Like Melissa Plaut before them, it's being reported that "thousands of New York City residents laid off in the financial crisis have turned to driving taxis." One problem: now there are too many cabbies and not enough cabs. Harlem Yellow Cab says they're "sending people home every shift without a car. It's a very bad situation." City officials report 45,805 taxicab drivers, 13,000 taxis, and "the number of new hack licenses the city issued rose 19% in the past three months." The Daily News points towards one driver, who turned to the profession a few months ago after being a successful realtor and mortgage broker for 20 years. He told them he wanted to remain anonymous for the article: "not because I am ashamed, or embarrassed, but my children are. We are very well-known in our community and lived a good life for so many years." But with the economic crisis hitting just about everyone, are people even taking cabs anymore?
Published Dec 22, 2008
Modified Dec 22, 2008
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2023. Donate today
