October 2004 Issue.pmd - Committee for Taxi Safety
Transcription
October 2004 Issue.pmd - Committee for Taxi Safety
bbies And Cele brities Cab Celebrities DON’T LET HISTORY Ca Paint The Town Yello w ellow REPEAT ITSELF An Editorial By David Pollack Medallion Owners - The price of your taxi medallion has never been worth more than right now. You did a great job. Leasing Agents and Fleet Owners – Today you have a plentiful pool of drivers with higher lease caps. You did a great job. Drivers - You are probably making more money, thanks to the recent rate of fare increase. You did a great job. You know that you are proud of what you built up from virtually nothing. Yes, you are a selfmade independent businessman and you did it all alone. You might even praise your various financial accomplishments, believing that you alone are responsible for your success. You possibly sit back and tell your friends about For Taxi Pr emier e Premier emiere your savvy business sense and what a great job you are doing. Good job. However, our hope is diminishing for continued prosperity. While you are sitting in the comforts of success, destruction of your mini empire is around the corner. There are many changes taking place as you read this. A number of new laws are waiting in the shadows of City Hall and in Albany that could destroy the prosperous atmosphere in the taxi industry. One City Council intro-bill supported by 38 of the 51 City Council members will make the cost of each new taxi close to $50,000.00. You do realize that these vehicles will probably last only a year or two before needing replacement. By the Continued on Page 2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Page 3 MAYOR’S COLUMN Page 14 GAS WATCH Page 3 PHOTOS FROM THE TAXI PREMIERE Page 22 TLC’s COMMISSIONER’S COLUMN Page 6 TELLING IT LIKE IT IS Page 9 TAXI INSIDER DIRECTORY Page 13 AT THE MOVIES: TAXI Page 23 EVENTS IN THE BIG APPLE Pages 29 & 30 See story, photos and the Taxi movie review on Pages 22 & 23!!! Visit our website at: www.taxisafety.com Phone: (718) 706-8294 E-mail taxihail@aol.com TAXI Page 2 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 ON MY MIND... INSIDER INSIDER AN EDIT ORIAL BY D AVID POLLA CK EDITORIAL DA POLLACK Continued from Page 1 David Pollack Editor-in-Chief Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor’s Column Matthew W. Daus The Commissioner’s Column Stephanie Pollack Theatre Critic Vinnie Sapone Columnist Michael Spevak, Esq. Columnist Tony Falese Columnist Office 23-10 Jackson Avenue Long Island City, N.Y. 11101 Phone: (718) 706-TAXI Fax: (718) 472-4739 E-mail: taxihail@aol.com Website: www.taxisafety.com Copyright 2004 by TAXI INSIDER. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieving system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. This publication will not be responsible for errors in advertisement beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of TAXI INSIDER. This publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advetising it deems objectionable. TAXI INSIDER is published monthly at a subscription rate of $24.00 per year. way, your liability insurance and workers compensation insurance premiums could possibly double under this scenario. Who is going to pay for this and how? Mandating wheelchair accessible taxis is just one problem. What have you done to stop this before it becomes law? Another intro-bill which could become law at any time will mandate that ALL taxis placed into operation after December 2005 shall use alternative fuels. Yet other bills mandate child booster seats in every taxi and there are more. Are you really doing everything you can to protect your successful business? There are a number of people at our regulatory agency that are retiring from the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission. First Deputy Commissioner of Legal Affairs, Peter Mazer is leaving the end of this month as is Deputy Commissioner Jed Applebaum from Woodside. After years of professional relationships with both of these gentlemen it is with sadness I say good-bye. The times, they are a changing. Nobody knows what effect these changes will have on your business or what other changes may soon occur at the Taxi & Limousine Commission. We all remember 1998 and the infamous 17 rules that were shoved down our throats. Just prior to those new rules, there was apathy from everyone in the taxi industry that was not part of an association. By the time the 17 rules came out, it was already too late. Do not make the same mistake that were made in the past. Apathy can and will destroy us. Do you go to Albany to fight bills detrimental to the taxi industry? Have you been gathering information for the next rate of fare increase? Have you or your business done anything to prevent the $50,000 wheelchair accessible taxi from becoming a reality? Have you testified to alleviate illegal street pick-ups, or the illegal doorman practices at every major NYC hotel? If you answered no to any of the above questions, then you must look in the mirror and find an answer for continued prosperity in the New York City taxi industry. Were you sitting at the Mayor ’s negotiating table fighting for the rate of fare increase? The Committee for Taxi Safety and the MTBOT was. Do you go to City Hall to fight for the taxi industry? The Committee for Taxi Safety, LOMTO and the MTBOT does. All three associations represent your interests at every TLC hearing. Many people contribute a certain amount of money every month to their church or temple. G-d does give all of our families a certain comfort level today and we all hope that our future will be healthy and prosperous. Joining a taxi industry association, gives you the right to say, “I truly did everything I could for continued good health and prosperity in the taxi industry.” When you are part of an association, you are directly contributing to the health and prosperity of the New York City taxi industry before it is too late to react. It is only then, that you are doing your “due diligence” to protect your business. The members of the Committee for Taxi Safety, the MTBOT and of LOMTO can not fight for the entire taxi industry alone anymore. There are currently too many issues in the shadows that will have a negative impact on us all. Leasing Agents, Fleet Owners and Drivers, NOW is the time to join our associations. I know that some of you say, “When you need help, I will be there.” The money you save in dues today could cost you your business in the future. NOW is truly the time to help the taxi industry. The Committee for Taxi Safety, LOMTO and the MTBOT has done a masterful job getting the fare increase and protecting drivers, owners and leasing agents. If you are not a member of one of these associations, what have you done to insure continued prosperity in the taxi industry? Please do not put yourself in a position to one day say, “What have I done?” Participating in an association that represents your interests provides that needed voice at City Hall and Albany. If you stand alone we all lose. If you unite with a committee or an association, the entire taxi industry will win. Collaborative efforts that bind us together will give us the added strength to defeat any detrimental efforts. After joining the Committee for Taxi Safety, you can truly say from your heart, “I did a great job,” instead of asking yourself when it is too late,”What could I have done to prevent this situation?” It is time to step up to the plate! Leasing Agents and Fleets: To join the Committee for Taxi Safety, call (718) 706-8294. Letters “YA GOTTA WALK LIKE YA LIVE HERE!” Dear Taxi Insider, A year ago while crossing a street in Brooklyn, I fell in a