ARCHIVE

NASSAU COUNTY RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT

NASSAU COUNTY RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT

NYC TLC * April 1, 2009

NEW YORK CITY -- New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYCTLC) Commissioner/Chairperson Matthew W. Daus, Nassau Consumer Affairs Commissioner Roger C. Bogsted and Westchester TLC (WCTLC) CEO and Chairperson Barbara Z. Monohan have announced that the Nassau County Taxi & Limousine Commission has met the requirements allowing vehicles and drivers licensed by the Nassau County Taxi & Limousine Commission (NCTLC) to provide inter-municipal transportation into and out of New York City and Westchester County.

Since December, 2006, vehicles licensed by the NYCTLC with a valid permit, and operated by a driver with a current, valid operator's license issued by the NYCTLC, have been able to discharge passengers within either Westchester or Nassau Counties on trips originating in New York City and may accept passengers by pre-arrangement from points within either Westchester or Nassau Counties for destinations in New York City. Vehicles and drivers licensed by the Westchester County Taxi & Limousine Commission have enjoyed similar eligibility to operate since that time.

Now, with the NCTLC having achieved eligibility for reciprocal service for its vehicles and drivers, vehicles licensed by the NCTLC, holding a valid permit to engage in intra-county transportation, and operated by a driver with a current, valid operator's license issued by the NCTLC, may discharge passengers within the City of New York on trips originating outside the City, and may accept passengers by pre-arrangement from points within the City of New York for destinations in Nassau County. The same will be true for trips into and out of Westchester County. No separate authorizations or permits from the NYCTLC or WCTLC will be required.

Commissioner Daus said, "We are very pleased to have been able to work so closely and so successfully with the Nassau County TLC to achieve reciprocity, that will benefit so many commuters, travelers and businesses alike. The New York State law that we worked so hard to craft and help pass effectively represents and addresses our foremost concern, which is the safety and protection of the riding public, and we are grateful for the assurances provided by Nassau County that these important safeguards are fully incorporated into their regulations. I would like to thank County Executive Thomas Suozzi and Commissioner Bogsted for their cooperation throughout the process, as well as State Senator Martin J. Golden, for his pivotal role in the creation and sponsorship of the legislation that made this process possible."

NCTLC Commissioner Roger C. Bogsted said, "Nassau County welcomes the opportunity to join the County of Westchester and the City of New York in advancing the enforcement of regional standards for the betterment of the for-hire vehicle industry. This reciprocity agreement provides the necessary framework to enhance safety to the riding public while ensuring appropriate coordinated enforcement.

"I would like to express my appreciation to the New York City and Westchester Taxi and Limousine Commissions for their cooperation and collegiality during the implementation of this agreement. Together, we have crafted a comprehensive response that addresses the need to bolster safety and accountability throughout the region."

"This agreement is beneficial to both the riding public and the limousine industry," Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said. "Passengers, whether they live in Westchester, Nassau or New York City, will be assured of good and safe service by livery drivers. It also benefits the limo companies who can now pick up and deliver their clients to these different locations in an efficient and professional manner."

The New York State Law enabling reciprocity required that the NCTLC create specific language in its rules and regulations that provide for the following:

* The NCTLC's creation of programs requiring license suspension and revocation following the accrual of points against the driver's license within 15 month periods;

* The NCTLC's institution of a drug-testing program;

* NCTLC licensed drivers be required to complete a state-approved defensive driving course;

* Trip logs must be made prior to any inter-jurisdictional travel and such logs must be kept for at least one year;

* The NCTLC to require the fingerprinting of all operator license applicants for the purpose of obtaining a criminal history from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, and adopt criteria for the review of all new and renewal applicants for the suspension and revocation of those convicted of serious criminal offenses.

In addition, under the enabling legislation, the NCTLC, the WCTLC and NYCTLC will share access to their respective vehicle licensee databases.

NOTE: The reciprocity referred to in this notice applies only to vehicles and drivers licensed by Westchester and Nassau Counties, and not to vehicles and drivers licensed individually by cities and towns within those counties.

For more information please contact:

NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission

40 Rector Street, 5th Floor

New York, N.Y. 10006

Contact: Allan J. Fromberg, Deputy Commissioner of Public Affairs

Tel: (212) 676-1013

Fax: (212) 676-1101

Internet: URL http://www.nyc.gov/taxi (Click!)

In Nassau County please contact:

Nassau County Office of Consumer Affairs

Taxi and Limousine Commission

200 County Seat Drive

Mineola, N.Y. 10501

Contact: James W. Reed, Deputy Commissioner

Tel: (516) 315-3437

Fax: (516) 571-2701

Internet: URL http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oca/TLC/index.html (Click!)

This Press Release was originally dated March 31, 2009

BACK