concerns on how they operate," says Persaud. "One of them nearly hit me on the street because they're jostling to get customers."
Persaud is currently pushing for a bill that would regulate the vans, mandate background checks on all drivers and have dedicated pickup zones for riders.
Despite the recent violence, Persaud says she is still in favor of the operation.
"If there was not a need for these vehicles, they would not be on the streets," she says.
Persaud adds that regulation is a must for them to operate safely.
