Cab drivers began their second strike on Monday morning – the second strike in two months. An estimated 75 percent of cabs were on strike, but passengers were still easily able to find cabs.
But the striking drivers say they are prepared to strike because they feel the new GPS tracking system is an invasion of privacy, and they believe the 5% surcharge that comes with the new credit card machine is taking money out of their pockets.
Under a contingency plan in place for the anticipated strike the city is requiring remaining yellow cabs to pick up multiple passengers, and charge fares on a zone-based system.
Passengers will each pay $10, plus $5 for each new “zone” they pass through, according to the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission. Manhattan will be divided into four zones, and each of the outer boroughs will be considered a zone.
Rides between Manhattan and the city’s airports will also be subject to a flat, per-person fare of $20 for LaGuardia and $30 for Kennedy. If necessary, city officials will also allow livery cabs to pick up passengers trying to wave down a ride. The plan goes into effect at 5 a.m. Monday, when the planned strike is expected to begin.
(Sources: WCBSTV & WCBS880)
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4 Responses
Let ’em all strike for good, then maybe cars will actually be able to drive through the city without all that congestion.
just for everyone elses information – it doesnt really seem like 75% percent of cabs are on strike. maybe 10 or 15 percent, max…traffic as usual
Although they claim to have many more cabbies striking this time, there aren’t nearly as many taxi cabs parked around Brooklyn as there were the last time. That seems to explain why people aren’t having such a hard time finding a cab.
I agree with Rav Mechel and DR. We should only have such strikes more often!