(via flickr's uberzombie)
The mayor signed two transportation safety bills into law today. One forces commuter vans to don a uniform sticker so riders know they're legit. The vans are also known as dollar vans, and are overseen by the Taxi and Limousine Commission, and independent operators use them to pick up customers in subway and bus-poor areas of the city. The city began looking into marking the vans after a fatal hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn last year. Witnesses said a dollar van took a woman's life and council members speculated there are more illegally operating vans than legal and better regulation was needed. The TLC is beginning the process to design a sticker. From a Mayor's Office release:
The sticker must contain a visible, distinguishable, difficult-to-replicate emblem large enough to be seen by law enforcement personnel and the general public. The sticker shall contain vehicle specific information such as make and model, license plate number, and other information unique to the van.
“With 262 commuter vans on our increasingly congested City streets, it is important to ensure that only licensed commuter vans are operating within the five boroughs. This bill will also help enforcement personnel and the public distinguish between legitimate, legal methods of transportation, and illegal vans that are not permitted to operate on our streets.
“Safe and efficient transit is the lifeblood of this City, and our continued success relies on an effective transportation network. In certain areas, particularly those underserved by trains and buses, commuter vans are an important part of that network. Introductory Number 430-A strengthens the integrity of our licensed commuter vans, while allowing us to crack down on illegal operators.
The other law requires the city Department of Transportation stop, yeild and do not enter signs to be repaired or replaced within three business days of being notified. One way signs must be taken care of in seven days.
