Pat Russo Talks Taxi Law on New York Radio Show
On Saturday, July 6th, Pat Russo (Special Counsel, New York) appeared on the "La Voz Del Volante Radio Show" on Radio WADO, 1280 AM. The show is hosted by Fernando Mateo, Jose Viloria and Jose Jean, founders of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers.
Pat provided provided legal commentary and analysis of recent litigation initiated by a taxi trade group, the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade, against the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission ("TLC") that would require the TLC to enforce its rules with regard to the Street Hail Livery Law. Specifically, the TLC issued an industry notice on June 26th allowing the new "boro taxis" to operate without the L-PEP technology, since the taxis are ready to hit the street but there is not yet an approved L-PEP provider. According to the lawsuit, allowing the new boro taxis on the road without GPS and other required technology diminishes the TLC's ability to prevent the boro taxis from poaching yellow taxi fares in Manhattan's central business areas and the City's airports. The litigation was withdrawn when the TLC rescinded its waiver, which was the relief sought by the petitioners.
Pat has provided legal commentary on the radio show on previous occasions to discuss transportation matters.
