Federal prosecutors in New York have charged two men, Eliahou Paldiel, 52, of Queens, and Carlos Arturo Suarez Palacios, 54, of Brick Township, NJ, with orchestrating a long-running scheme to pocket phony “surge charge” fees and defraud Uber, its drivers, and its customers. The FBI arrested the pair, who appeared in Brooklyn Federal Court on August 28 for arraignment on charges of wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies, which could result in up to 40 years in prison for each.

The scheme involved selling hacked smartphones pre-installed with an app called “Screwber” to 800 Uber drivers. This app allowed drivers to learn a customer’s destination and fare ahead of accepting a ride, enabling them to choose only the most lucrative fares. The pair charged a $600 one-time fee plus a $300 monthly subscription for Screwber.

Additionally, an app called “Fake GPS” enabled drivers to spoof their location, allowing them to accept rides experiencing surge pricing ahead of closer drivers. This app also allowed drivers to pretend they were in an airport ride-hail queue before actually arriving, thus skipping the virtual line.

The smartphones distributed by Paldiel and Suarez were outfitted with obsolete versions of the Uber app, which allowed the use of these fraudulent apps to go undetected. Over six years, starting in 2018, the pair allegedly reaped approximately $40 million in ill-gotten gains.

“As alleged, the defendants sought to enrich themselves by corrupting the rideshare market at the expense of unsuspecting passengers and hardworking drivers who play by the rules,” said Breon Peace, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “The defendants learned an important lesson in these charges: there is no such thing as a free ride.”

Uber, identified as “Rideshare Company-1” in the charges, confirmed its involvement. “The alleged fraud by 800 bad actors not only took money out of the pockets of hardworking drivers — it forced rideshare companies to further limit access to work for tens of thousands of TLC drivers,” said Uber spokesperson Josh Gold. “We’re appreciative of the government’s efforts to bring these bad actors to justice, and fully supported law enforcement in their investigation.”

The fraud contributed to a decrease in Uber’s “utilization rate,” the ratio between a driver’s total time online versus the amount of time they have passengers. This decrease led to an increase in driver “lockouts,” where drivers are unable to access the app and earn fares. The city recently reached an agreement with Uber and Lyft to reduce lockouts and pause the hiring of new drivers to maintain utilization rates, though this resolution has faced criticism from driver groups.

Paldiel and Suarez were each released on $210,000 bond after pleading not guilty to the charges.

New York City, known for its bustling streets, iconic yellow taxis, and towering skyscrapers, is about to embark on a groundbreaking transportation initiative—the Central Business District (CBD) Tolling Program. Starting June 30, 2024, this program aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

The CBD Tolling Program, also known as congestion pricing, will introduce tolls for vehicles entering or remaining within the Congestion Relief Zone—a designated area encompassing local streets and avenues at or below 60th Street in Manhattan. The goal? To discourage unnecessary vehicle trips and create a more efficient urban environment.

1. Toll Collection:

• Vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone will be charged a toll.
• The toll amount varies based on factors such as vehicle type, time of day, and crossing credits (more on that later).
• E-ZPass users will have tolls deducted automatically, while others will receive Tolls by Mail bills.

2. Vehicle Types and Rates:
• Passenger and Small Commercial Vehicles:
• Peak Period (high congestion): $15
• Overnight Period (low congestion): $3.75
• Motorcycles:
7.50 (𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘) 𝑎𝑛𝑑
1.75 (overnight)
• Trucks and Buses:
• Peak Period:
24 𝑜𝑟
36 (depending on size and function)
• Overnight Period:
6 𝑜𝑟
9
• Taxis and For-Hire Vehicles:
• Per-trip tolls for passengers: App-based for-hire vehicles (
2.50) 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠/𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑏𝑠/𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑠 (
1.25).

3. Crossing Credits:

• Vehicles using E-ZPass and entering via tolled entries (e.g., Lincoln Tunnel) receive credits.
• Passenger vehicles: Up to $5 credit
• Motorcycles: Up to $2.50 credit
• Small trucks and charter buses: Up to $12 credit
• Large trucks and tour buses: Up to $20 credit
4. Discounts and Exemptions:
• Low-income drivers can access discount plans.
• Exemptions apply to individuals with disabilities, emergency vehicles, buses, and government-owned specialized vehicles.

1. Reduced Congestion:
• By discouraging unnecessary trips, the CBD Tolling Program aims to reduce traffic congestion in Manhattan’s core.
• Imagine smoother-flowing streets and shorter commute times!
2. Cleaner Air:
• Fewer idling vehicles mean improved air quality.
• Healthier lungs for all New Yorkers!

