They announced today that they are planning a 48 hour strike to protest the installation of GPS and the other stuff in Cabs. That's a Wednesday and Thursday.

From http://www.1010wins.com/pages/850297.php?contentType=4&contentId=833653

Cabbies Announce September Strike Dates


NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The New York City Taxi Workers Alliance announced its plans to go on strike on Sept. 5 and 6 to protest GPS tracking software and new credit card digital TV displays being installed in all new taxis.

The alliance also said drivers belonging to other unions will honor the job action.

They still have time to work something out, but if your plans include NYC on those days you may want to keep an eye on this one :(

I rode a cab in from La Guardia that had one of these things installed, it was pretty much useless. Something was wrong with the GPS (intentionally?) and for the entire trip, it displayed that we were roughly at 90th st on the east side -- even when we were at La Guardia.

The last time they went on strike, the traffic congestion was reduced dramatically. So forget the new tax on driving below 86th St, get rid of taxis a few days per week. ^

Too bad these drivers refuse to be held accountable on their shifts. Let them strike. It hurts them more than it hurts us. They looted us when the MTA went on strike so let them strike. It will clear up the streets, create less air pollution and make buses go that much faster! ^

I hate these TVs - when I pay for a cab I don't want to be bombarded with more media content - as it's automatically turned on when they turn on the meter (though you can turn it off after about 30 seconds). Instead of gps the TLC should speed up the use of an all hybrid taxi fleet.

It's actually interesting the focus is now on the GPS, last time they were rumbling, it was on how they would have to pay a service fee for credit cards. If it's not one thing.......


Of course, in an accident (not that cabs are ever involved in accidents), gps could do speed, location, left turn from right lane, backwards on a sidewalk, etc.

I hate these TVs - when I pay for a cab I don't want to be bombarded with more media content - as it's automatically turned on when they turn on the meter (though you can turn it off after about 30 seconds). Instead of gps the TLC should speed up the use of an all hybrid taxi fleet.

I like the GPS that allows me to swipe the card. None of this "sorry it isn't working" bullcrap, and I can add my own tip as I see fit.

I hate these TVs - when I pay for a cab I don't want to be bombarded with more media content - as it's automatically turned on when they turn on the meter (though you can turn it off after about 30 seconds). I don't think the strike is about those TVs. On the occasions I take taxis, I haven't seen them. I haven't seen them in a year or so.

Instead of gps the TLC should speed up the use of an all hybrid taxi fleet.That will be next year's strike.

^ I say. Let them strike, so I will know when I can drive up 3rd Avenue without fearing for my life / insurance!

Hard to imagine the cabbies giving up those lucrative (outrageous?) fares from JFK!

Interestingly enough, the two largest fleets in Paris, G7 and Taxis Bleus have had GPS fleets for years. That enables dispatchers to find you the nearest cab.

I have a sneaky suspicion that what is actually worrying the drivers is that there may be recording of selected trips, making complaints of misroutings, intentional or otherwise, easy to verify.

My favorite is the legendary story reported in the Daily News of the British passenger taken from JFK to the NY Hilton as follows:


Van Wyck north to Belt Parkway;

Belt Parkway west to Verrazano-Narrows Bridge;

Verrazano to Staten Island Expressway.

Staten Island Expressway to Bay Street

Bay Street to Ferry Terminal.

Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan.


I'll spare you the rest, and yes, the meter was running.

I don't blame them cc machines skimp on their tips

Somehow I think that this strike has less to do with credit card fees (1.0-2.0% of fare), and more to do with not having a paper trail which can be utilized by IRS to ensure that cab drivers are declaring 100% of their income (with 25-30% income tax rate).

It's actually a bit more then 1%, whoever cut the deal cut a horrible one for them, of course not including any tips they lose because of it.



The primary objection of the Alliance to the new proposal is its cost, an estimated $7,400 to each driver over the next three years. In addition, cab drivers will be required to pay 5 percent in processing fees for each credit-card transaction.

I took a taxi ride recently with one of these GPS units in it, and just loved it. Totally enjoyed "following" the route the driver chose (the fastest and shortest way)

Let them strike. Driving and walking will be a breeze in NYC if the taxis are on strike!

I can't understand how GPS units are a violation of their privacy. When in the cab, they're at work!

The next hurdle: getting them not to lie about the credit card terminal not working. In other cities where the cabs take cards, just about every driver has told me that the machine "wasn't working" when I tried to use my card or quoted (read: fabricated) some weird rule precluding card use.

Let them strike. I won't fear for my life crossing the street - sounds good to me!

It's actually a bit more then 1%, whoever cut the deal cut a horrible one for them, of course not including any tips they lose because of it.


