There’s no legal or criminal consequence for any of the drivers or cab companies cited on TaxiHack, but Mr. Meech said he imagined it would be in their best interests to pay attention to the comments.
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The Department of Citywide Administrative Services, on behalf of the Taxi and Limousine Commission, is undertaking a major initiative, herein referred to as the Taxi of Tomorrow Project. New York City seeks upgrades to its existing taxi fleet and is proactively exploring vehicle possibilities that more appropriately reflect the needs of its diverse stakeholders – passengers, drivers, owners and NYC residents. As part of this Project, the TLC is seeking a highly qualified Original Equipment Manufacturer (“OEM”), or a team that includes an OEM, to provide an innovative vehicle developed or modified for use in a highly visible taxi market located within one of the paramount marketing centers of the world.
This Request For Proposal (RFP) seeks to bring a new taxi to the streets of New York City. Among the qualities envisioned for the Taxi of Tomorrow are:
• Highest safety standards
• Superior passenger experience
• Superior driver comfort and amenities
• Appropriate purchase price and on-going maintenance and repair costs
• Sustainability (minimized environmental impact throughout the vehicle’s
life cycle)
• Minimal physical footprint (with more useable interior room)
• Universal accessibility for all users with a goal of meeting ADA guidelines
(wheelchair accessible)
• Iconic design that will identify the new taxi with New York City
Proposals are due by 2pm on March 26th 2010
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Pema Sherpa was opening the door of his rented yellow cab when the first blow came. A meat cleaver sliced open the back of his head and everything flashed white. The sun had not yet risen over the stretch of attached brick two-story houses on 62nd Street in Woodside, Queens; it was 5 a.m.
The cleaver came down again, this time on Mr. Sherpa’s chest, chopping through the layers of clothing he had donned against the early-morning chill. And again, slicing gashes into the rubber soles of his sneakers.
Bleeding on the pavement, Mr. Sherpa beheld his attacker: Debindra Chhantyal, his mild-mannered partner and countryman.
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For the city’s cabbies, the quest for a bathroom is no potty joke.
Finding bladder relief is a daily dilemma for the city’s 44,000 cabbies, who typically work 12 hour shifts and cruise miles away from their garages. And the hunt for a toilet is getting harder as new bike lanes and MUNI meters make it harder to jump out without getting ticketed.
“We’re getting squeezed further and further,” said John McDonagh, a driver for 30 years.
The city provides 55 “relief stands” where cabs can park on the street for an hour, though they must then find a place willing to let them use their facilities.
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