On the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, New York City’s Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) released a documentary video highlighting memories of the day from TLC staff and drivers, “and how they quickly came together to provide thousands of free trips to New Yorkers in need over the following weeks.”
For days, drivers contacted the TLC wanting to help the city, so “Operation Free Transportation” was quickly organized. A series of emergency taxi stands across the city were set up where victim family members, responders, and blood donors could obtain free trips from volunteer taxi, car service, and commuter van drivers.
More than 1,000 drivers – including members of the Sikh community interviewed in the video – provided thousands of free trips. Some of the drivers and officers tell harrowing and heartbreaking stories. The agency later created a commemorative medallion and presented the volunteer drivers with certificates in a recognition ceremony the following year.
Source: NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission
