On June 20th, 2011, NYTWA reached a Historic Agreement with the Mayor's Office and TLC Chairman David Yassky for first-time rights and higher income.  It is meant to protect driver incomes during the Five-Borough Plan transition, whereby street hail rights for livery cars will be legalized in select areas of New York City.  Enforcement is already being implemented.

Watch the Press Conference Video!

Enforcement against illegal street hails! The TLC now has an "anti-illegal street hails enforcement unit" just to protect Manhattan and the Airports for yellow cab drivers!  The agreement includes increased fines for FHV operators and vehicle owners, unlimited tow pound space, and the use of GPS and other technologies to block the new livery taxis from picking up in areas reserved for us.  Enforcement will be double at the airports, along with Port Authority.  NYTWA will meet regularly with TLC and monitor enforcement.  Here you will find updates on the progress of the anti-illegal street hails enforcement unit.  We also encourage all drivers to call our hotline at 917-652-6868 to report any illegal activity you see (private cars, liveries, hotel bribes, etc).

Under the new Taxi Bill, liveries with hail permits will be authorized to pick up in Manhattan only above 110th St on the West side and above 96th St on the East side.

Turn rights! NYTWA will work with the TLC and Department of Transportation on turn rights for taxis (the same as buses).

Protection against lease cap overcharges! TLC has established a "Lease Caps Enforcement Unit" to protect drivers against overcharges and other violations by garages and brokers.  The TLC will hire and dispatch undercover inspectors posing as drivers and also assign special staff to work with NYTWA in handling complaints by the union and our members.

Gradual introduction of new medallions! TLC agrees to slowly phase in new vehicles:  a maximum of 500 new medallions will be issued per year - not all at once!  For the first time, TLC will also conduct a study on the impact of the new medallions on driver income before issuing more.

Health Fund! TLC and NYTWA will create a Task Force to create the first-ever Taxi Driver Health and Wellness Fund.

Lower Credit Card fees! TLC will reduce credit card transaction fees from 5% down to 4% and will explore reducing debit card fees even lower.