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City Council Taking Up Taxi Reform Bills After Drivers Allegedly Overcharged Riders Millions of Dollars

By DNAinfo Staff on May 24, 2010 2:39pm  | Updated on May 24, 2010 2:38pm

A package of reform bills would require more information about complaints against drivers.
A package of reform bills would require more information about complaints against drivers.
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Wikimedia Commons/Uris

By Jon Schuppe
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Following allegations that thousands of taxi drivers overcharged riders by millions of dollars, the City Council met Monday to discuss a series of taxi reforms.

The Taxi and Limousine Commission revealed earlier this year that more than 35,000 cabbies had overcharged city passengers on 1.8 million trips by using a higher rate code that was supposed to be used for trips outside the city.

The TCL later said that most of the trips were probably the result of drivers mistakenly pressing the wrong buttons. Cabbies demanded an apology, and the investigation of the scandal has continued.

The package of council bills proposes several ways to change taxi operations in the city.

One measure requires the Taxi and Limousine Commission to report its data on complaints against drivers, and enforcement actions taken against them on its website. Another says drivers must use E-Z Pass discounts at tolls. A third bill mandates drivers to install equipment that would record all fare data. A fourth tightens inspection requirements.

The proposed reforms also include a concession to drivers that would set aside a seat on the TLC board for a current or retired taxi driver.

The bills will be discussed by the council’s transportation committee starting at 2 p.m.