pothole and badly sprained my ankle. It was several months before I could walk without crutches, something that made my local car service very happy. Nevertheless, by spring I was finally able to hobble very slowly, and in this condition I took advantage of one fine day to limp down Fifth Avenue. As I approached a crossing, the light turned red and the "Don't Walk" sign flashed its warning. Unable to safely negotiate both hobbling off the curb and avoiding onrushing taxis, I stopped to wait for the green light. Two tourists in shorts stopped next to me. On the other side of the street, however, city life was continuing as usual: a man strode into the crossing toward us, dodging taxis with typical New York flare, and yelled at us in his beautiful Queens accent: "Ya gotta walk like ya live here!" I doubled over laughing, while the tourists looked completely bewildered. Robin Greeley October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 3 to the Editor TRIM THOSE TREES!!!! Dear Taxi Insider, When driving in the left lane on Park Avenue between 46th Street and 57th Street there is a visual obstruction. It is extremely hard to see the street-lights because of the trees blocking those lights. PLEASE have the trees trimmed before a major accident occurs! SF WHAT DOES THE PARTITION DO? To Taxi Insider, What does the partition do to protect me when I pick up four passengers and one sits in the front seat? If the passenger in the front seat has bad thoughts, I am a dead duck. The partition needs to be redesigned with part of it between the armrests in the front seat. CS CLEAR THOSE FOG LIGHTS!!! Dear Taxi Insider, I think that fog-lights should be From The Desk of Ma yor Mic hael R. Bloomber g Michael Bloomberg May Dear Mr. Pollack: Thank you for your recent letter. We are thrilled to bring the Jets back home to New York City where they belong. However, our Convention Corridor Plan is about more than just football, it is about making an investment in our future, and keeping our City the World's Second Home. Our convention and tourism industry is second in size only to Wall Street, and the jobs of more than 200,000 New Yorkers depend on its strength. While the Big Apple is the number one destination for visitors from around the country, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center ranks only 18th in the nation in exhibition space. This lack of capacity results in the loss of millions of dollars of economic activity every year and the jobs that would come with it. The Convention Corridor Plan will nearly double the size of the Javits Center, increase our main convention center space from 18th to 5th in the nation, and give us the ability to host virtually any major convention. The New York Sports and Convention Center will function as a stadium for approximately 17 days a year, including 10 Jets games, and host to events such as the Final Four and a Super Bowl. During the remainder of the year, the NYSCC will provide auxiliary space to the Javits Center via an underground concourse. It will also house a museum, a community theater, and several restaurants. The $2.8 billion cost of the Convention Corridor Project will be shared by the public and private sectors, including $800 million from the New York Jets. When completed, the Convention Corridor is expected to generate more than twice the amount in annual tax revenue as the debt service costs to the City and State, and will create 42,000 construction jobs and 17,000 permanent jobs. It will also revitalize the Hudson Yards community into a dynamic residential and commercial neighborhood, which will be served by an extended number 7 subway line. The project will help us to greater diversify our economy, so that we can better withstand difficult fiscal times. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2005 following the completion of an environmental impact study. Thank you again for writing. We value your participation as we work to ensure a bright future for our City. Sincerely, Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor legalized for yellow cabs to use instead of regular headlights in Manhattan. Fog-lights makes your vision more relaxed and acutually provides more brightness at night. On rainy nights you can see much better too. AF FIRE ALL DOORMEN!! To Taxi Insider, I think the that hotel doormen should be fired for putting our fares in their friends cars. They even put our fares in private cars! It is still happening every day and with more taxis on the road, we need the fares, not the doormen’s friends. Unsigned THANKS FOR THE EVENTS Dear Taxi Insider, I want to thank you for placing the two pages called, “Events In The Big Apple” in your newspaper. As soon as I get the paper, those two pages are the first thing I turn to. They alert me to traffic problems and give me ideas on where to tell my passengers to go when they are in my cab. For the other drivers that are reading this I encourage you to read the “Events In The Big Apple” pages on 29 & 30. I bet they will help you too! Thanks again Mr. Pollack, keep up the good work! NP Have Something To Say? If you would like to have your letter published in the TAXI INSIDER, send your letter to: TAXI INSIDER - LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 23-10 JACKSON AVENUE LONG ISLAND CITY, NEW YORK 11101 or e-mail taxihail@aol.com Taxi Insider GAS W ATCH WA Each month, the Taxi Insider will provide you with the New York City Unleaded Average Costs at the pump for gasoline. Please keep in mind that these prices are based on the average of the actual prices of all gasoline in New York City. Below please find the New York City Regular Unleaded Average Costs as of October 1, 2004: New York Current Yesterday Month Ago Year Ago Regular $2.106 $2.101 $2.128 $1.910 Mid $2.253 $2.248 $2.277 $2.044 Premium $2.301 $2.296 $2.325 $2.087 Do you have something to say about the current gas prices? E-mail your comments to: taxihail@aol.com Diesel $2.172 $2.149 $2.040 $1.871 Page 4 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 TLC Friend W ill Be Missed General Counsel Peter Mazer Leaves Agency For Private Practice By David Pollack The Committee for Taxi Safety and Taxi Insider wish all the best to Peter Michael Mazer, General Counsel of the Taxi and Limousine Commission, who will be leaving the TLC at the end of October to return to the private practice of law. Peter, a graduate of New York University and Fordham Law School, started his career with the TLC in June 1987 as an Administrative Law Judge. Many of you may remember him as a Judge who was well regarded for his fairness and impartiality. In December 1996 he was promoted to Chief Judge, where he oversaw the move of the Adjudications Tribunal from its former home on 41st Street to the then new facility in Long Island City. In a recent conversation with Peter, he told me that he considered his greatest achievement at the TLC to be the improvements that were made in areas of judge training and improving the degree of professionalism that is exhibited by Judges and staff at the taxi courts. While there may still be room for improvement, the adjudications tribunal is far superior now that it was before his arrival. Any of you who remember 41st Street can attest to that fact. In August of 1998, TLC Commissioner Matthew Daus, then the General Counsel, appointed Peter to become his deputy, and in 2001, Peter was named General Counsel when Matthew became the TLC Chairperson. Peter Mazer and Jed Appelbaum together deserve the credit for the successful medallion sale that occurred in April of this year, in making sure that the sale went smoothly without any legal or operational problems, and that all the closings