According to industry advocates, a growing number of drivers licensed by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) are using private cars to transport customers. They say the TLC is holding back thousands of plates surrendered during Covid, which has resulted in the spike in illegal hustling. It has been estimated that as many as 5,000 drivers are using personal private cars as taxis with no TLC plates or insurance coverage.
“We take the operation of unlicensed for-hire vehicles extremely seriously, and our Enforcement and Prosecution Divisions constantly work to prevent illegal ride-hustling,” the TLC Commissioner David Do told PIX11 News. “If you order a vehicle that does not have TLC plates, do not get in, as it has not passed a safety inspection and is uninsured for commercial operation.”
Advocates say meetings with Mr. Do have been helpful, and there has been progress as they work together to fix the situation. Potential passengers have been warned to check for TLC plates and report incidents of illegal vehicles to 911.
Source: PIX 11
