Even the chair of New York City’s transportation committee took her part on Reckless driving affecting New York City after covid pandemic

There has been a noticeable increase in reckless driving on the streets since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people seem to have lost their respect for traffic laws, with some disregarding stop signs and red lights. Even the car belonging to Selvena Brooks-Powers, the chair of New York City’s transportation committee, has received multiple tickets for speeding in school zones. Since taking office in March 2021, the car has received a total of 34 tickets and has been linked to over $2,000 in fines and penalties. The owner of the car may be required to take a driver safety course or risk having their wheels impounded. It is unclear how often Brooks-Powers herself drives the car.

The car belonging to Selvena Brooks-Powers, the chair of New York City’s transportation committee, has received a significant number of speeding tickets. This has triggered the Dangerous Vehicle Abatement law, which was implemented in 2020. According to this law, the owners of cars with more than 15 speed camera violations or 5 red light camera violations within any 12-month period are required to take a safety course. If the owner does not complete the safety course within 30 days of receiving a notice, the car will be seized by the city sheriff’s office.

It is unclear if the owner of Brooks-Powers’ car has received such a notice or how often she personally drives the car. However, a spokesperson for Brooks-Powers claimed that she only uses the car “occasionally.” Despite her statement in April that she would “slow down,” the car has continued to receive multiple speeding tickets, including 29 in school zones.

In August, a state law expanded the city’s speed camera program to allow for the automatic issuance of tickets 24/7. Data from the city Department of Transportation shows that this shift has helped discourage reckless driving, with the number of monthly speeding violations issued by the cameras falling by 25% from August to November. Danny Harris, the executive director of the street safety advocacy group Transportation Alternatives, emphasized the importance of responsible driving in order to prevent harm to families. He stated, “Whether you think it’s OK to speed or be distracted, or to turn your attention away from the road, the realities are that families are being impacted forever. Your actions behind the wheel matter.”

 

Mayor Eric Adams plan “pedestrianize” Fifth Avenue by widening sidewalks and reducing four auto lanes

Pedestrianization of streets can have a number of benefits, including improving safety for pedestrians, encouraging more walking and physical activity, and potentially reducing air pollution and noise. It can also potentially create more space for outdoor dining, retail, and other activities that support local businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of a community.
However, it is important to carefully consider the potential impacts and unintended consequences of any policy change. For example, reducing the number of lanes for automobiles could potentially lead to increased traffic congestion and delays. It is also important to ensure that the needs of all road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers, are taken into account and that appropriate accommodations are made.

Benefits:
• Improved safety: Pedestrianization can reduce the number of conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, which can improve safety for both groups. This is particularly important in areas with high pedestrian volumes, such as near schools, parks, and retail areas.
• Health benefits: Walking is a healthy and low-impact form of physical activity. Encouraging more walking by creating a pedestrian-friendly environment can help increase overall physical activity levels, which can have a number of health benefits.
• Environmental benefits: Pedestrianization can potentially reduce air pollution and noise, as vehicles emit less pollution when they are traveling at lower speeds or not traveling at all.
• Economic benefits: Pedestrianization can potentially create more space for outdoor dining, retail, and other activities that support local businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of a community. This can also attract more visitors and tourists to the area.
Considerations:
• Traffic congestion: Reducing the number of lanes for automobiles could potentially lead to increased traffic congestion and delays. It may be necessary to consider alternative routing or transportation options to mitigate these impacts.
• Accessibility: It is important to ensure that pedestrianization does not create barriers or challenges for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues. This may require the implementation of additional accommodations, such as ramps or accessible crossings.
• Emergency response: It is important to consider how pedestrianization may impact the ability of emergency vehicles to access and navigate an area. This may require the implementation of measures such as designated emergency lanes or the ability to temporarily lift pedestrianization restrictions in the event of an emergency.

new tlc lincese

NY: Taxi & Limousine Commission to Issue New Design Taxi Driver License

The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) announced in its newsletter that Starting May 18, 2020, it will issue a new design for TLC driver’s licenses. This change It is done to streamline the driver license renewal and application processes, allowing TLC to reduce the time it takes to print and mail a TLC license. In principle, only New York State drivers will be licensed with the new design when their current license expires.

The current TLC driver’s license is still valid. The New York State licensed drivers with current design They will receive a license with the new design when they renew their license. TLC will continue to issue licenses in the current format to non-New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) license holders until further notice.
For more information on the new driver’s license from the TLC, visit the website

Where my stimulus check?: How to can I track the status?

Everyone who is eligible for a economic impact payment , the IRS lets you track the status of your check through its “Get My Payment” web page. Due to high traffic on the IRS page, you may see a message that you have to wait before you can access the site.

Visit the IRS’ Get My Payment page and click on the link Get My Payment button to check the status of your economic impact payment. On the next page about authorized use, click OK.

After access the Get My Payment page, enter your social security number (SSN) or individual tax ID (ITIN), your date of birth on the format suggested, your street address and your ZIP or postal code. Then Tap Continue and that’s it.

