NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers: 'A Crackdown is Needed to Protect Our Drivers'

The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD) has asked the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to increase patrols that can surveil drop off locations and provide protection to drivers that are being robbed on a daily basis.

"We estimate that two out of 10 rides in the Bronx and Brooklyn go unpaid. These fare beaters are hurting our drivers financially and creating a very serious and dangerous environment,” said NYSFTD member Jose Vilori.

“We need a crackdown of fare beaters. Drivers are losing millions of dollars annually because of these thugs and no one is doing anything to stop this practice. The NYPD must join the TLC in this effort and serve as a look out when a drop off is being made by a driver. We deserve to be protected. We drive without any protection from the authorities, and all we get is fines, harassment and suspensions and that is not right. Drivers are being assaulted and beat up if they try to collect on these fares,” said Fernando Mateo, spokesman for the NYSFTD.

"The NYSFTD is urging the TLC to start immediately with this operation. Our drivers cannot continue to be ripped off and, in some cases, assaulted, robbed and murdered by these fare beaters."

Source: The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers