Category: News

Pedicab drivers in New York City who have been overcharging riders with deceptive fares are now under strict scrutiny due to a new law that takes effect on July 12. This law requires all pedicab drivers to use official stopwatches to time rides, charge by the minute or set a flat rate, and clearly display prices on visible signs. These measures aim to curb the rampant overcharging practices, where some drivers charged hundreds of dollars for short rides. The NYC Pedicab Owners’ Association supports the law, with many drivers already complying by installing meters and preparing official receipts. However, some drivers resist the new regulations, expressing doubt about enforcement. The law was passed after reports of extreme overcharging, such as a Texas family being billed $442 for a 12-minute ride.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/07/01/pedicab-drivers-will-have-to-follow-strict-new-rules-when-it-comes-to-charging-customers/

A crackdown on rogue pedicab drivers in New York City is set to take effect with new rules aimed at preventing passengers from being overcharged. These new regulations, which begin on July 12, will require pedicab drivers to post clear signs with rates charged by the minute and use stopwatches calibrated by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The move comes in response to numerous complaints of extreme overcharging, including one instance where a Japanese tourist was charged $720 for a 20-minute ride. Legitimate pedicab drivers support these changes, acknowledging that some drivers have been taking advantage of customers with confusing pricing. They warn passengers to be cautious until the new rules are enforced, as rogue drivers may try to exploit people while they still can.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/new-rules-will-soon-bring-rogue-pedicab-drivers-ridiculous-fares-to-a-screeching-halt/

Avci, a pedicab driver facing 27 charges, admitted to violating a regulation by loading four passengers into his cab when the limit is three but denied other allegations, including illegally adding sales tax to fares. One notable instance involved a Texas family whose $406 fare was inflated to $442.54 due to the unauthorized tax. Avci claimed the tax was automatically added by his credit card processor and insisted he didn’t realize it was illegal until it was reported by The Post. He also blamed his poor English skills for failing to properly report six summonses on his license renewal application. Despite the numerous charges, his lawyer argued they were not severe enough to justify revoking his license. A decision on his case is expected within 30 days.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/06/18/a-hail-of-a-nerve-442-rip-off-pedicabby-whine/

Savas Avci, a pedicab driver accused of scamming tourists by charging exorbitant fares, is facing an administrative court hearing that could result in the loss of his pedicab license. Although he wasn’t initially breaking any laws with his high prices, new city regulations now restrict what pedicabs can charge. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is pursuing action against Avci for allegedly overloading his pedicab, falsifying receipts, and unlawfully charging sales tax—practices that are illegal for pedicab operators. One notable incident involved Avci charging a Texas family $442.54 for a 12-minute ride, which included hidden fees and an unauthorized sales tax. The DCA aims to revoke his license due to these violations.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/04/15/ny-brake-pedi-con/

Osman Zenk, a pedicab operator who previously had his license revoked for allegedly controlling more than 100 pedicabs—well over the city’s limit of 30—can regain his license after a Manhattan judge ruled in his favor. The court decision hinged on the definition of “immediate family,” as Zenk argued that his mother-in-law, Elda Pastor, who runs Cycle Cab Inc. from his garage, should not count as part of his immediate family. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Joan Lobis agreed, allowing Zenk to reclaim his license. However, city officials still suspect that Zenk is finding ways to bypass the fleet size limit.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2013/04/10/pedicab-honcho-scores-kin-win/

Mayor Michael Bloomberg signed a new law aimed at regulating pedicab fares in New York City to prevent confusing and exorbitant charges, such as a Texas family being charged over $400 for a 14-block ride. The new rules, effective next summer, will require pedicabs to charge by the minute, with visible timers, instead of the current system of charging by block and per passenger, which often includes hidden fees. The law, sponsored by City Councilor Daniel Garodnick, is intended to protect passengers from unexpected or illegal charges. About 700 pedicabs operate in the city, mainly serving tourists.

For more information:

https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2012/12/15/nyc-mayor-signs-law-restricting-pedicab-fares/qoxJFcfosnk6UasJY0QORJ/story.html

Mayor Michael Bloomberg postponed signing a proposal aimed at regulating pedicab rates, citing concerns about potential discrimination against pedicab drivers. The proposal, which had unanimous City Council support, would require pedicabs to charge by the minute with a visible timer to prevent price-gouging. This comes after incidents like a Texas family being charged $442 for a 14-block ride. Pedicab owner Ibrahim Donmez argued that the rate system is unfair and discriminatory, suggesting that drivers should provide written fare estimates instead. Pedicabs have been under scrutiny since 2007, leading to licensing, safety standards, and fleet caps, with continued efforts to regulate the industry. Bloomberg, an advocate for pedicabs as eco-friendly, said he would decide on the measure by Friday.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/mayor-bloomberg-halts-proposal-on-nyc-pedicab-charges/

The New York City Council approved new regulations for pedicabs to protect tourists from being overcharged. The legislation requires pedicab drivers to charge by the minute, with a visible timer, replacing the confusing system of charging by city blocks and adding various fees. This change comes after incidents like a Texas family being charged over $400 for a 14-block ride. The new rules, which Mayor Bloomberg has agreed to sign, aim to standardize pricing and increase transparency. The New York City Pedicab Owners’ Association supports the legislation, hoping it will reduce price gouging, though they believe raising driver standards would also help.

For more information:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/nyc-council-oks-bill-setting-pedicab-rates-232918912.html

The New York City Council is cracking down on pedicab drivers who overcharge passengers by implementing new regulations. A bill, which has received unanimous approval from a key committee and is expected to pass the full council, mandates that drivers charge a per-minute rate clearly displayed on the pedicab and a rate card given to passengers before the ride. Drivers must also have a timer visible to passengers to track the ride’s duration.

These new rules, which will take effect in April, aim to eliminate surprise charges at the end of rides, a problem highlighted by incidents like a Texas family being charged $442.54 for a 12-minute ride. The bill’s sponsor, Councilman Dan Garodnick, emphasized that deception should not be a legitimate business practice in the city. The New York City Pedicab Owners’ Association supports the measure, hoping it will reduce fraudulent practices.

Garodnick noted that while this bill addresses pricing, other issues, such as reckless driving by pedicab operators, still need regulation. He encouraged riders who feel they have been overcharged to report it by calling 311.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/11/27/fare-strikes-out/

New York City officials are addressing the issue of pedicab drivers charging excessive fees, particularly after a couple was charged over $400 for a 12-minute ride. In response, City Council members, led by Councilman Dan Garodnick, introduced a bill aimed at curbing these “outrageous fares,” which are common in areas like Central Park and Times Square. The bill, which is set to be voted on by the City Council, would require pedicab drivers to use visible timers during rides, charge only a per-minute rate, and provide passengers with information cards detailing the rate, driver’s name, and license number. The bill also prohibits any hidden fees, surcharges, or mandatory gratuities. The New York City Pedicab Owners’ Association and the Department of Consumer Affairs support the bill, seeing it as a way to protect consumers and improve the industry’s reputation.

For more information:

https://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/topics/2134-how-the-city-council-plans-to-rein-in-the-wild-west-of-pedicabs-a-policy-brief