Next page will show your payment status, whether it has been scheduled or if the service is still unable to determine your status. If you haven’t set up direct deposit with the IRS, the service can guide you through those steps so that your check is sent directly to your bank account. If you want to know how to set up direct deposit visit the non-filers IRS web page.

Uber, Lyft and FHV Drivers elegible to apply for unemployment Benefits due Covid-19 Crisis.

Due Covid-19 pandemic, all sector of the economic has been affected and the Taxi Services is one of them. Even Though this service have been cataloged as essential service, demand of taxis on New York city has gone down closer 10 percent. Sometime drivers has to wait at least one hour or more to receive a call. Much of Taxi Services companies and Yellow cabs have reduce the quantity of car available for pick up. Many Drivers have embrace “Stay at Home policy” to avoid contagious and cooperate with authorities on this fight against Coronavirus.

In response to the COVID-19 Crisis, Drivers of Uber, Lyft and other FHV will receive benefits for unemployment. This group can start applaying now. Yellow cab lease and owner drivers, benefits will begin after New York State setup a especial program form independent contractors called “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)”. Such program will grants
and additional $600 above the weekly New York State unemployment rate and you are eligible to receive it every week until July 31st.

  • Apply online at labor.ny.gov/signin.
  • Apply by phone by calling 1-888-209-8124
  • Click here to download a flowchart of the application process
  • Click here for a factsheet from the NYS Department of Labor

Applying for unemployment does not disqualify you from the stimulus check. We will be sharing more information on the latest federal stimulus package in the coming days. If you live out of state but work in New York, you should apply for unemployment in New York state. All rideshare and taxi drivers–even those outside New York–should look into unemployment benefits.

This information was extracted and updated from a email send by TLC External Affairs on April 20, 2020. To keep posted of new updates, please visit New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) website or NYTWA, including when and how to apply, see the resources here.

coronavirus-nyc

New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Looking for TLC-licensed Driver to help on COVID-19 Crisis

Due COVID-19 pandemic New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is looking for TLC-licensed drivers as essential service providers to help the City with a important work by delivering food to Newyorkers in need.

Drivers will be paid for this work. Drivers can be paid $15 dollars a hour plus reimbursement for gas mileage and tolls Even though. Even though this salary is under regular Driver income, it can help them to face the crisis that’s impacting Taxi Services at this time due COVID-19 pandemic.

To apply for this job, TLC is providing a virtual access to a application form where Drivers can add some simple information, such a name, phone number, email, TLC License, and details on getting paid. To sign up visit nyc.gov/deliveryTLC or send an email to supportnyc@tlc.nyc.gov if you have any issues signing up.

This information was extracted from TLC External Affairs News Letter last March 30.

MV-1 one of the best vehicle for people with mobility challenges and Disabilities

A reliable transportation is key factor to ensure that Americans with disabilities can actively participate in the labor force and gain acces to services like pharmacy, doctor appointment, etc. As a Disability Transportation Services company you need vehicles that meets all requirements to offer the best service to your customers. Here is where MV-1 come into the scene.

The MV-1 is a revolutionary accessible vehicle that dignify the transport of people with disabilities. No more people on the luggage area. Your families with mobility challenges travel on the safely front area of the MV-1. This and other features make MV-1 users ride much more comfortable and safely than Rear-entry minivan where users must be sit in the back.

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Safely, durable, easy to operate and Cost effective makes MV-1 a unique vehicle that accomplish all requirements that a modern world demand for people with disabilities. Take a look and discover more features that coming with the new MV-1 models visiting MV-1 website.

How to put your TLC Vehicle License in storage

Taxi and Limousine Commission allow For-Hire vehicle Owner to place their TLC Vehicle “on-hole” for a period of 90 days.

Steps to put your licese in storage?

  1. Print hte storage form from the TLC website.
  2. Take your vehicle to woodside. A TLC license inspector will remove the TLC inspection decals and complete section 3 of the TLC storage form.
  3. Surrender your TC Plates to NYS DMV.
    To surrender your plates contact your local NY DMV office. You will receive a NYS DMV FS6 receipt upon surrendering plates.
  4.  Email documents to TLC.
    Scan and send the TLC FHV storage form and the DMV FS6 receipt to licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov (Please do not come to our Long Island City Facility to submit documentation. We will only accept documents via email.)
  5.  Vehicle license status & email notification.Once you have emailed us the storage form and DMV FS6 receipt, we will inactivate your license and mark it in storage for up to 90 days. A confirmation email will be sent to the email address on file with TLC. To update your email log into LARS and go to “Update Info”.If you have any questions, please email TLC at licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov.

You cannot operate your vehicle for-hire when your vehicle license is in storage. Operating for-hire without a current vehicle license is a violation of TLC rules.

Credits: TLC External Affairs.

How to get a taxi insurance

Taxi insurance is an absolute must for anyone who is engaged in this type of service industry.

Chauffeuring people from one place to another is an admirable and necessary job but it also raises your level of responsibility.

