The for-hire vehicle (“FHV”) industry includes over one hundred licensed drivers in New York City. While a number of these drivers work for companies such as Uber and Lyft, others drive for much smaller companies. Regardless of who a driver works for, they may become a member of an established trade association or advocacy group in New York.
Trade associations and advocacy groups offer certain benefits for their members, as well as providing the individual workers with a voice in pushing for more freedoms and rights in the FHV industry. Becoming a member of an FHV-specific trade association may alleviate some concerns for drivers who work in a field that is not heavily regulated by federal or state law. Knowing your rights as an FHV driver can guide you in choosing the trade association or advocacy group that best fits your interests.
Independent Drivers Guide (“IDG”)
The Independent Drivers Guide (“IDG”) is one of the largest trade associations not only in New York City, but in all of the United States. IDG represents nearly 80,000 FHV drivers in NYC and advocate for over 250,000 drivers across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, and Florida. The IDG is primarily made up of Uber and Lyft drivers. Here are just some of the accomplishments of the IDG:
- Tipping Option- When Uber entered the market, they believed drivers did not need tipping. Uber wanted the customer experience to be seamless and they believed that the tipping process prevented the experience from being seamless. Initially, Uber refused make tipping an option in the app. The IDG fought to make it mandatory for Uber, and now Lyft, to offer a tipping option.
- $27.86/Hr Minimum Wage- Prior to the formation of the IDG, drivers were underpaid and their wages fluctuated in accordance with app companies’ cuts. The IDG waged an advocacy campaign for fair pay on behalf of drivers and secured a minimum wage for drivers, the first in the world to do so. Now, drivers can rely on a steady income, knowing that it won’t be subject to random cuts from executives.
- Deactivation Appeals- Before the IDG, drivers had no recourse if they were kicked off the apps. There was no way for them to communicate with management or appeal their deactivation. There was no due process. Now, thanks to the IDG’s advocacy work, Uber and Lyft drivers in New York City have the strongest appeal process in the country.
- Help with the Regulatory Agency– Regulatory agencies vary from state to state, requiring drivers to navigate different and complicated rules and regulations. IDG finds support for drivers by partnering with experts to provide you with the best possible resources in dealing with your local regulatory agency. In New York City, for example, IDG partnered with a local expert to provide drivers with free consultations regarding issues with the Taxi and Limousine Commission, a regulatory body that can fine and ticket drivers, deduct points off their licenses, and much more. Regulatory agencies should not be allowed to prey on unsuspecting drivers. We are committed to helping drivers understand their state’s rules and regulations so that they have the knowledge to protect themselves.
To become a member of IDG, FHV drivers must pay monthly dues and complete a defensive driving course online. Once a member, drivers can participate in many of IDG’s conferences and online presence. Further, the IDG is heavily engaged in securing more rights for FHV drivers in New York, particularly in lobbying for a healthcare bill that would provide FHV drivers with affordable health insurance that they do not currently receive as independent workers.
New York Taxi Workers Alliance (“NYTWA’)
While IDG consists only of drivers from app-based companies like Uber and Lyft, other trade associations represent more traditional FHV drivers. The New York Taxi Workers Alliance (“NYTWA”) is one such organization, representing over 21,000 members. Drivers with the NYTWA come from yellow cab, green car, black car, livery and app-dispatched companies. The union’s mission is to ensure that taxi and rideshare drivers have access to fair wages, safe working conditions, and a stronger voice in policymaking.
Members of the NYTWA enjoy several legal advantages as FHV drivers. One key benefit is access to the organization’s legal services, which can provide support in disputes with employers, taxi medallion owners, or rideshare companies. The NYTWA offers expert representation in cases involving wage theft, unfair working conditions, insurance issues, and even wrongful termination. The union also plays a crucial role in lobbying for legislative changes that benefit drivers, including winning a livable income raise, first-time regulations of taxi-companies, and a Health and Disability Fund for drivers in 2012.
Whether it is through participating in demonstrations, contributing to public campaigns, or receiving targeted legal advice, membership in the NYTWA equips drivers with the necessary resources to navigate the complex landscape of New York’s transportation laws.
The Livery Round Table (“LRT”)
The Livery Round Table (“LRT”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing and advocating for the interests of livery base owners in NYC. Established in 2010, LRT has been of New York’s leading trade associations in unifying livery businesses to streamline the FHV industry and ensure its long-term sustainability. The organization actively engages with regulatory and governmental agencies, such as the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (“TLC”), to influence policies that favor livery bases, FHV drivers, and the riding public.