occurred and vehicles were hacked up and on the road as soon as possible. Peter and Jed are now making sure that the current medallion sale runs smoothly before they move on to their future endeavors. Lawyers are advocates for their clients and we have not always agreed with the positions advocated by the TLC General Counsel in court, before the Board of Commissioners, or at City Hall. However, I know that Peter always recognized the need for a healthy, fairly-regulated industry, to ensure that the public would be served, and that drivers and owners would be properly compensated. Peter had no tolerance for those who bent the rules or abused the TLC, its employees or the public. By David Pollack Assistant Commissioner Jed Appelbaum, who is responsible for the daily operation of the TLC’s Woodside Inspection Facility and Hacksite, has announced that he will be retiring at the end of October, after 27 years. Commissioner Appelbaum was the project manager under Commissioner/Chairman Daus responsible for the design and supervising the new Woodside upgraded facility, which included new restrooms, water fountain, an enclosed Hacksite waiting room, for the many drivers and owners that frequent the facility. I learned first hand about Commissioner Appelbaum’s integral part in this critical construction project last year when I joined Chairman Daus as a visitor at the opening of the new facility. Jed Appelbaum joined the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission in 1977 as an Inspector, assigned to field operations. Shortly thereafter in 1980 he was promoted to the rank of Supervising Inspector (Captain) and promoted throughout the years to titles of: Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Director, and then Assistant Commissioner. Today Mr. Appelbaum serves as TLC’s Assistant Commissioner of the Safety and Emissions Division. Mr. Appelbaum has a staff of 55 that performs over 60,000 taxi inspections annually, for all NYC medallion taxis, at the Centralized Inspection Facility in Woodside Queens. The facility was recently renovated making the TLC the newest and most advanced automobile inspection facility in the world. Commissioner Appelbaum has testified in numerous criminal cases as an expert witness. In 1986 he was the Supervisor in charge of a “Bogus Taxi Squad” responsible for removing and arresting over twentyfive individuals from the streets of NYC, charged with using counterfeit medallions or “fake” look alike taxis. He also participated in an NYPD investigation in 1990, closing down a major taxi fleet garage for a VIN (Vehicle identification number) scheme to defraud the Commission in substituting switched vehicles for inspections. Over 120 taxis were confiscated and impounded, and Peter Mazer, general counsel for the TLC, will be leaving the agency to start his own practice, and we wish him well. However, he always recognized and appreciated the vast majority of drivers and owners in our industry who wanted to keep the industry strong and well-regarded by the City and public alike. All of us at the Committee for Taxi Safety and Taxi Insider wish Peter, his wife Joni, and daughters Elizabeth and Johanna all the best as Peter undertakes new endeavors. We will miss him. the operator pled guilty. On behalf of the entire taxi industry I would like to thank A/C Appelbaum for his dedication and hard work that he provided to the industry over the past 27 years. He will be sorely missed, as whenever any of the thousands of licensees’ called upon him for his expertise, we were never let down. Commissioner Appelbaum stated that he would like to take off a month or two and then work within the taxi industry and learn how the other half operates. He also thanked the many Taxi Commissioners, the safety and emissions staff and the present Commissioner Chairman, Matthew W. Daus, for their support over the years. Jed, I would like to personally extend my best wishes and continued success on your retirement and future endeavors. TL C Assistant Commissioner TLC Jed Appelbaum R etir es After 27 Year s Retir etires ears October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 5 Join Our Financial Family Get More! More Convenient! Providing members with Providing members with ➧ EASY DRIVE-THRU ➧ FREE Online Transactions ➧ FREE InfoLine Phone Transactions ✔ Truly FREE Checking • No Monthly Maintenance Charges • Nearly All Transactions can be handled ONLINE or by PHONE • No Per Check Charges • No Minimum Balance Plus • Dividends Earned on Balances of $500 or more ➧ FREE Melrose CU 24/ Metronet ATM Card • ATM Card allows instant access to your money at over 300,000 locations nationwide & abroad. • ATM Card can also be used for many Retail Purchases. Amount is automatically deducted from your checking account – easier than writing a check! • FREE Starter Checks Earn More! 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As many of you know, the TLC family lost one of its own recently with the passing of Steven Brunetti, director of our Staten Island facility. While cataloguing all of the things that Steve meant to us would easily fill a book, I will just take this brief moment to say that his courage over the last year has inspired us, and his friendship will never be forgotten. While many enjoyed a restful and somewhat uneventful summer season, everyone at the agency knows what a busy season it has been for us. First, I should mention the successful Driver Recognition Ceremony that we held on August 4th in partnership with NYC & Company, through which we were able to recognize over 100 taxicab and forhire vehicle drivers for their exemplary work. Thanks to NYC and Co.’s President and CEO, Cristyne Nicholas, and her amazing staff, we were able to hold this fabulous event at the New York Sheraton Hotel and Towers. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was on hand to laud our chief honoree, the famed “Black Pearl Cabbie” Nestor Sulpico, as well as several other deserving award recipients. I am still getting phone calls from industry members who call to say what a positive event this was, and asking what they can do to help us get next year’s celebration off the ground. I encourage you to visit the TLC web site to see all the photos of the event that are posted there. I am also proud to announce that the TLC recently graduated a double- sized class of highly trained new inspectors, brought on to help the agency with such enforcement priorities as Operation Street Hail, and our ongoing efforts to rid New York City’s hotels and airports of illegal hustlers. It is safe to say that our efforts have come to notice, between the recent release of the Mayor’s Management Report, which details the TLC’s performance, and an article in the New York Post article entitled “Livery Hail $torm.” The latter highlighted the more than 25% increase between Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 in the number of summonses issued for illegal livery hails, as well as the equally impressive increase in the number of illegal bases closed. It is always gratifying when the media reports progress as well as it does problems. Speaking of progress, we have made some headway in several other important areas, about which you will be reading in the coming months. One example of these is the issue of insurance. Whether it is the high cost of insurance for our livery licensees, or the lack of affordable – or even available – insurance on the voluntary market for wheelchair accessible vehicles, this is an issue that is crucial and central for the industries we regulate. Despite the TLC’s lack of regulatory authority over the insurance industry – something that rests with the New York State Insurance