The primary objection of the Alliance to the new proposal is its cost, an estimated $7,400 to each driver over the next three years. In addition, cab drivers will be required to pay 5 percent in processing fees for each credit-card transaction.

This will be priced into the fare soon enough. Think we'll get a 5% discount for paying cash?

The next hurdle: getting them not to lie about the credit card terminal not working. In other cities where the cabs take cards, just about every driver has told me that the machine "wasn't working" when I tried to use my card or quoted (read: fabricated) some weird rule precluding card use.


Agreed. We should make up a list of The Three Biggest Cab Drive Lies. I'll start:

The Three Biggest Cab Drive Lies

1. "The air conditioner is not working."

I like the new units that are showing up in NYC cabs. Rode in one from the East Village to LGA not too long and got to follow the trip on the map - and was able to switch from the map view to the weather/news/sports too.

Big improvement from when I last lived in NYC. I am just happy that I won't be in town during the strike!

Big Cabbie Lie:

- "The credit card reader isn't working."

If the driver knows the credit card machine isn't working, it's illegal for them to pick you up.

If it's working but unable to get a connection, you have the option of paying cash or requiring the driver to keep driving until he finds a place where he can get a connection, and then driving you back to your actual destination.

See the drivers rules:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/drivrules.pdf

Let them strike. Driving and walking will be a breeze in NYC if the taxis are on strike!That has always been the case. I'm looking forward to it.

great, my first biz trip to NYC in a month and they'll be striking :p i didn't want to arrange for a car since i'm going to try to standby on a much earlier flight (scheduled ORD-LGA at 6pm) so i could catch dinner with a buddy.

btw, what do you expect the actual impact to be, say, at LGA on the 6th? complete and utter dearth of taxicabs and cabstand line a mile long? scores of those annoying guys pestering people as they exit the terminal offering rides into the city for "only" $50-60? confused tourists everywhere? limo services working overtime? who are these members of "other unions" that will be honoring the strike, and what does "honor[ing] the job action" actually mean?

sorry, my first NYC taxi strike :)

great, my first biz trip to NYC in a month and they'll be striking :p i didn't want to arrange for a car since i'm going to try to standby on a much earlier flight (scheduled ORD-LGA at 6pm) so i could catch dinner with a buddy.

btw, what do you expect the actual impact to be, say, at LGA on the 6th? complete and utter dearth of taxicabs and cabstand line a mile long? scores of those annoying guys pestering people as they exit the terminal offering rides into the city for "only" $50-60? confused tourists everywhere? limo services working overtime? who are these members of "other unions" that will be honoring the strike, and what does "honor[ing] the job action" actually mean?

sorry, my first NYC taxi strike :)

I think the mta should just add more M60 buses and create a special route going into midtown via the 59th street bridge.
cheers
howie

I think the impact depends on the action. If they all stay home and take two days off, as only 1/4 or so of them so far have signed on then it probably wouldn't be the end of the world. I'm certainly expecting the drive in to be much better without dodging them all the way in. :p

If however they line their cabs up in the street and drive around at 5 mph blocking all lanes of traffic, then they could cause total gridlock. The question would be how fast the city would step in and put an end to that, but in doing so of course they add even more vehicles and tow trucks and the rest.

While plans have not been announced for what if yet (at least I could find) one story about how it will mess up fashion week said livery cabs will step in, and of course sharing and the rest will be allowed. I assume they will add in some extra busses, trains, whatever.

The union has a meeting with the mayor today or tomorrow, maybe something will come out of that.

great, my first biz trip to NYC in a month and they'll be striking :p i didn't want to arrange for a car since i'm going to try to standby on a much earlier flight (scheduled ORD-LGA at 6pm) so i could catch dinner with a buddy.

btw, what do you expect the actual impact to be, say, at LGA on the 6th? complete and utter dearth of taxicabs and cabstand line a mile long? scores of those annoying guys pestering people as they exit the terminal offering rides into the city for "only" $50-60? confused tourists everywhere? limo services working overtime? who are these members of "other unions" that will be honoring the strike, and what does "honor[ing] the job action" actually mean?

sorry, my first NYC taxi strike :)When you get on the plane, get on your cell and arrange for car service. Do a search here in this forum for a list of companies. You can take the bus to the subway. Lastly, you could take the New York Airport Service Express bus to Manhattan. http://www.nyairportservice.com/fares.html

When you get on the plane, get on your cell and arrange for car service. Do a search here in this forum for a list of companies. You can take the bus to the subway. Lastly, you could take the New York Airport Service Express bus to Manhattan. http://www.nyairportservice.com/fares.html


Analise, I know it's off topic but please try and convince me that we will sweep the Sox.