Membership in the LRT offers many legal advantages. The organization provides education and training programs for livery drivers, ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations. The LRT also offers guidance to startups and small businesses with the livery sector, helping them navigate complex regulatory requirements and develop effective business strategies. The LRT also has a history of engaging in litigation when necessary to defend the rights and interests of the livery industry. As a member, livery drivers benefit from collective legal representation and a unified voice in both regulatory and legislative arenas.
The Black Car Assistance Corporation (“BCAC”)
The Black Car Assistance Corporation (“BCAC”) was initially started in 1991 to address one important issue: to pass legislation that would retain the Independent Contractor status of the many drivers serving its member companies, while at the same time providing much-needed workers’ compensation insurance for those drivers.
This process, which took nearly nine years, led to the formation of the groundbreaking New York Black Car Fund. The Fund was created by statute (Chapter 49 of the laws of 1999) to provide workers’ compensation coverage for Black Car operators in New York State, and signed into law by Governor George Pataki in May of 1999.
While the formation of The Fund may have been the BCAC’s most significant and unifying act, it is by no means its only success. Since its formation, the BCAC has helped create and pass important legislation, become a recognized and respected voice in Albany, and built solid working relationships with the State’s Taxicab & Limousine Commissions (TLCs).
The following are some of the BCAC’s other significant achievements:
- Played major role in the development and operation of FHV Industry Coalition which fought the NYC TLCs FHV accessibility rules between 2016 – 2017 which would have decimated the Industry and cost tens of thousands their jobs.
- On issue of congestion pricing during the 2018 NYS Legislative session, BCAC demanded all sectors of the ground transportation Industry (yellow, car service, black car, etc.) be held to the same standards in terms of rate of taxation/fees charged – established BCAC standpoint that government should not be picking winners or losers when writing policy.
- Helped develop a reciprocal agreement between the TLCs in New York City, Westchester and Nassau County.
- Added Black Cars to the list of vehicles allowed to use High Occupancy Vehicle (“HOV”) lanes.
- Established Black Car/Limo lots at LaGuardia, Kennedy and Newark Airports.
- Secured the first Black Car staging areas in Manhattan.
- Worked closely with the New York City TLC in developing the Commission’s New Rules, ensuring the fair treatment of Black Car companies.
- Prevented New Jersey from imposing a $1.5 Million insurance requirement on Black Car drivers.
- The BCAC worked with the NYC TLC on a series of new “distracted driving” rules. Initially, the TLC’s rules were written in such a way that they would have been overly restrictive and damaging to the FHV industry – but the BCAC’s input enabled the TLC to accomplish its goal of improved public safety, without disrupting an FHV company’s ability to efficiently dispatch vehicles to its clients.
- By bringing all of the different TLC regulated industries together, the BCAC played a leading role in successfully blocking the passage of permanent rules that would have permitted e-hailing in NYC
International Association of Transportation Regulators (“IATR”)
The International Association of Transportation Regulators (“IATR”) plays a vital role in shaping transportation regulation in New York City and beyond. As a global organization comprised of government transportation officials, the IATR has had a significant influence of regulatory policies affecting the city’s diverse FHV industry. The association provides a platform for regulators to develop best practices, discuss emerging mobility trends, and craft model regulations that guide policy changes in New York’s transportation sector.
For legal professionals and regulatory bodies in New York City, membership in the IATR offers substantial legal advantages. One of the key benefits is access to model regulations that help address pressing issues such as the rise of ride-sharing apps, accessibility requirements, and environmental mandates. Further, IATR members engage in legal discussions that influence regulations concerning driver rights, labor disputes, and safety standards.
IATR’s focus on legislative and regulatory updates is particularly valuable in New York’s rapidly shifting legal environment. With ongoing litigation involving ride-hailing companies, taxi medallion owners, and new licensing requirements, staying informed on transportation law is crucial. IATR helps its members anticipate regulatory shifts, mitigate legal risks, and shape policies that balance innovation with consumer protection.
Romano Law’s Transportation Law Services
Romano Law’s team of transportation attorneys has extensive experience working with several trade associations in New York City. Our team helps FHV drivers and their member-organizations navigate the city’s complex transportation laws, including those regarding wage and hour, healthcare, and driver safety.
New York’s trade associations participate in legislative lobbying for their members, which requires intense legal research and communication with experts in the legal field. Romano Law’s attorneys have a successful track record in the courtroom representing FHV drivers, as well as communicating with the city’s lawmakers for new and evolving regulations and laws. Our team can help litigate cases with trade associations to represent a number of concerns that may arise with any number of the thousands of members that fall under each organization’s protection.
To strategically and successfully communicate about your transportation law issues, including those that may arise out of trade association membership, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney. Speak with a member of the Romano Law team today to get on the right track.
Contribution to this blog by Michael Touma.
