Hail yes, sign livery cab law
During rush hour, commuters and tourists are often solicited by "gypsy" cabs, drivers unregistered with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission Credit: Willie Davis
In New York's outer boroughs, yellow cabs are as rare as Boston Red Sox hats -- which is why these territories are host to a thriving cottage industry of gypsy cabs.
These so-called black cars can't legally pick up passengers on the street. But in June the State Legislature passed a bill, backed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, to license up to 30,000 such cars for street hails and meters. Besides the clarity riders would get on costs, city officials say these cabs would also have distinctive markings to signal their legal status.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was said to be favorably disposed until the bill ran into powerful opposition from the yellow taxi industry, which fears any change that might hurt business -- or devalue its medallions, a kind of transferrable license that was selling last month for an average of $686,000 each.
But these cars rarely venture out into the boroughs except for airport runs, after which they scurry back into midtown. The Bloomberg livery bill would enable people in upper Manhattan and the other boroughs to hail a car with confidence, instead of wondering nervously whether a ride is safe. As a bonus, the bill would add 1,500 new medallions, thus improving yellow cab service while generating $1 billion for the city from their sale.
For all these reasons, it's important for the governor to sign this bill, which would improve the lives of millions of hardworking New Yorkers who happen to live outside Manhattan.