Analise, I know it's off topic but please try and convince me that we will sweep the Sox.

If you need convincing, you're not a fan.

When you get on the plane, get on your cell and arrange for car service. Do a search here in this forum for a list of companies. You can take the bus to the subway. Lastly, you could take the New York Airport Service Express bus to Manhattan. http://www.nyairportservice.com/fares.html


Strongly suggest that if there is a strike to call ahead and arrange for a car service, they will be swamped with calls and if you wait until you arrive it could take quite awhile. The two affordable services that I use are Dial 777s,1-212-777-777 and Carmel, 1-212-666-666. Would think that the bus services will also be swamped with calls. For EWR and JFK you can use the train, find links here at FT on how.

Just take the helicopter, it's the best way to go.

Just take the helicopter, it's the best way to go.

Unless the OP has his own helicopter, I think that'll be tough from LGA.

I'd agree with the recommendation to reserve a car ahead of time. If you absolutely MUST have a car, reserve with a more reliable business-oriented car service (not the cheaper Carmel/Dial7 type services). Otherwise, if the car doesn't show, just be prepared to take one of the public transit options.

Unless the OP has his own helicopter, I think that'll be tough from LGA.

That's fair. But the question of JFK/EWR came up, and I needed a chance to plug my favorite method of transportation.

To be honest - I just don't want to see Al Roker everytime I enter a cab.

Analise, I know it's off topic but please try and convince me that we will sweep the Sox.We'll win the series this week. Now why haven't I seen you regularly in the Yankees/RS thread. ;)
Strongly suggest that if there is a strike to call ahead and arrange for a car service, they will be swamped with calls and if you wait until you arrive it could take quite awhile.gobluetwo is flying standby so that's not an option. I would have suggested that had it not been for the standby itinerary.

We'll win the series this week. Now why haven't I seen you regularly in the Yankees/RS thread. ;)
gobluetwo is flying standby so that's not an option. I would have suggested that had it not been for the standby itinerary.


I hace only been recently admitted into the Inner Sanctum of OMNI

I hace only been recently admitted into the Inner Sanctum of OMNIWell, welcome! OMNI can get a bit over the top with politics, religion and every other controversial topic which attracts FTers to opine. That said, it's the baseball threads which are really the best. ^

Come participate in:

http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8315322#post8315322

Mateo: No livery cabs in strike plan
By Marlene Naanes, amNewYork Staff Writer | mnaanes@am-ny.com
7:01 PM EDT, August 30, 2007

A taxi and livery car industry group asked the Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Thursday not to allow illegal street hails of livery cars during the yellow cab strike planned for two days next week.

The New York State Federation of Taxi Workers spokesman Fernando Mateo met with TLC Chairman Matthew Daus yesterday and asked that livery cabs not be allowed to participate in the city's strike contingency plan, saying they'd take fares from yellow cab drivers on the road that aren't striking.

Well, if there were enough yellow cabs on the roads, why would somebody get into a livery?

Just saying.

gobluetwo is flying standby so that's not an option. I would have suggested that had it not been for the standby itinerary.

Not really an issue. Make a reservation (or two or three) and then cancel the ones you don't need as you figure out when you're actually going to be on the plane. If there is a strike the car service will be happy to put someone else in that car for you once you cancel.

I can't wait until they strike. They are only hurting themselves. Do you think we are going to be as generous with our tips etc once they get back on the road. Pay taxes like the rest of us and get off the phone while your at it.

It's actually a bit more then 1%, whoever cut the deal cut a horrible one for them, of course not including any tips they lose because of it.



The primary objection of the Alliance to the new proposal is its cost, an estimated $7,400 to each driver over the next three years. In addition, cab drivers will be required to pay 5 percent in processing fees for each credit-card transaction.

a Couple of Important pts.

1) when they struck 3 yrs ago for an Increase they were given a 27% Increase on condition they will install both a GPS unit and CC units. If they dont want to then the City should Roll back that 27% Increase and Retro make them pay back that Increase as well

2) Not every Cab will be striking as some Unions have said they agreed 3 yrs ago to both the GPS and CC machines for the 27% increase in fare, and thusly have told its members NOT to stike as a deal is a deal.

Well, if there were enough yellow cabs on the roads, why would somebody get into a livery?

Just saying.