Department – it is something that we are concerned about, and something that needs to be addressed. It is for this reason that the agency will be scheduling a public hearing for October 25 that will focus exclusively on these important issues. Another event we are very excited about is the Informational Exchange Conference we have planned for October 14th. As you may know, the TLC promulgated regulations at the time of the fare increase that mandate service improvements for each of the city’s 12,487 medallion taxicabs as of November 2005. These improvements will include the ability for each taxicab to accept debit and credit cards as payment for a ride of any duration, as well as a communications system that will offer numerous benefits. Some of these include a map that will allow the passenger to follow trip progress, and the ability to communicate directly with individual taxicabs to facilitate the return of lost property as well as to notify drivers of business opportunities throughout the city. The data that we will potentially be able to receive will offer the TLC an analytical tool of unparalleled proportions. Now that the Request For Information (RFI) process has officially – and successfully – been concluded, the conference will provide the means by which we bring together the project’s industry and governmental stakeholders with the experts that will take us from vision to reality. Following on the heels of the successful medallion sale we held last spring, we are deeply into planning our next medallion sale in the month of October. In order to ensure the successful sale of Accessible and Alternative Fuel Medallions, we will be auctioning them separately from the other medallion types on October 15 with a separately set minimum upset, or bid price of $219,000. Compared to the market-fair minimum bid prices of $267,000 for Individual Medallions (bid opening date October 18) and $630,000 for a lot of two Corporate Medallions (bid opening date October 22), Accessible and Alternative Fuel Medallions are attractively discounted and should inspire spirited bidding. Also, for the first time, individual owner/operators can purchase and own more than one medallion, if it is an accessible or alternative fuel medallion. I know we have only scratched the surface of things to mention, but that only makes me look all the more forward to writing again soon. Until next time, enjoy the crisp coming of autumn. LISTEN TO TAXI INSIDER ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOONS AT 2:00PM ON WWRL 1600AM! *Accessible Taxis *Side Entry & Rear Entry Taxi Conversions *Local Service and Repair Medallion Sale Auction Da tes Dates The Taxi & Limousine Commission has announced the dates for the upcoming taxi medallion sale. They are as follows: Accessible/Alternative Fuel Bid Openings October 15 • 11am • 40 Rector St, 5th Floor Individual Medallion Bid Openings October 18 • 11am Saval Auditorium - St. John's University 101 Murray Street Corporate Medallion Bid Openings October 22 • 11am Saval Auditorium - St. John's University 101 Murray Street For more information, call 3-1-1 or log onto the TLC’s website: www.nyc.gov/taxi www.ArcolaSales.com 1-800-272-6521 x68 Contact Tony Perez October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 7 We’re the taxi industry’s most reputable company and same driver. No double shifting your medallion to different we can back it up! Our philosophy is to keep your drivers every shift, increasing the possibilities of medallion running through the good times and the bad. accidents and lawsuits! When times were hard and other brokers were returning medallions to the owners, we never gave back any. We’re strictly a driver-owned vehicle (DOV) operation, which means your medallion is leased to the Page 8 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 Listen To The TAXI INSIDER Radio Show! Every Wednesday At 2:00pm on WWRL 1600 AM Call us during the show at (212) 868-0975 to talk about any taxicab related issue on your mind! Frequent Appearances By Leading Taxicab and NYC Leaders!!! Call us during showtime (Wednesdays 2-2:30pm) and tell us who YOU would like to be a guest on the show! (212) 868-0975 And if you missed the show during the daytime, you can catch a replay at 2:30am on Friday mornings! October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 9 From The Desk Of ... Of... Mic hael Spe vac k, Esq. Michael Spev ack, This article is for information purposes only and in no way constitutes legal advice. If the reader desires legal advice, please contact the author. Hello everybody; I hope you are Albany denies your appeal. It all working hard and making good seems like this the end for your money. career as a cab driver right? First, I want to mention that at Wrong. DMV in New York City and Suffolk You can go to a lawyer like me County the courts are different from and I can file an Article 78 the rest of NYS. So, what I want to proceeding for you in Supreme discuss about the difference today Court to challenge the loss of your is the automatic right to appeal to a appeal. It is an expensive court if you are found guilty at DMV proposition because it is a regular court and on the appeal. lawsuit. But, it might just save your Remember, if you lose a case job. Since the DMV is a State at DMV court, where most cab agency, every driver in the State has driver ’s get their tickets, it is the automatic right to file an Article important to appeal the case. I 78 if they lose a hearing before a know that most times you lose the DMV tribunal. appeal. However, the appeal is That is why it is important to good for several reasons which I appeal every DMV ticket you lose have already discussed in a prior – it perseveres you right to file an article; call me at 1-866-LAW-MIKE Article 78, which could save your and I will be glad to mail it to you. job if you have a lot of points on But, an appeal is not the final your license. process available to a driver. A Second, since I am on the driver has an automatic right to an subject. You can do an Article 78 Article 78 proceeding in Supreme proceeding from TLC hearings too. Court (which is the Court of general/ So, if you lose a case at TLC, it basic hearing power in NYS) if he doesn’t hurt to appeal TLC cases if or she loses a DMV appeal. you lose at TLC because you can Let’s take an example. Suppose to an Article 78 if your job is on the that you have 10 points on your line at TLC. An article 78 is DMV license but have taken the available anytime TLC revokes or class thus reducing the number of suspends you, so keep it in mind. points for TLC counting purposes Remember, it is expensive so be (critical driver purposes) to 8 careful, but, just be aware of the (Remember that DMV points are availability of this powerful weapon. reviewed by TLC and TLC only Remember to listen the 1600AM takes off 2 points for the driver WWRL on Wednesdays between 2 safety course). Then, you get found and 2:30pm for information and guilty by a judge at 19 Rector Street intelligent discussion about taxi of a 3 point violation like a NYC issues. redlight violation. You appeal the Please, have a productive and judge’s verdict, but the DMV in safe month. ATTENTION ALL ATTENTION ALL DRIVERS!! If you have had a digital photo taken, you do NOT need to enclose a picture with your license renewal as the envelope instructs. Forgot When You Must Take Your Drug Test? Here is a way to remember from the TAXI INSIDER; NO MORE THAN 60 - NO LESS THAN 30. This is based on the expiration date of your Hack License. You must take your drug test NO MORE THAN 60 days before the Hack License expires and NO LESS THAN 30 days before the Hack License expires. Keep