To make certain that you, your vehicle, your business and your customers all have adequate financial coverage in case of any type of accident, or claim, is a top priority for anyone engaged in the limousine or taxi service field.

Taxi insurance is not only recommended as a beneficial safety measure, it is a legally required element for your business and livelihood. You have no way of knowing when or if an accident is going to happen and you can not afford to be without this important coverage.

Whether you are searching for individual insurance for one taxicab or you want a taxi insurance policy that covers a specific fleet of vehicles there are coverage plans that are available that will suit your needs. You do not plan to have an accident but if one happens to occur your worries will be drastically reduced because you know that the insurance agent is only a phone call away.

When you have a taxi business it involves a great deal of time on the road. Even if there are no passengers in your vehicle just the amount of highway travel means that you have a much higher chance of being involved in some type of motor vehicle accident. Insurance companies know this and it is why the premiums are higher even for a regular driver if they drive more than 10-15 miles to work on a daily basis.

When you are considering a specific type of insurance plan you should consider the fact that this is no time to try and cut corners or skimp on the premiums. You truly get what you are paying for and good insurance that covers both taxicabs and taxi drivers is something that you can not afford to be without.

What you should focus on is a solid insurance policy that will provide you with maximum coverage at the most affordable prices. It is also important to work with a dependable and established company that is known for good customer service.

One small accident may seem to be of little consequence to you if you are just starting out in the taxi business. You might even think about trying to save some extra money by going without taxi insurance coverage for a few months, especially if you have a good driving record and have never had any tickets or motor vehicle accidents.

Not only would this be illegal, but it would be foolhardy as well. All it would take is one accident with another vehicle, or just a claim by a passenger, and you would be facing disaster. A traffic accident that is very minor as far as damages are concerned could still result in a host of other problems.

Even if you were not at fault for the accident the very fact that you did not have the legally required taxi insurance would be held against you and you would receive a ticket and a hefty fine. You also run the risk of losing your license, having your vehicle impounded, being taken to jail and possibly facing financial ruin if the other party decides to initiate a law suit.

All of these potential nightmare scenarios could be avoided by making sure that you are covered by taxi insurance. One simple policy can provide you with coverage that you could use in the event of any time of accident or property damage involving your vehicle.

You need to know how to sort through the many insurance programs and coverage options that are presently available so that you can choose the one that is best for your particular needs. When it comes to taxi insurance there is no “one size fits all” coverage option and you should take the time to explore the options and select a policy that is individualized to your specific situation.

Remember that what you are searching for is the best taxi insurance policy, not the cheapest or most expensive. You do not want to be caught with too little coverage simply because you were trying to snag the best bargain, but then again, you don’t need to waste your hard earned dollars on coverage options that you have no use for in the first place.

Look through this list of suggestions that can help guide you through the maze of today’s insurance industry. If you use these tips and ideas you can choose the best taxi insurance that delivers great coverage at an affordable price.

You can always check at the offices of local insurance agents to find out what kind of policies they can provide. However you should also consider the options available on the internet. By surfing the web you can get quotes from any local agent as well as from a variety of national insurance companies without even leaving your home. This gives you the opportunity to do the detailed comparison shopping that is required.

Know what the MVR looks like for any driver who will be insured on the policy. This will make it easier for you to double check the facts when you are going through the quotes. Sometimes there are inaccuracies on the MVR that need to be addressed. In many instances this one little step will save you some big bucks.

Check and see if any company offering taxi insurance has special discounts available and find out what they are. Some companies have discounts if you are a member of a specific organization or are applying for fleet coverage. You won’t always know about a specific discount that could be applied to lower your rate unless you take the initiative and ask.

When you use an online insurance company you will find that this affords you the maximum amount of convenience, flexibility and policy options. You can even request that the rate quotes for any taxi insurance coverage be sent as email and you can bypass the hassle and time that phone conversations usually involve while you are contemplating your options.

Once you have decided on a company and policy you will then need to ask some detailed questions concerning the coverage that will be involved. Make sure that your taxi insurance is broad enough to account for every possible contingency including, additional drivers flood, theft, liability, collision and adequate coverage for passengers.

Magic Johnson said will pray for Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling

Johnson does not have AIDS, he was diagnosed as HIV positive. And he has, in fact, done quite a lot to help many communities. The Magic Johnson Foundation has raised millions for charity and “works to develop programs and support community-based organizations that address the educational, health and social needs of ethnically diverse, urban communities.”

As Cooper pointed out, many Americans are still misinformed about HIV. Johnson acknowledged that discrimination is “our biggest fight in the HIV and AIDS community… we’ve got to continue to educate people just like Donald Sterling.” He added, “I hope this doesn’t set us back. The stigma’s still there.” Despite misinformation, “You can high five a person with HIV, it’s okay… Your kid can go to school with somebody, a kid who has HIV. There is nothing that is going to happen to them.”

In response to Sterling’s claim that the Clippers players still “love me,” Johnson declared, “Really? Now he is delusional.”

 

To read the oringal article please click here