Pretty much applies anytime, regardless of whether there's a strike on or not. NYC should follow the DC example: if a vehicle meets the safety standards for being a taxi, it's a taxi, and gets the medallion. No need to limit the # of medallions. Never gonna happen, but a guy can dream.

http://www.newyorkbusiness.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070904/FREE/70904010/1066

Key quote for this forum:

The contingency plan, which goes into effect at midnight, includes $30 per person flat rates for group rides between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport, and $20 per person group-ride rates between Manhattan and LaGuardia International Airport. Airport riders who choose non-group rides will pay normal metered rates. Additional buses will also be provided.

Bloomberg is also reporting that the MTA is adding additional service on the M60 and Q33 to/from LGA.

Is there any way to determine which cabs are striking and which ones are not? I would like to know to penalize the ones who do. Thanks,

Is there any way to determine which cabs are striking and which ones are not? I would like to know to penalize the ones who do. Thanks,

Virtually impossible. For the owner operated cabs, there's a clear link between cab and driver, but for the leased cabs (the vast majority of them), there's no way to connect drivers to cabs on a day-to-day basis.

The strike was supposed to go into effect at midnight last night. I left the office right at midnight and had absolutely no problem getting a cab on 6th Ave in Midtown. I had to go to an ATM first, and saw more available taxis than I think I've ever seen at that hour (and I often am looking for a cab at that hour).

I have to admit, it was quite nice to be able to zip down the FDR drive this morning above speed limit for the entire length, there was only one yellow cab on it, usually there are hundreds entering and exiting.

The usual speed is under 20 mph, certainly not the 50 this morning. On the couple of blocks I drive till I jump out there were only a couple of cabs, second ave is usually loaded with them.

The hotel around the corner (a tiny expensive boutique one) had many town cars waiting.

There are still cabs out there, not as many, and the news is reporting delays at the airport as they try to load the cabs up with three people all going the same direction. LGA to Manhattan for example is $20 per person today, so they are probably not going to move unless they are fully loaded (though you can still choose metered rates if you want).

Other rates are (if group rates are used)

Trips to/from Manhattan and JFK will be a $30 flat fare per person, while trips to/from Manhattan and LGA would be $20 per person. Zone charges would dictate fares for trips to/from airports and boroughs other than Manhattan. The City also reserves the right to allow livery hails if the TLC determines that it is necessary after evaluating the situation. Subsequent public announcements about plans will be made by the TLC.

In all cases:

If riders to/from LGA and JFK airport select the group ride option, they will be required to adhere to the flat fare or zone based system.
All riders to/from LGA and JFK have the option to choose non-group rides. In that scenario, normal metered rates will apply.
Tolls are included in all zone-based and flat fare rides.
Charges apply to adult riders only. Children under 12 ride free with adults



CHARGE (PER PERSON) DESCRIPTION
$30 (Per Person) Trips To/From Manhattan and JFK
$20 (Per Person) Trips To/From Manhattan and LGA

ZONE CHARGES Trips To/From JFK or LGA from boroughs other than Manhattan

If riders choose the group ride option for travel to/from JFK or LGA and boroughs other than Manhattan, they will be required to adhere to a zone-based fare structure. The zone-based fare structure citywide charges $10 per person within a given zone, and an additional $5 per person for each zone subsequently entered or passed through. Below are the zones:

ZONE AREA
Zone A Manhattan: South of 23rd Street
Zone B Manhattan: 23rd Street – 60th Street
Zone C Manhattan: 60th Street – 96th Street
Zone D Manhattan: North of 96th Street
Zone E Brooklyn
Zone F The Bronx
Zone G Queens
Zone H Staten Island

So if you are getting a cab, be aware of the zone areas, fi yoau re on a border (say 22nd street going to midtown) you can save $5 by getting in at 23rd instead and not crossing a zone.

I have to admit, it was quite nice to be able to zip down the FDR drive this morning above speed limit for the entire length, there was only one yellow cab on it, usually there are hundreds entering and exiting.

The usual speed is under 20 mph, certainly not the 50 this morning. On the couple of blocks I drive till I jump out there were only a couple of cabs, second ave is usually loaded with them.

The hotel around the corner (a tiny expensive boutique one) had many town cars waiting.

There are still cabs out there, not as many, and the news is reporting delays at the airport as they try to load the cabs up with three people all going the same direction. LGA to Manhattan for example is $20 per person today, so they are probably not going to move unless they are fully loaded (though you can still choose metered rates if you want).

Other rates are (if group rates are used)

Trips to/from Manhattan and JFK will be a $30 flat fare per person, while trips to/from Manhattan and LGA would be $20 per person. Zone charges would dictate fares for trips to/from airports and boroughs other than Manhattan. The City also reserves the right to allow livery hails if the TLC determines that it is necessary after evaluating the situation. Subsequent public announcements about plans will be made by the TLC.

