New York City waives taxi owner fees amid suicides, hardship
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
New York City is waiving nearly $20 million in fees owed by taxi cab owners in an effort to ease their financial burden after a string of driver suicides.
Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Meera Joshi tells Monday's New York Post that it's prudent to pause collection of the fees "at a time when every penny counts" for taxi owners.
Seven drivers have died by suicide in the city this year.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Advocates say the death points to continuing hardships faced by drivers since the advent of ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft.
Before the reprieve, owners of the city's 13,500 cabs had been on the hook this week for $2,200 in biennial fees, inspection charges and a $10 medallion renewal.
A city councilman is looking to find ways to help drivers and owners out of debt.