3. Funding Transit Improvements:

• Revenue generated from tolls will fund public transit enhancements.
• Better subways, buses, and infrastructure for everyone.

As the CBD Tolling Program approaches, familiarize yourself with the rules, explore E-ZPass options, and plan your routes. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a tourist, or a curious observer, this program will reshape how we move through the city that never sleeps.
Remember, it’s not just about paying tolls—it’s about creating a more vibrant, accessible, and sustainable New York City. Buckle up, fellow travelers, and let’s navigate these streets together! 🚗🌆
Disclaimer: This article is purely fictional and created for illustrative purposes. The CBD Tolling Program details are based on the information provided in the user’s message. 😊🗽

In an effort to protect the rights of drivers, the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) approved changes to its driver pay rules on November 15, 2022, raising the minimum rates of pay for drivers working for High-Volume For-Hire Services. The increased minimum pay rates were scheduled to take effect on December 19, 2022.

However, on January 6, 2023, a judge struck down TLC’s proposed pay rate increase for drivers of High-Volume For-Hire Services (Lyft and Uber), as a result of legal action initiated by Uber. This means that the current minimum pay rates, available on TLC’s website, will remain in effect until further notice.

TLC firmly believes that drivers should be paid fairly for their work and is carefully reviewing the judge’s written decision. The agency will continue to do what is within its legal authority to protect this important pay standard. Despite this setback, TLC remains committed to ensuring that drivers are treated fairly and will take all necessary steps to achieve this goal.

This decision highlights the ongoing struggle for fair pay and working conditions for drivers of high-volume for-hire services such as Uber and Lyft. It also raises questions about the role of the TLC in regulating the pay and working conditions of these drivers. The agency will continue to review the situation and take action as appropriate.

In the meantime, drivers are advised to check the TLC website for updates on the minimum pay rates and any other relevant information. The TLC encourages drivers to contact them with any questions or concerns about their pay and working conditions.

It’s important to note that this court ruling might only affect New York City and not in the whole country. However, it brings attention to the ongoing struggle for fair pay and working conditions for drivers of high-volume for-hire services such as Uber and Lyft.

It is not uncommon for people to obscure their license plate numbers in order to protect their privacy or avoid being tracked by law enforcement or other parties. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as using a license plate cover, a frame that covers part of the plate, or even spray-painting the plate.

However, it is important to note that obscuring a license plate is generally not legal in most states, including New York. This is because the license plate must be clearly visible at all times in order to facilitate the identification of vehicles for law enforcement and other purposes. Obscuring a license plate can result in fines and other legal consequences, and in some cases, the police may even impound the vehicle if the license plate is not visible.

Despite these risks, some people continue to obscure their license plate numbers in order to protect their privacy or avoid being tracked. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of obscuring a license plate before taking this action. If you are considering obscuring your license plate, it is a good idea to check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to understand the specific laws and regulations in your area.

In the state of New York, it is generally not legal to obscure or cover up any part of a license plate, including the numbers and letters, with any material that makes it difficult to read the plate. This includes using a license plate cover, a frame that covers part of the plate, or any other material that obstructs the view of the plate.

The license plate must be clearly visible at all times and must be kept clean and legible. It must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle and must be issued by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

There may be some exceptions to this rule for certain types of vehicles, such as historical vehicles or vehicles that are used in parades or other special events. In these cases, a temporary cover or frame may be allowed, as long as it does not obstruct the view of the plate. However, it is important to check with the DMV before using any type of cover or frame on a license plate in New York.

Obscuring a license plate can have serious consequences, including fines and points on your driver’s license. If you are caught obscuring a license plate, you may be ticketed and required to pay a fine. In some cases, the police may even impound your vehicle if the license plate is not visible.

“MTA and law enforcement agencies announced Friday, May 20, 2022, that they are cracking down on motorists who use fake, obscured, or covered license plates to avoid paying tolls.

The collaborative effort aims to combat deliberate attempts to prevent tolling cameras from identifying license plates through increased enforcement and by sharing information and best practices to identify bad actors on the road.

The coordinated law enforcement effort aims to not only crack down on the evasion of tolls through forged or obstructed license plates but to curtail motorists who use similar deceptive tactics to hide more serious crimes and to evade speed and red-light cameras across the region.”

It is important to follow the laws regarding license plates in New York to avoid any legal issues. If you have any questions about the legality of a license plate in New York, it is a good idea to contact the DMV for more information. A more detailed article regarding to penalties and cost to the drivers incurring in this practice is here.

 

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.”

 

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.

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