Transportation Alternatives today issued a new report which concludes that when taxi drivers are paid more, they are safer drivers. The report was prepared by Bruce Schaller, a widely-respected transportation analyst who has worked for the Taxi and Limousine Commission and MTA New York City Transit. The analysis compares crash records of different groups of drivers for the same time period and examines changes in the number of taxis involved in crashes and changes in driver incomes.

We find that, based on available data, there appears to be a strong relationship between taxicab crash rates and driver incomes. Higher driver incomes are associated with lower crash rates.

Background

• Medallion cabs constitute 30% to 50% of traffic on major Manhattan avenues.
• In 1999, cabs were involved in 16% of all injury crashes in Manhattan.
• Citywide, cabs injured 4,478 people in 1999, including: 1,005 pedestrians and bicyclists, 875 taxi passengers, 772 taxi drivers and 687 people in other vehicles.

Analysis Summary
There are several reasons to expect that the incidence of motor vehicle crashes is related to taxi driver incomes. First, drivers who are under greater financial pressure tend to work longer hours, thus becoming more fatigued and subject to making mistakes that result in motor vehicle crashes. Financial strains may also pressure drivers to exceed the speed limit, run red lights and take other risks.

Driver incomes also affect the overall attractiveness of the job. Higher incomes make driving a cab more attractive producing a more qualified and experienced driver corps. Conversely, studies suggest lower incomes contribute to rapid turnover among drivers as they seek better-paying jobs.

Transportation Alternatives Recommendation
This study supports petitions for a fare increase. This fare increase should result in substantial increases to driver incomes.

"Paying cabbies more will make NYC streets safer. From a public safety perspective, cab fares and driver incomes need to go up substantially." said John Kaehny, executive director of Transportation Alternatives.