TLC To Launch Group Ride Pilot Program
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Mayor Michael Bloomberg was joined by Taxi and Limousine Commission officials Tuesday to announce a new group-ride van service for commuters affected by MTA bus cuts.
The details of the pilot program will be released in the coming weeks.
The mayor says there will be specified pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the city and vans will be clearly marked so commuters can easily identify them as legal participants in the program.
The vans can hold up to 20 passengers.
Operators will charge a flat rate, possibly $2, with higher fares for longer rides.
"This group ride service has never been tried before as far as we know, and there may be some kinks in it that will have to be ironed out as the program rolls out. That's to be expected, but if we find that the plan succeeds, we will expand it to other parts of the city," said the mayor.
"We want to look for opportunities where the industries we regulate can help fill the gap this is a small step to see how that will work in practice," said TLC Commissioner David Yassky.
The TLC has already approved a group ride stand on York Avenue.
Mayor Bloomberg says he also asked the TLC to identify other locations where group ride service and group van service might be feasible.
The pilot program will be reevaluated after one year.