Int. No. 1023-A

By Council Members Stewart, James, Gerson, Seabrook, Mealy, Nelson, Palma,
Sanders Jr., Reyna, Lappin, Jackson, White Jr., Gennaro, Mitchell, Recchia Jr. and Weprin

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to displaying a passengers’ bill of rights in commuter vans.

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

                     Section 1.  Subdivision b of section 19-537 of title 19 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended to read as follows:

b.  Every owner of a taxicab [or], livery or commuter van shall post passengers’ bill of rights in at least one conspicuous location in the rear passenger compartment of such taxicab [or], livery or commuter van in a form and location to be prescribed by commission rule.

§ 2.  Subdivisions e and f of section 19-537 of title 19 of the administrative code of the city of New York are relettered as subdivisions f and g, respectively, and a new subdivision e is added to read as follows:

e.  The commuter van passengers’ bill of rights shall state passengers’ rights to:

(1)  a vehicle that is in good condition and has passed all required inspections;

(2)  a properly licensed driver in good standing, with the commission-issued driver’s license information on display;

(3)  a safe and courteous driver who obeys all traffic laws;

(4)  a knowledgeable driver who is familiar with the areas where the van is authorized to provide service;

(5)  air conditioning or heat on request;

(6)  a quiet trip free of horn honking or radio or other music playing;

(7)  clean air, which is smoke and scent free;

(8)  working seatbelts;

(9)  a clean vehicle, both inside and outside;

(10)  be accompanied by a service animal;

(11)  a driver who does not use a cell phone (hand-held or hands free) while driving; and

(12)  decline to tip for poor service.

§3.  This local law shall take effect ninety days after it is enacted into law.

PH

LS# 7181

10.14.09 - 11:45am