Drivers regulated by NYC’s Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) have a genuine gripe they would like to see fixed: Currently, they are forced to hunt for an ever-dwindling number of parking spaces to stop and find a bathroom to relieve themselves. Some work as many as 12 hours a day, and the challenge is real… and it can get very expensive if they are ticketed for parking illegally.
Industry advocates are pushing for special placards to allow drivers to stop briefly in spots that would otherwise be off limits. The placards would be placed on a driver’s windshield, and “would give them 10 minutes to do what they have to do and come back out,” according to the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers. The association says it has worked with barber shops, restaurants and small businesses to allow taxi drivers to use their bathrooms, but drivers can still get a ticket “that wipes out an entire day’s profits.”
“Access to restrooms for TLC drivers is fundamental to humane working conditions, and an important issue that we take seriously,” said TLC spokesman, Jason Kersten. “We are constantly seeking ways to expand bathroom access for TLC drivers within our limited public space, including working with our partners at the Department of Transportation to identify spots for new taxi and for-hire vehicle relief stands.”
Source: KULR8
