The year 2007 may prove to be one of the most important years in the storied history of New York City's development. In a future timeline of urban advances, it might be printed in as big a font and as bold a type as 1811--when the grid system was adopted--or 1904--when the I.R.T. subway opened. The text adjacent to 2007 could say something like "the start of livable streets," or "the bike boom begins," or "congestion pricing kicks off." It may turn out that all of those descriptions may suit 2007. The real question is, in hindsight, will they?

Testimony of Noah Budnick, Projects Director, Transportation Alternatives

Intro 195 proposes to create a drivers' advisory board to advise the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. Transportation Alternatives urges the Council to specifically include traffic safety advocates and passenger advocates as members of the advisory board. These non-partisan members are essential to ensure that the advisory board and the TLC address the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and the general public as well as taxicab passengers. In addition to taxicab safety, the proposed advisory board should examine work conditions, driver training, safety education, enforcement

Good afternoon, my name is Neel Scott. I speak for Transportation Alternatives, New York City’s advocate for bicyclists, pedestrians and safe streets. We have an abiding interest in seeing safer taxi drivers.

Good afternoon. My name is Neel Scott. I am the campaign coordinator for Transportation Alternatives, New York City’s advocate for bicyclists, pedestrians and safe streets. Transportation Alternatives strongly supports the proposed fare increase to a basic charge of $2.50, a 1/5 mile or 120 second charge of $.40 and a night surcharge of $1.00.

The ubiquitous yellow cab, and their deadlier black car relatives in the outer boroughs, don’t have a monopoly on dangerous driving, but they are professional drivers and subject to regulation. The public has a right to expect professional, safe behavior from cab drivers. In turn, drivers deserve a living wage that encourages them to drive safely and gain experience.

Groups representing thousands of New York City pedestrians and bicyclists welcomed recent announcements by Mayor Giuliani and Police Commissioner Safir that the City was cracking down on dangerous cabbies starting on May 1.

John Kaehny, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives welcomed the move. "Cabs set the pace on city streets, which has meant speeding and reckless driving. We applaud the police effort to calm our streets."

Transportation Alternatives is a 4,500 member group which works for better conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists.

New York City cyclists and pedestrians are reveling in the taxi strike today, enjoying streets that are almost free of the usually rampant reckless and speeding and aggressive drivers, as well as horn honking and screeching brakes. While few city agencies collect data specifically documenting the frequency of crashes involving taxis, city residents who get around by hoof and pedal power know from experience that cabbies under pressure to earn fares beyond their daily overhead are one of the greatest causes of danger and chaos on city streets.

Transportation Alternatives, a 5,000 member group which represents NYC pedestrians and bicyclists and is a leading advocate for traffic safety, has called on the Mayor, City Council and Taxi and Limousine Commission to couple tougher safety standards with higher pay for cab drivers as part of a campaign to improve public safety and professionalize the taxi industry.