Senator Adriano Espaillat & Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez Congratulate Livery Cab Drivers on Major Progress

Gov. Cuomo thanks Sen. Espaillat and other leaders for helping craft a compromise that will benefit New York City taxi and livery cab drivers as well as customers

(New York, NY) – Sen. Adriano Espaillat joined Gov. Andrew Cuomo in touting major progress made as a result of the livery cab bill agreement announced this evening. The agreement – allowing legal street hails for livery cab drivers and increasing handicap accessibility – will be a major boost for drivers in the livery cab industry, who largely come from immigrant communities while protecting yellow cab drivers.

Governor Andrew Cuomo thanked Senator Espaillat for his work in helping craft the compromise.

“The livelihoods of thousands of cab drivers – and their families – will be enhanced, thanks to this agreement, allowing street hails for livery cabs in outer boroughs and Northern Manhattan,” said Senator Adriano Espaillat (D – Manhattan/Bronx). “I am proud to work with Gov. Cuomo in helping make this agreement possible and helping livery cab and yellow cab drivers, particularly those I am fortunate to represent in my district.”

Throughout the year, Sen. Espaillat had advocated for the livery permits to include equity, giving low-wage earning drivers more economic security. The final agreement contained this important measure, and will directly help bring economic certainty to drivers and local communities in places like Northern Manhattan. Additionally, the bill will generate nearly $1 billion for New York City and the added revenue may help prevent cuts to critical social services.

Council Member Ydanis Rodriquez said: “The taxi cab industry is a New York icon. Now, it will be stronger, and more equitable for thousands of drivers who rely on it to make a living. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the drivers and will continue to work for transportation solutions that help both the driver and the customer.”

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