Sunday, August 8, 2010
Reining in out-of-control illegal vans
From the Daily News:
Queens lawmakers are calling for a crackdown on illegal commuter vans, blasting them as dangers to public safety for riders and pedestrians.
The vans are especially popular in far-flung neighborhoods where subways don't reach and bus lines were recently reduced or eliminated.
"These are vehicles that haven't been inspected for safety and are operating without proper licenses," City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) said during a press conference in Maspeth yesterday. "It's a growing problem."
Crowley recently introduced a bill that would require the Taxi and Limousine Commission to train NYPD officers so they could more easily spot illegal commuter vans. The commission would also have to create a comprehensive book of operating guidelines for commuter vans.
The city has sanctioned the use of licensed commuter vans in some sections of Brooklyn and Queens as part of a pilot project, but that hasn't stopped other operators from swooping into neighborhoods and targeting bus stops.
"People need to know that when they get into these vans, they are safe," said Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone).
More from the NY Times.
8 comments:
The city does not monitor the legal vans that operate improperly and poach MTA bus stop passengers. How are they going to catch the illegal vans? Did you know the ethnic vans pack folks onto crowded vans and use stools as seats? What happens if the van stops aggressively short? Also these vans discriminate against those who do not speak the ethnic language the van caters to. This is blatant discrimination and in fact these vans cater and harbor illegals by transportation them. When will the local police and Federal Gov crack down on this major illegal activity?
If the MTA didn't eliminate the routes, provided timely services and stop increasing fares, we may not have this issue. You cant fault these vans that provide the services that the people of NYC need!
The MTA didn't eliminate any routes in western Queens where Crowley's district is and actually increased bus service. She wrote the bill because of van problems in her area.
People need to know "doofy" Dan?
People need to know that you supported the mega development "Flushing Commons" project!
If you allow NYC (with the help of your vote) to sell off a public muni parking lot, what choice will people have besides trying to cram into the already overcrowded public transit system to get to work?
Maybe they'll be forced to take one of these "illegal" vans as a no choice alternative to driving into a Flushing without a suitable municipal lot!
Thanks Theod/C.M.!
This city is turning into 3rd world.
Seriously, go down to PR, DR, Mexico, etc.
The 'buses' are all beat-up Honda Civics with route numbers panted on the side. They will cram 4-6 people plus driver into them.
"If you allow NYC (with the help of your vote) to sell off a public muni parking lot, what choice will people have besides trying to cram into the already overcrowded public transit system to get to work?"
Get your gun and handle your business, stop complaining.
Those vans are all over Flushing, they stop dead in the middle of streets and intersections to pick up and drop off people they never obey the traffic laws that REAL AMERICANS are expected to obey:( Vibrant and Diverse MY ASS!!!!!!
The illegal vans are probably not commercially insured nor are the drivers licensed in NYS - probably in Bejing if they are lucky.
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