this somewhere to refer to in the future. Telling It Like It Is By Vincent Sapone Managing Director, LOMTO COMMENTS FROM SOME DRIVERS I failed inspection for a dumb reason. What can you do about it? There are livery cars picking up street hails and working the hotels. What are you doing about it? The police and TLC enforcement are only stopping yellow cabs. What are you doing about it? The airports are loaded with livery cars illegally picking up passengers. What are you doing about it? I had a summons for a refusal. What can you do about it? I want seven years on my cab. What can you do about it? Gas is too expensive. What are you doing about it? We should not have to wait eight years for a fare increase. What are you doing about it? You must get us a fare increase every three or four years. What are you doing about it? These are the legitimate questions that drivers ask me. I hear these questions when I take a cab or I’m on the Taxi Insider Radio Show or when I’m at the airport. Most of these questions are asked by cab drivers that are NOT LOMTO members. You guys that complain about problems and these are very important problems, belong to nothing. You don’t belong to an association or organization. Nothing. What do you figure? Let the other guy do all the work and you do nothing? Don’t you understand? If you’re in a war you must have soldiers, you must have equipment and you must have a leader. Just talking and complaining does nothing. You must be a part of something. You must belong to something. LOMTO has been around since 1934. That’s 70 years. We must be doing something right. Come in and talk to me. I’ll tell you what we are all about and where we are headed. If every cab driver is a member of LOMTO we can and will win a lot of battles and solve a lot of problems. Now, don’t tell yourself, ‘I’m a lease driver. I’ve got nothing to worry about’. You are very, very wrong. Or, ‘I own my own cab. I never have a problem’. You are also wrong. You should worry the most. There are a lot of things going on in our industry that can hurt you BIG TIME. These things will hurt every lease driver, DOV and owner/driver. The biggest problem right now is the push to make every medallion cab handicap accessible. It will hurt every one of you guys BIG TIME. We are working very hard to stop this proposal. Now, don’t think it’s the TLC because it’s not. It’s the New York City Council Transportation Committee and its Chairman John Liu. As far as all the other questions, yes, we are working on them. Now, let me tell you something. It’s time for you to help in solving all these problems. Can you imagine if all taxi drivers became LOMTO members? LOMTO is very strong now but with all of you we would have the power to solve most of our problems. Well, it’s you choice. You can join an organization or you can do nothing. You can fight and speak out for your rights or take what they give you. LOMTO offers a lot to its members like some towing reimbursement, TLC reps for summonses, advise from accountants and lawyers and low cost health insurance. We also have a federal credit union that can help you. LOMTO has staff that can speak and understand seven different languages. I do not own LOMTO the members own it. I work for the members. Guys please wake up and talk to me. Let’s unite and let our voice be heard. Call me at (212) 947-3380 ext. 110 or 109. Send an e-mail to vsapone@lomtoinc.com. Come in or write to LOMTO 577 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10036. Until next time…be careful out there. Page 10 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 5th Ann ual Ca b Watc h Awar ds Held At Annual Cab tch ards B.B s Bar and Grill In Times Squar e .B.. King’ King’s Square By Vare J. Moonpack The Fifth Annual Cab Watch Award held at B.B. King Club & Grill on Times Square honored outstanding contributors to the safety of drivers and the citizens of New York City. Cabdriver Jose Liriano was honored with the 2004 Reisenbach Driver of the Year Award; Cristyne L. Nicholas, President and CEO of NYC & Company, was honored with the 2004 Safety Champion Award; and Alan Kaufman, Treasurer/CEO of Melrose Credit Union, won the 2004 Gold Medallion Award. Cabdriver Jose Liriano, a proud member of Cab Watch, was certainly worthy of the award he received. A van had struck a bicyclist in Queens, and Mr. Liriano called 911 immediately. The police and ambulance arrived on the scene, and the heavily injured bicyclist got immediate medical attention and was successfully hospitalized. The Cab Watch Awards celebrate the contributions made by “the world’s largest neighborhood watch” to increase the safety and improve the quality of life in New York City. With over 8,200 drivers trained to date, Cab Watch provides 911direct wireless phones and NYPD-assisted safety training to cabdrivers so they can call for help whenever they witness or experience crimes or emergencies. Cab Watch is a program of Citizens for NYC, a 29-yearold non-profit organization that mobilizes New Yorkers to improve their neighborhoods. Limo Watch was launched in 2003 to train chauffeurs from the limousine industry in reporting crimes and emergencies to 911. The attendees at the gala awards at B.B. King’s Club & The band played on at Cabwatch’s 5th Annual Awards Dinner. Lee Komitor from Universal Ford and Honoree Alan Kaufman, CEO of Melrose Credit Union pose at the 5th Annual Cabwatch Awards. Grill were treated to the dulcet tones of Manuel Tengel’s Trio, a smoothsounding jazz ensemble that has taken the city by storm. After the awards, attendees got to see a private viewing of the new move “Taxi”, the Twentieth Century Fox film starring Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon. Michael E. Clark, President of the Citizens for NYC, emceed the event and was awarded with a proclamation from The Mayor of New York City. The works of Artist L. Lap. Yee were on display before the crowd. His works are created in a unique way: a ballpoint pen is pressed to the artist’s surface hundreds — no thousands of times to create the artistic piece. A central theme of his works are scenes of New York, with cabs a prominent element of the potpourri. Facts Cab Watch: in the last year Cab Watch has: - Conducted free member health screenings - Provided drivers with help in filing for Earned Income Tax Credit - Provided members with citizenship and immigration counseling and access to community forums - Trained 2,500 additional drivers to report incidents to 911 and NYPD’s AntiTerrorism Hotline - Trained 350 NYPD Sergeants at the Police Academy to improve communication and relations between the NYPD and Cab Watch drivers Citizens for NYC Founded in 1975; nonprofit organization mobilizes New Yorkers to improve their neighborhoods in he areas of Urban Environment, Beautification, Safety, Poverty, Neighborhood Diversity, Youth-Led Community Service and Youth Entrepreneurship; provides small grants, workshops, information and assistance to more than 12,000 grassroots volunteer groups throughout the city’s five boroughs. October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 11 DO YOU HAVE DMV & TLC SUMMONSES? Call Michael Spevack Attorney-At-Law We Can Help You Solve All TLC & DMV Problems: Customer Complaints • Renewal Drug Test Failure • All Moving Violations WE PROVIDE THE BEST REPRESENTATION AT REASONABLE FEES . R M R O ’S F N N CK O E T VA S S L I E CIA !!! L P S R INS E M W M 0 CO 1 0 1 (212) 754-1011 160 East 56th Street, Manhattan - 7th Floor, between 3rd & Lexington - Taxi Stand on 56th Street & Lexington Avenue Page 12 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 LEAGUE OF MUTUAL TAXI OWNERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION