A city cab driver is back on the job after she was allegedly attacked by an unruly passenger who was angry she was talking on her cell phone.
Neeru Singh says she picked up 43-year-old Paula Mergal, a Bronx resident, on the corner of 55th Street and Tenth Avenue at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Mergal asked to be taken to 27th Street and Broadway. At the time, Singh was on a hands-free conference call with five other taxi drivers, including three women.
Within moments of the trip to Chelsea, Singh says that Mergal began berating her with racial slurs, asking if she was Hindu or Muslim, and telling her to go back to her country. Mergal allegedly claimed she was an undercover officer and threatened to arrest her if she didn’t hang up the phone.
Singh says she eventually complied and put the phone on the seat next to her, but didn’t hang up. She says Mergal’s verbal abuse continued and she eventually demanded to be let out at 28th Street and Ninth Avenue. Mergal then allegedly reached through the partition and began choking Singh out, while trying to take back the money she’d given to pay for the ride.
Ironically, it turned out Singh’s phone call was what helped her. The other drivers talking to Singh at the time heard the entire struggle and called 911 for help. Mergal who tried to run off, was arrested.
Taxi and Limousine Commission rules prohibit cabbies from using cell phones when on duty. But cabbies say cell phones are a “lifeline” for taxi drivers, and this attack proves it.
Members of the taxi drivers’ union The New York Taxi Workers’ Alliance say the rule should be changed.
“The cell phone is not a luxury item for us, it’s our life line.” 30-year veteran Bill Lindauer said in a statement. “The TLC should end the double standard.”
Singh was bruised and shaken but was back on the job the next day. Mergal has been charged with attempted robbery, assault, and harassment.
There is no word on whether the TLC plans on changing its cell phone policy.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
L. Will 03.20.08 at 3:35 pm
I’m glad they arrested that maniac. The driver should sue that woman for emotional distress. Too bad she went right back to work the next day. What did her religion have to do with anything???
When a passenger asks me where I’m from, I ask why they want to know. I try to discourage all conversation with them. I just want the money, and for them to get the hell out so I can pick up another fare.
Maybe I should stop driving…..lol
Stephen 03.20.08 at 4:59 pm
All cabbies should have mobile phone in their car, also Cab Security Camera!
There is money for distracting Taxi-TV, but not for the security camera!