BFF-20 Over 7,000 apply for New York for-hire license ahead of cap

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Over 7,000 apply for New York for-hire license ahead of cap

NEW YORK, Aug 17, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Over 7,000 New York City car-for-hire
license applications were filed between the announcement of a one-year cap on
new licenses — a blow to the likes of Uber and Lyft — and the measure
coming into force, the city regulator said Thursday.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the bill into effect Tuesday, a first
in the United States after a city council vote earlier this month.

It stipulates a 12-month cap on all new for-hire-vehicle licenses, unless
they are wheelchair accessible, as well as minimum pay requirements for app
drivers — regulated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

The city decided on the suspension to allow the TLC, which is a powerful
force in New York politics, to study the impact of the ride-share industry on
New York.

The TLC told AFP that 7,434 aspiring drivers rushed to apply in the six
days between the vote and the mayor’s ratification.

A TLC spokesperson said the applications were still under review and were
not guaranteed approval.

In 2010, before Uber emerged on the scene the following year, New York had
about 37,000 for-hire vehicles and 13,500 taxis.

Last year, while the number of taxis had not changed, the number of for-
hire vehicles had more than doubled to 83,000.

Many officials blame the rapid ride-share industry growth for causing the
congestion that plagues Manhattan daily.

BSS/AFP/RY/09:32 hrs