In Midtown Manhattan, pedicab pricing can feel like the Wild West due to its unregulated nature. A striking example occurred last August when a tourist was charged $442 for a 15-minute ride that spanned less than a mile. Initially, the pedicab driver quoted a dollar per block, only to reveal a $100 minimum per person at the trip’s end, then requested a tip. This incident underscores the unpredictability and potential for exploitation in pedicab fares.
To address these issues, New York City, collaborating with pedicab representatives like Laramie Flick, president of the pedicab owners association, has devised new regulations. Set to take effect next week, these rules mandate that drivers post their rates clearly and charge consistently per minute, applying uniformly to all customers. While Flick supports these changes, not all drivers are pleased. Ibrahim Donmez, a veteran driver, argues for rate flexibility based on factors like route difficulty, weather conditions, or passenger count, emphasizing the bespoke nature of a human-powered service like pedicabs. These new regulations aim to protect tourists and ensure a fairer transaction process.
For more information:
https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2013/07/09/199048226/how-to-spend-442-on-a-15-minute-cab-ride