Category: News

The City Council is considering new regulations for the pedicab industry to prevent alleged price-gouging of tourists in Midtown. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Councilman Dan Garodnick, aims to standardize pedicab fares by requiring that they charge only by-the-minute and eliminate confusing and deceptive fee structures. Pedicab drivers would also be required to install timers and clearly display their rates. The bill is supported by some industry leaders, like Laramie Flick of the Pedicab Owners’ Association, but opposed by others, like veteran driver Ibrahim Donmez, who believes it won’t solve the problem. Councilman Oliver Koppell suggests even stricter regulations, including uniform fares like taxis, to prevent overcharging. The bill is under review by the City Council.

For more information:

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20121019/new-york-city/city-council-wants-taxi-meter-style-timers-pedicabs/

Osman Zenk, a Turkish immigrant and successful pedicab business owner in Manhattan, is fighting to regain his 28 pedicab licenses after they were revoked by the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The DCA claimed Zenk lied on his license renewal form by failing to disclose that his mother-in-law, Elda Pastor, owned a separate pedicab company operating out of his garage. Zenk argues that he did not lie because city regulations do not classify a mother-in-law as immediate family. He has filed a lawsuit, claiming the DCA denied him due process and endangered his livelihood. A judge has temporarily barred the DCA from selling his licenses but also prohibited Zenk from leasing out his pedicabs until a court hearing in September. Zenk is seeking to restore his business and support the 22 drivers who rely on his pedicabs.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/08/17/pedicab-prince-in-legal-fight-with-city/

Mayor Bloomberg advised New York City tourists to firmly reject exorbitant pedicab charges, such as a recent $442.54 bill for a short ride, by telling the driver to “stick it” and calling the police if necessary. While offering this advice, Bloomberg also defended the pedicab industry, noting that despite past controversies and high costs, it hasn’t negatively impacted the city and continues to be used by those willing to pay. He highlighted that some pedicab services, like a one-hour Central Park tour for nearly $98, cater to those with extra money to spend.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/08/11/mike-rips-pedi-scam/

The issue of pedicab drivers overcharging tourists in New York City has sparked strong opinions. Some view the pedicab industry as out of control, causing traffic issues and taking advantage of tourists with exorbitant fees, like $100 per person for short rides. Critics argue for stricter regulations or even the elimination of pedicabs. On the other hand, honest pedicab drivers advocate for a passenger bill of rights that would require upfront price quotes to ensure a positive experience. They believe that without proper regulation, the industry’s reputation is at risk, and tourists will continue to be exploited.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/08/11/pedicabs-vicious-cycle/

Savas Avci, a licensed pedicab driver known for overcharging tourists, is under scrutiny for illegally adding sales tax to his exorbitant fares, despite pedicab rides being exempt from state sales tax. He charged a Texas family $36.54 in tax on a $406 ride and a Maryland family $28.52 on a $316 ride. The Department of Consumer Affairs plans to refer his case to the Department of Taxation to determine if he’s remitting these taxes to the state. Additionally, Avci is not registered with the state as a vendor authorized to collect taxes, raising further legal concerns.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/08/08/pedicab-pirates-in-a-taxing-situation/

New York City’s pedicabs are increasingly notorious for overcharging riders, with drivers like Savas Avci allegedly scamming tourists by promising low fares and then adding exorbitant hidden fees, such as $100 per passenger. This practice has led to outrage, as riders are unaware of these extra charges until it’s too late. The Post has highlighted the need for stricter regulation to prevent these ripoffs, which harm both tourists and the city’s reputation. The Department of Consumer Affairs has called for an investigation into Avci’s illegal “tax” charges, but there are concerns that many other drivers might be engaging in similar deceptive practices. The call is for immediate action to protect riders and preserve the city’s image.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/08/08/rickshaw-racketeers/

Pedicab drivers in New York City are frequently overcharging riders through hidden fees and deceptive pricing schemes, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Councilman Dan Garodnick, chair of the Consumer Affairs Committee, highlighted the widespread issue, citing numerous complaints from tourists who were charged far more than expected. The problem stems from drivers exploiting a legal loophole by listing onerous fees in fine print on required rate cards, only to reveal them at the end of the ride. Garodnick has proposed a bill requiring pedicab operators to clearly state the total cost before the ride begins, which is supported by the NYC Pedicab Owners Association. The bill, currently in committee, aims to prevent surprise charges and protect tourists. Hotel doormen have reported frequent incidents of overcharged guests, with some even involving police, but enforcement is limited due to current laws allowing drivers to set their own prices. The proposed regulations seek to ensure transparency and safeguard the city’s reputation with tourists.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/08/07/pol-put-brakes-on-bike-cab-gouging/

Pedicab driver Savas Avci has been exploiting tourists by charging over $400 for short rides, using hidden fees and a complex pricing system. He lured a Texas family of four with a promise of $1-per-block but ended up charging them $442 for a 12-minute ride, claiming a $100 per-person minimum. He also charged another family $431 for a similar ride. While these tactics are not illegal, they are deceptive, with rate cards displaying per-person charges in small print. The NYC Pedicab Owners Association’s president, Laramie Flick, is calling for regulations requiring drivers to provide clear, upfront pricing. Avci may face penalties for violating the rule limiting pedicabs to three passengers.

For more information:

https://nypost.com/2012/08/06/pedicab-driver-tricks-tourists-for-442-riders/

A Texas family visiting New York was charged $442.54 for a 12-minute pedicab ride by driver Savas Avci, a legal but controversial act due to the lack of city regulations on pedicab fares. The incident has angered other pedicab drivers, who fear that such predatory practices could damage their livelihoods and the industry’s reputation. While drivers are allowed to set their own prices, most typically charge around $2 or $3 per block, making Avci’s charge of over $31 per block seem excessive. Some tourists, however, remain cautious but not overly concerned about being overcharged, acknowledging the potential risks while traveling.

For more information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/pedicab-driver-charges-family-440-for-short-ride/

https://www.broadway.com/videos/154166/chaplin-takes-manhattan-charlie-rides-a-pedicab-in-new-broadway-promo/