Since a new law enforcing transparency in pedicab fare calculations was introduced last month, about 100 drivers, or roughly 9% of the licensed pedicab drivers in New York City, have quit. The legislation requires fares to be prominently posted and calculated using a timer to prevent overcharging, targeting drivers who previously exploited tourists and locals with unclear and deceptive pricing. As a result, these drivers, particularly those who operated at night in Midtown, have either left the industry or moved away, with some even returning to their home countries. The new rules mandate charging by the minute, setting flat rates, and using timers that are inspected and sealed by the Department of Consumer Affairs. This crackdown has significantly curtailed the ability of drivers to scam passengers, leading to a cleaner, more reputable image for the pedicab industry. However, the loss of the ability to overcharge has drastically reduced earnings for some drivers, with reports of incomes dropping from up to $700 a day to a maximum of $200. Despite these challenges, honest drivers welcome the regulation, appreciating the improved public perception and reduction in fraudulent activities.
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