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.
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