NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — A package of bills aimed at cracking down on scammy pedicabs in the theater district is gaining momentum.
City Councilwoman Gale Brewer says her legislation, which she introduced more than a year ago, is set to finally get a hearing, possibly in September.
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The plan includes treating pedicabs more like taxicabs, moving licensing to the taxi and limousine commission, standardizing rates and adding meters.
The number of pedicabs especially in Times Square have exploded over the years, to as many as 1,500 according to one estimate, with nearly half of them unlicensed and many even uninsured.
PIX11 News asked several pedicab operators in Times Square what they charge. The answers varied from $8.99 a minute per rider, to flat rates of $100 for 30 minutes, or $50 for 10 minutes. That’s not including tip.
The NY pedicab alliance, which represents licensed operators, is supporting the legislation.
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We are the right people. We are the victim of that because now people don’t trust us because of that,” NY Pedicab Alliance President Makan Camara said.
“I’ve heard people fay $500 to $1,000,” Councilwoman Brewer said. “To go around the theater district in particular.”
Licensed pedicab operators in Central Park told PIX11 they welcome the reform, but they also need help with skyrocketing insurance rates.
“The insurance? Right now we pay $6,000,” Savane Sidiki said. Adding that because of the high price some are riding without insurance.
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