In all cases:

If riders to/from LGA and JFK airport select the group ride option, they will be required to adhere to the flat fare or zone based system.
All riders to/from LGA and JFK have the option to choose non-group rides. In that scenario, normal metered rates will apply.
Tolls are included in all zone-based and flat fare rides.
Charges apply to adult riders only. Children under 12 ride free with adults



CHARGE (PER PERSON) DESCRIPTION
$30 (Per Person) Trips To/From Manhattan and JFK
$20 (Per Person) Trips To/From Manhattan and LGA

ZONE CHARGES Trips To/From JFK or LGA from boroughs other than Manhattan

If riders choose the group ride option for travel to/from JFK or LGA and boroughs other than Manhattan, they will be required to adhere to a zone-based fare structure. The zone-based fare structure citywide charges $10 per person within a given zone, and an additional $5 per person for each zone subsequently entered or passed through. Below are the zones:

ZONE AREA
Zone A Manhattan: South of 23rd Street
Zone B Manhattan: 23rd Street – 60th Street
Zone C Manhattan: 60th Street – 96th Street
Zone D Manhattan: North of 96th Street
Zone E Brooklyn
Zone F The Bronx
Zone G Queens
Zone H Staten Island

So if you are getting a cab, be aware of the zone areas, fi yoau re on a border (say 22nd street going to midtown) you can save $5 by getting in at 23rd instead and not crossing a zone.

The cab I took at 7:15 a.m. today was on the meter. FYI, there was no problem in finding a cab

Is there any way to determine which cabs are striking and which ones are not? I would like to know to penalize the ones who do. Thanks,You can't. They're all yellow. But I like your thinking!

That said, there are taxis out there this morning.

No problem with finding cabs this morning and afternoon, and traffic actually seemed better (at least in midtown). My cabbie used the zone pricing system

There were many more cabs this morning on the roads then there were yesterday on the way in, and with the multiple pickup zone system, I think some people figured, hey, we can make a ton of money today, the cabs I saw stopping for people on the way in already had a passenger or two and were having them scoot over to pick up another.

I saw plenty of cabs last night; I saw plenty of them this morning. These zone regulations Bloomberg set up double the cost of a normal taxi ride so this is a boon for drivers and an abuse to passengers (who tend to be tourists). Gee, what a shock that the drivers alliance couldn't get its members to strike in a united front. :D

Not only double the ride cost but it's per person, so they are making a killing.

Probably the incentive to have them on board.

Get four people for a few blocks, if they are not all in the same group that's $40 for the driver.

Of course, he will certainly report it all to the dispatcher too :rolleyes:

Not only double the ride cost but it's per person, so they are making a killing.Which explains the bumper to bumper traffic in midtown on streets LOADED with taxis....while they're "striking".

So if you are getting a cab, be aware of the zone areas, fi yoau re on a border (say 22nd street going to midtown) you can save $5 by getting in at 23rd instead and not crossing a zone.

I screwed this one up this morning. The cabs have been so plentiful the past two days that I forgot about the strike. And at 6am headed uptown I hailed one at 17th street instead of walking the 6 blocks and saving the $5. It was 6am and I figured it would probably be about a $20 fare anyways, but I was pretty annoyed with myself when I realized how stupid I was about it.

I hope the guys striking enjoyed their time off; I know the guys working didn't mind the windfall they hit.

The news just said cabbies that worked reported triple the earnings of a regular day.

Bet they didn't mind one bit. One trip, three times the fare.

as far as i'm concerned, i got into LGA about 5:30pm. the strike was basically a non-event for me. cab stand was about 10 minutes long and there was a testy driver, but a ride to chinatown (dinner with a college buddy) cost about $25. traffic was LIGHT. got there in about 20 minutes.

The Times this morning has the following in their strike coverage article: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/07/nyregion/07taxi.html?ref=nyregion

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has said he will not change course on the taxi technology, and City Hall officials said that they were not negotiating with Ms. Desai. Mr. Bloomberg said that about 82 percent of fleet cabs were rolling yesterday, up from 75 percent the day before. The city had instituted an emergency fare system for the duration of the strike, dividing the city into fare zones, and many drivers who worked said that it allowed them to make far more money than on a typical day.

“They’re working very hard out there and maybe they deserve it,” the mayor said yesterday at a news conference.

The mayor doesn't call me for advice, but if this gets any worse, I would hope he would adopt a hard line stance as he did with the transit workers. I suggest:

1. If you refuse to equip your cab with the TLC-ordered technology, your medallion gets suspended; and

2. If you refuse to drive your usual shift (other than for health, religious or other legal reasons), your hack license gets suspended.

Ms. Desai should get some labor relations advice from Roger Toussaint.