An emblematic symbol of New York, yellow taxis crisscross the city day and night. However, their drivers face a difficulty: finding a place to park for a “pee break” without risking a ticket. Faced with fines that can exceed 100 or even 200 dollars, these road workers demand solutions from the authorities.
“A torture”
In a city where parking is a permanent challenge, taxi drivers as well as those of platforms like Uber and Lyft are forced to stop on bus or bikes, with automatic sanctions. A situation that Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the Federation of Taxi Drivers of New York State, denounces as “a torture”.
“We worked hard for hairdressing salons, restaurants and small businesses allow taxi drivers to use their toilets, but when they come out a few minutes later, they receive a ticket. He explains. The alternative which would consist in relieving near their vehicle, is just as risky, since this option could lead to prosecution for modesty or even the suspension of their license.
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The municipality looking for solutions
Faced with this dead end, the organization requires the establishment of dedicated locations allowing drivers to park legally for ten minutes, for a break. A claim widely shared by professionals in the sector.
The municipal authorities, aware of the problem, ensure seeking solutions to improve access to the toilets in public space. Among the tracks mentioned is the creation of new adapted parking zones. But for drivers, the urgency remains: being able to exercise their profession in worthy conditions, without having to choose between a natural need and a financial sanction.
(Tagstotranslate) United States (T) News (T) New York (T) VTC (T) Uber (T) Taxi