The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has announced the creation of a new office to address bias-related refusals by Taxicab and For-hire Vehicle (FHV) drivers. The “Office of Inclusion” will offer anti-discrimination training for drivers, while educating the public about riders’ rights – encouraging people to report drivers who break the rules.
The new TLC office will also focus on drivers who refuse to take riders to a requested destination, such as outside Manhattan, another frequent complaint and one that often affects minority riders.
Donovan Richards, a councilman from Queens, made the initial proposal to create the TLC’s anti-bias initiative; it won the support of Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council speaker, Corey Johnson, who jointly announced the plan for the new office. Mr. Richards said that addressing discrimination was a condition for him and several other African-American Council members to support the FHV license cap.
The move comes as City Council passed a package of bills aimed at improving driver pay and reducing traffic congestion.
Source: New York Times