SPECIAL AUCTION FINANCING FOR INDIVIDUAL MEDALLIONS FINANCING FOR AUCTION MEDALLIONS UP TO 90% PRE-APPROVED COMMITMENT LETTER WE NEVER CHARGE POINTS, PREPAYMENT PENALTIES OR LEGAL FEES WE CAN HELP YOU WITH ALL ASPECTS OF THE AUCTION PROCESS FROM BROKERAGE TO INSURANCE TO BID SUBMITTAL; WE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU ! WE CAN GET YOU DRIVING YOUR OWN MEDALLION. CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE. 212-947-3380 EXT 112,113 OR 114 LOMTO FCU HAS BEEN HELPING THE OWNER DRIVER GET INTO BUSINESS AND STAY IN BUSINESS SINCE 1936. NO ONE UNDERSTANDS THE OWNER DRIVER LIKE WE DO. LEAGUE OF MUTUAL TAXI OWNERS 577 NINTH AVENUE • NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036 TELEPHONE 212-947-3380 / FAX 212-971-6609 WHERE DREAMS BECOME REALITY EVERYDAY. October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 13 OFFICIAL TAXI INSIDER DIRECTORY Following is a list of important information that is crucial to any New York City taxicab driver. The directory includes places to buy and lease a medallion, purchase a taxicab, find an attorney, and get a loan. It’s all here in black and white for you - compliments of the Taxi Insider! Montauk Credit Union 111 West 26th Street (Street Level) New York, N.Y. 10001 (212) 989-5200 WHERE TO FIND LEGAL COUNCIL/ATTORNEYS Michael Spevak, Esq. 160 East 56th Street New York, NY 10022 (212) 754-1011 Dobshinsky & Priya 61 Broadway, Suite 3025 New York, NY 10006 (212) 344-0900 Tony Falese, Industry Rep. CabFair, Inc. 466 West 51st Street New York, NY 10019 (212) 245-8847 NYC Driver’s Assistance Corp. 38-08 43rd Avenue LIC, New York 11101 (718) 729-4700 WHERE TO BUY A TAXICAB Universal Motors Taxi Headqaurters to the World 40-40 Northern Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 786-1660 Bay Ridge Ford 6501 Fort Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11215 (718) 238-TAXI WHERE TO LEASE A TAXICAB MEDALLION All Taxi Management (TLC License #202) 24-29 Jackson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 361-0055 D&J Management of Queens (TLC License #236) 33-54 62nd Street Woodside, New York 11377 (718) 458-6609 JTL Management (TLC License #213) 36-16 Skillman Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 392-7000 Kim Cab Leasing (TLC License #255) 3864 Flatlands Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11234 (718) 252-8300 Queens Medallion Leasing, Inc. (TLC License #253) 11-30 44th Road Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 784-3217 Melrose Credit Union 58-25 Queens Boulevard Woodside, N.Y. 11377 (718) 779-1700 Ronart Leasing Corp. (TLC License #A0010) 25-11B 41st Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 392-3013 Superior Management (TLC License #256) 657 10th Avenue New York, NY 10036 (212) 977-4590 Transit Systems LTD (TLC License #230) 54-11 Queens Boulevard Woodside, New York 11375 (718) 779-5000 Transit Systems LTD (TLC License #264) 34-14 31st Street Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 361-6363 Winners Garage (TLC License #110) 34-14 64th Street Woodside, New York 11377 (718) 458-7000 WHERE TO FIND INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR WORKER’S COMPENSATION Hereford Insurance Company 24-25 Jackson Avenue LIC, New York 11101 (718) 361-9191 WHERE TO FIND LICENSED BROKERS WHO CAN HELP YOU BUY A MEDALLION Jericho Taxi Brokers (TLC License # R0001) 36-16 Skillman Avenue LIC, New York 11101 (718) 392-7000 Pearland Transfer Corp. (TLC License #R0020) 24-29 Jackson Avenue LIC, New York 11101 (718) 361-0033 Westway Medallion Sales (TLC License #R0039) 657 10th Avenue New York, N.Y. 10036 (212) 977-4590 Progressive Credit Union 370 7th Avenue (14th Floor) New York, N.Y. 10001-3900 (212) 695-8900 Rapid Funding 657 Tenth Avenue New York, N.Y. 10036 (212) 977-4083 HOW TO REGISTER A COMPLIMENT/COMPLAINT WITH THE TLC Gold Taxi Brokers (TLC License #R0015) 577 9th Avenue New York, NY 10036 (212) 245-8000 WHERE TO CARE FOR AND MAINTAIN YOUR TAXICAB METERS Metro Shop - MP15 36-15 13th Street Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 786-8585 Metro Shop - MP16 523-525 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10013 (212) 229-2066 WHERE TO GET LOANS/FINANCING LOCATIONS OF ALL TLC FACILITIES TLC Headquarters 40 Rector Street, 5th Floor New York, New York 10006 (212) 676-1003 Licensing and Adjudications 32-02 Queens Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101 (212) 852-4636 Bay Ridge Federal Credit Union 9000 4th Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11209 (718) 680-2121 Uniformed Services Bureau 24-55 Brooklyn Queens Expressway West Woodside, New York 11377 (718) 267-4555 LOMTO Federal Credit Union 577 9th Avenue (42nd Street) New York, N.Y. 10036 (212) 947-3380 Staten Island 1893 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, New York 10314 (718) 815-3736 (For appointments only) Page 14 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 A Message From... Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg Getting to the Heart of the Problem Today, more than 36,000 of our fellow New Yorkers, including more than 15,000 children, did not have the good fortune the rest of us enjoyed. They didn’t wake up in their own beds, in their own rooms. Instead, they began the day in City homeless shelters. Thousands more men and women met the dawn on the streets of New York—because that’s where they live. Because New York is a compassionate city, over the last 20 years, we’ve created the largest emergency shelter system in the nation. And during the last City Fiscal Year, our Department of Homeless Services moved a record 24,000 people out of shelters and into permanent homes. That’s something we can be genuinely proud of. But we also have to recognize a hard truth— and that is that for too long we’ve focused too much on a crisis management approach to homelessness, and not enough on finding long-term solutions. Our Administration is changing that. In June, we presented an action plan for effectively ending chronic homelessness in New York City within five years. And we’ve already begun to make substantial progress toward that goal. Last week, for example, we launched a homelessness prevention initiative in six communities throughout the city where the threat of homelessness hangs over too many families. Called “Home Base,” this program will work to keep people in their homes, and out of City shelters, by providing such services as landlord-tenant mediation, substance abuse counseling, or help with drawing up and staying on a family budget. Because the simple fact is that while everyone has a right to shelter, emergency shelter isn’t always the right answer to every housing crisis. Keeping families in their homes is usually a much better solution for everyone involved. We’re also making major headway toward our goal of dramatically increasing the city’s supply of supportive housing, which provides on-site social services to people who need help getting their lives back on track. Recently, Enterprise New York, the local chapter of one of the nation’s largest funders of low-income housing, committed to underwriting development of 2,500 units of supportive housing in our city. This will go a long way toward helping New Yorkers with special needs, such as the mentally ill homeless, and young people who are “aging out” of the foster care Listen to Mayor Bloomberg’s Radio Show every Friday at 11:00am on system. Without such housing, too many of them could wind up on our streets or stay indefinitely in shelters. Openness and accountability are the hallmarks of our Administration. So starting in January, we’ll post monthly updates on our progress on this issue at this web site: w