NEW YORK —
The next time you take a taxi or ride-share trip, you might be talking to your driver about locking the doors.
After recent robberies, a group of drivers says New York City needs to change a rule to make things safer.
“Thank God nothing has happened to me yet. I see people getting robbed,” said Eliecer Colon, who has been driving for 15 years.
In response to a robbery on Tuesday along Neptune Avenue in Coney Island, the New York Federation of Taxi Drivers has asked for a rule change.
“When you get in, tell the driver to lock the door so you’re safe in the vehicle. When you get to the destination, open the door and get out,” said spokesperson Fernando Mateo.
Mateo said times and technology have changed. Drivers cannot lock the door without the rider’s consent. It could be considered kidnapping.
The NYPD released surveillance video of potential suspects in the Coney Island robbery, and officers are still investigating the sequence of events. Witnesses said two men opened the door of the car Tuesday around 6:15 p.m. and robbed the passenger . He had a medical episode and died.
In a written statement, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) said, “Violence of any kind in or around a TLC vehicle is always unconscionable and unacceptable. This incident is still under investigation and it is unclear if modifying TLC rules would have impacted the tragic outcome.”
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Taxi drivers in New York City are calling for a new safety measure that would require doors to remain locked while passengers are in the car. This proposal comes in response to growing concerns about driver and passenger safety, especially in light of recent incidents involving assaults, robberies, and general security risks. The drivers group believes that implementing a rule to lock the doors during rides could significantly reduce the potential for dangerous situations.
A Growing Concern for Safety
The push for locked doors has gained traction following a series of troubling incidents in which taxi drivers have been attacked or robbed by passengers. While these occurrences remain relatively rare, the constant threat of such events, coupled with the unpredictable nature of city driving, has created an environment where drivers feel their personal safety is at risk. Additionally, the fear of sudden, unannounced exits from passengers has added to the concerns.
The Proposal: Locked Doors During Rides
The proposal would require that taxi drivers lock all doors as soon as a passenger enters the vehicle, ensuring that the doors remain secured for the duration of the trip. The rule would be in line with practices seen in some other cities, where door-locking mechanisms are used to protect both drivers and passengers from potential threats.
Under the plan, only the driver would be able to unlock the doors, and this would occur when the ride is completed or when a situation arises where it is necessary to let the passenger out. The proposal also includes measures to ensure that passengers can exit the vehicle in case of an emergency.
Safety Concerns and the Rationale for Change
Taxi drivers argue that locking the doors during rides would serve as a deterrent to would-be criminals, preventing potential threats from becoming dangerous. The move could help curb incidents where passengers attempt to flee without paying or escalate situations by attempting to exit the vehicle in unsafe conditions.
Moreover, many drivers are particularly vulnerable to crimes when they are driving in poorly lit or isolated areas, especially during late hours. Locking the doors would provide an added layer of security in situations where the driver may feel threatened or unsafe.
While the proposal is largely being supported by the drivers’ community, the response from passengers has been mixed. Some passengers have voiced concern about the potential for feeling trapped or unable to exit the taxi if needed, especially in emergency situations.
As of now, the proposal to lock taxi doors during rides is still under review. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), which regulates taxis, has acknowledged the concerns raised by drivers but has yet to implement any changes regarding door-locking policies. The TLC has stated that they are in the process of conducting further research into the feasibility of the proposal, considering both safety and practicality.
The debate over locked doors in NYC taxis is far from over. As city officials continue to weigh the pros and cons of such a rule, taxi drivers are hopeful that their concerns will lead to positive changes in safety protocols.
For now, taxi drivers will continue to voice their need for greater security measures, and passengers will have to navigate the evolving safety landscape in New York City’s taxi industry.
With safety remaining a top priority for all involved, finding a solution that works for both drivers and passengers may be the key to ensuring that New York City’s iconic yellow cabs continue to operate smoothly while protecting everyone on board.