w w . n y c . g o v / endinghomelessness. I have to tell you, I like the sound of that name—because we’re going to do everything we can to end homelessness in New York City. October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 15 2005 Crown Victoria Stretch Taxis Now Available! Toyota Sienna Taxis Also Available For Immediate Delivery!! Page 16 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 l E . r M l l a CTL C License # A0202 TLC Pr oud Member of T he Proud or Taxi Saf ety For Safety Committee F DRIVE THE NEW 2005 FORD!!! Special L OW Do wn P ayment and LO Down Pa LOW Weekl yP ayment eekly Pa FIRST WEEK IS FREE!! Used Car s Also Availa ble Cars ailab Free Def ensi ve Dri ving Cour Defensi ensiv Driving Courses ailab ses Availa ble! ALL TAXI 36-01 43r d Aven ue • Long Island City 43rd enue City,, NY 11101 PHONE: (718) 361-0055 FAX: (718) 361-7477 HEREFORD INSURANCE COMPANY 36-01 43rd Avenue LIC, NY 11101 Phone: (718) 361-9191 • Fax: (718) 361-8114 MOST COMPETITIVE PRICES Bef or e You P ay Your Pr emium...CHECK WITH US!! Befor ore Pa Premium...CHECK Worker’s Compensation & Liability Specialists for the NYC Transportation Industry!! Medallions • Black Cars Car Services Repor UD to our Special In vestig ations Unit portt FRA FRAUD Inv estiga October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 17 OWN YOUR MEDALLION FOR LESS THAN... OWN YOUR MEDALLION FOR... $25,485 $780 PER WEEK! Plus Vehicle DOWN! If Qualified If Qualified Call Mr. Keegan Ext. 108 Call Ms. Ada Ms. Renata Ext. 107 Ext. 142 Mr. Mikey Ext. 143 36-01 43r d Str eet • LIC 43rd Street LIC,, NY 11101 Tel: (718) 361-0033 • F Fax: ax: (718) 361-2549 THE MINIMUM UPSET PRICE FOR THE UPCOMING TLC MEDALLION SALE HAS BEEN SET CORPORATE MEDALLIONS AUCTION TO BE HELD ON 10/22 $630,000 *Corporate Medallions are sold in lots of two. PEARLAND INSURANCE OFFERS THE BEST FIN ANCING/REFIN ANCING IN FINANCING/REFIN ANCING/REFINANCING NEW YORK CITY WE ARE ALSO #1 IN MEDALLION SALES PEARLAND CALL US AND YOU CAN O WN ONE TOO!! OWN All prices in this ad are subject to change without notice. OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE GREENBAUM FAMILY FOR THE PAST 38 YEARS • LICENSED TAXI BROKER #020 WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF THE UNITED TAXI BROKERS ASSOCIATION • PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR TAXI SAFETY Page 18 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 JOIN THE GOLD RUSH! LOMTO GOLD BROKERAGE LLC Dear Friends of the Industry, It is our continuing committment to provide you with the very best in taxi and black car insurance service, which is why we offer a full range of services, which includes Worker’s Compensation Insurance, Leasing Information, Medallion Sales, and Financing. So stop by our location at 9th Avenue & 42nd Street in Manhattan and experience the one-stop shopping at LOMTO GOLD! Alberto Candero Come to LOMTO LOMTO GOLD GOLD for all of your Taxi & Black Car Insurance needs! INSURE WITH THE BEST! FRIENDLY, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE! MEDALLIONS FOR LEASE! LOW, LOW RATES!! COME IN TODAY AND $AVE! 577 Ninth Avenue • New York, NY 10036 between 41st & 42nd Street • E-Z Hack Stand Parking on 9th Ave! (212) 268-8781 Gold Taxi Brokers, Inc. • Licensed TLC/Ins. Broker #15 AND BODY WORK All Repair & Body Work Guaranteed by TLC Towing 24 Hours 556 West 37th Street, New York, N.Y. 10018 GET 10% OFF!!!! Bring in this coupon and receive an additional 10% OFF any repair! Broker Accounts Are Welcome!! (212) 967-7577 We are a full service law firm concentrating in the areas of: TLC Hearings Default Motions at TLC Article 78 Proceedings Taxi Medallion Leases Wills, Estate Planning Asset Protection Personal Injury Real Estate 61 Broadway, Suite 3025 New York, NY 10006 phone: (212)344-0900 fax: (212)344-0905 info@dpnylaw.com www.dpnylaw.com Fluent in Hindi HAN AC/NY S FEDERA TION OF HANA C/NYS FEDERATION TAXI DRIVERS ACADEMY October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 19 THE FIRST AND OLDEST TAXI ACADEMY IN THE TAXI INDUSTRY JOIN US!! 24 HOUR CLASSES WE CAN HELP YOU TO GET A YELLOW CAB LICENSE MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY 8:30AM - 5:30PM WEEKEND CLASSES SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND SATURDAY 8:30AM - 5:30PM 80-HOUR CLASSES AVAILABLE MONDAY - FRIDAY FOR TWO WEEKS 8:30AM - 5:30PM SPECIAL CLASS TLC ENGLISH AND FINAL EXAM MONDAY - FRIDAY 5:30PM - 7:30PM TEST ON FRID AY FRIDA 6 HOUR DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE TUESDAY: 8:30AM - 2:30PM THURSDAY AND FRIDAY: 10:00AM - 4:00PM 29-13 QUEENS PLAZA NORTH, 2ND FLOOR LONG ISLAND CITY 11101 NEXT TO THE BANK OF NEW YORK (718) 433-0493 - ASK FOR HASAIN SHAKIL TRAINS: 7, N, W TO QUEENS BOROUGH PLAZA E, V, G, R TO QUEENS PLAZA WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8:30AM - 5:30PM SUBSCRIBE TO THE TTA AXI INSIDER! LEASING AGENTS! BECOME A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE FOR TAXI SAFETY! Be sure that you get your copy of the Official Voice of the New York City Transporation Industry! Subscribe to the Taxi Insider for only $24.00! SIGN ME UP FOR THE TAXI INSIDER!!!! Name Address City State Zip Phone E-mail Mail this form and your check or money order for $24.00 to: COMMITTEE FOR TAXI SAFETY 23-10 JACKSON AVENUE LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y. 11101 If you are a leasing agent, it’s time to help solve serious issues effecting your business! Join the Committee today! Page 20 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 INDUSTRY SCENES Please enjoy these pictures of the drivers and leaders in our industry, compliments of the TAXI INSIDER! Driver Ahmed Shehabeldin. Driver and proud Committee member Baljit Singh. Driver Elsheny Mamdouh is an avid reader. A very happy Chris Dermergis Claude Duperval in his cab at the airport. Driver Jose Caveza can “hack” it. Driver Kwabena Manu in the airport lot. Long time cabbie Leo Fang. Thomas Kim is a proud taxi driver. Driver Waheed Khan. Well known industry member Willie T. Driver Stefan Socal at a TLC hearing. Do y ou ha ve a pictur e tha ou w ould lik e to see in Industr y Scenes? you hav picture thatt y you would like Industry E-mail it to taxihail@aol.com October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 21 COME VISIT US!!! MONTAUK CREDIT UNION Because We Are The BEST! Free P ar king F or Our Taxi Bor s Par arking For Borrrower ers Please Contact Us For ANY of Your Lending Needs 111 West 26th Street • Street Level • New York, NY 10001 Call (212) 989-5200 Ext. 226 or 227 Lou Jimenez, CEO Page 22 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 Ca bbies And Cele brities P aint The Town Cab Celebrities Paint Yello wF or Taxi Pr emier e ellow For Premier emiere Blockbuster Movie Stars Queen Latifah And Jimmy Fallon By David Pollack The Jacob Javits Convention Center was turned into a makeshift drivein movie theater on Sunday, October 3rd when 20th Century Fox hosted the premiere of the movie Taxi, which stars Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon. The movie, which is about a New York City taxi driver [Latifah] helping a New York City police officer [Fallon] solve a string of robberies, was directed by Tim Story and was filmed on the streets of New York City. At the premiere, one hundred cabs pulled into the Javits Center and parked in front of a giant screen in traditional drive-in style, with ten rows of VIP seating for the movie’s cast and dignitaries in front of the cabs. After the cabs were positioned, the celebrities arrived. Everyone in the cast attended, from Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon, to Director Tim Story, to villains Gisele Bundchen and Ingrid Vandebosch to Kelly Osbourne - who attended the premiere to see her friend, Jimmy Fallon. All of the drivers who attended the event received $100, a T-shirt and the opportunity to see the movie and meet the stars. Taxi is now playing in theaters everywhere. A taxi driver poses with his family at the Taxi premiere at the Javits Center on Sunday, October 3rd. A proud driver and member of the Committee For Taxi Safety poses for the cameras at the premiere of Taxi, starring Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon. (Photo by Dave Pollack) Dave Pollack stands on the “yellow” carpet and interviews Taxi star Queen Latifah about her movie, while Paul Wein looks on. At The Movies October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 23 A Review By Paul Wein What happens when you take a group of really talented actors, a unique and hysterical storyline, an talented director and a New York City taxicab? You get one hail of a movie. That’s what we got in the release of Taxi, 20th Century Fox’s comedy about a brandnew New York City cabbie (Latifah) who is commandeered by a less than perfect New York City Police Officer (Fallon) to chase a band of beautiful burglars led by Gisele Bundchen. Besides the human stars of the movie, the taxicab, which is medallion number T313, is a celebrity in itself. Retrofitted by Latifah’s character, the cab has a few extra features that, when combined with Latifah’s driving, TAXI makes for quite a bumpy ride. The movie, however, was smooth sailing. From an excellently flowing storyline to some hysterical interaction between cast members to edge-of-your-seat action, this movie is worth whatever is on the meter. In addition to the major characters, the rest of the cast lends plenty of talent to Taxi. From Ann-Margret who plays Fallon’s alcoholic mother, to NYPD Blue’s Henry Simmons, who plays Queen Latifah’s love interest, to the lovely Jennifer Esposito, who plays Fallon’s former love interest and current Lieutenant, who is sick of his constant screw-ups. While some of the scenes were shot in a movie studio out Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon take cover in the movie Taxi, now playing in theaters everywhere. (Photo © Copyright 20th Century Fox) of state, the majority of the If you haven’t seen it already, street scenes were shot in go see Taxi, it is definitely worth Manhattan. Being a New the fare. Yorker, I love when I see cars racing down streets I have driven down myself, and Director Tim Story did a fabulous job of shooting speeding car chase scenes through the streets of New York City. I have to admit that it was very interesting watching a movie while the entire cast was in the audience along with me. And when I saw the scene where Queen Latifah bolted her medallion to the hood of her cab, I was very proud to see the Ana Cristina De Oliveira and Gisele Bundchen in 20th Century Fox's Taxi medallion I created on the big (Photo © Copyright 20th Century Fox) screen. Taxi co-star Jimmy Fallon poses with Dave Pollack at the movie’s premiere, which was held on October 3rd at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Gisele Bundchen, who plays the movie’s main villain, poses with Paul Wein, TLC’s former Executive Director of Public Affairs. Page 24 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 A DIRECTORY OF THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. 92-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd Howard Beach, New York, 11694 Phone: (718) 318-6411 addabbo@council.nyc.ny.us Gale A. Brewer 563 Columbus Ave (at 87th St.) New York, New York, 10024 Phone No: (212) 873-0282 brewer@council.nyc.ny.us Simcha Felder 4424 16th Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11204 Phone No: (718) 853-2704 felder@council.nyc.ny.us Vincent J. Gentile 8703 3rd Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11209 Phone No: (718) 748-5200 gentile@council.nyc.ny.us Letitia James 67 Hanson Place Brooklyn, NY, 11217 Phone No: 718-260-9191 james@council.nyc.ny.us John C. Liu 135-27 38th Avenue, (Suite 388) Flushing, New York, 11354 Phone No: (718) 888-8747 liu@council.nyc.ny.us Hiram Monserrate 98-17 Northern Blvd. Corona, New York, 11368 Phone No: (718) 205-3881 monserrate@council.nyc.ny.us Bill Perkins 163 W. 125 St. 7th Floor New York, New York, 10027 Phone No.: (212) 662-4440 perkins@council.nyc.ny.us Diana Reyna 444 South 5th St. Brooklyn, New York, 11211 Phone No: (718) 963-3141 reyna@council.nyc.ny.us Tony Avella 38-50 Bell Blvd. (Suite C), Bayside, New York, 11361 Phone: (718) 747-2137 avella@council.nyc.ny.us Yvette D. Clarke 123 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, New York, 11226 Phone No: (718) 287-8762 clarke@council.nyc.ny.us Maria Baez 1 East Fordham Rd, Suite 2 Bronx, New York, 10468 Phone No: (718) 584-6955 baez@council.nyc.ny.us Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. 113-43 Farmers Blvd. Saint Albans, New York, 11412 Phone No: (718) 776-3700 comrie@council.nyc.ny.us Lewis A. Fidler Helen D. Foster 1402 East 64th Street Brooklyn, New York, 11234 Phone No: (718) 241-9330 fidler@council.nyc.ny.us 1377 Jerome Ave Bronx, New York, 10452 Phone No: (718) 588-7500 foster@council.nyc.ny.us Alan J. Gerson 51 Chambers St. (Suite 429) New York, New York, 10007 Phone No: (212) 788-7722 gerson@council.nyc.ny.us Allan W. Jennings, Jr. 91-10 146 Street, Jamaica Jamaica, New York, 11435 Phone No: (718) 657-4787 jennings@council.nyc.ny.us Margarita Lopez 237 First Ave (Suite 405) New York, New York, 10003 Phone No: (212) 614-8751 lopez@council.nyc.ny.us Eva S. Moskowitz 420 Lexington Ave (Suite 356) New York, New York, 10017 Phone No: (212) 818-0580 moskowitz@council.nyc.ny.us Madeline T. Provenzano 2931 Westchester Avenue Bronx, New York, 10461 Phone No: (718) 931-6060 provenzano@council.nyc.ny.us Joel Rivera 1901 Southern Blvd Bronx, New York, 10460 Phone No: (718) 842-8100 rivera@council.nyc.ny.us Eric N. Gioia 47-01 Queens Blvd (Suite 205) Sunnyside, New York, 11104 Phone No: 718-383-9566 gioia@council.nyc.ny.us Melinda R. Katz 104-01 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, New York, 11375 Phone No: (718) 544-8800 katz@council.nyc.ny.us Miguel Martinez 601 West 174th, (Suite 1A) New York, New York, 10033 Phone No: (917) 521-2616/2640 martinez@council.nyc.ny.us Michael C. Nelson 3810-A Nostrand Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11235 Phone No: (718) 368-9176 nelson@council.nyc.ny.us Christine C. Quinn 224 West 30th St (Suite 1206) New York, New York, 10001 Phone No: (212) 564-7757 quinn@council.nyc.ny.us James Sanders, Jr. 226-18 Merrick Blvd. Laurelton, New York, 11413 Phone No: (718) 527-4356 sanders@council.nyc.ny.us Continued on Page 26 Charles Barron 718 Pennsylvania Blvd. Brooklyn, New York, 11207 Phone No: (718) 649-9495/9496 barron@council.nyc.ny.us Bill de Blasio Tracy L. Boyland 2094-A Fulton Street Brooklyn, New York, 11233 Phone No: (718) 345-3110 boyland@council.nyc.ny.us Erik Martin Dilan 2907 Fort Hamilton Pkwy Brooklyn, New York, 11218 Phone No: (718) 854-9791 deblasio@council.nyc.ny.us 387 Arlington Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11208 Phone No: (718) 642-8664 emdilan@council.nyc.ny.us Dennis P. Gallagher James F. Gennaro 78-25 Metropolitan Ave. Middle Village, New York, 11379 Phone No: (718) 366-3900 gallagher@council.nyc.ny.us Sara M. Gonzalez 4808 4th Avenue Brooklyn, NY, 11220 Phone No: (718) 439-9012 gonzalez@council.nyc.ny.us G. Oliver Koppell 3636 Waldo Avenue Bronx, New York, 10463 Phone No: (718) 549-7300 koppell@council.nyc.ny.us Michael E. McMahon 130 Stuyvesant Place, 6th Floor Staten Island, New York, 10301 Phone No: (718) 556-7370 mcmahon@council.nyc.ny.us James S. Oddo 94 Lincoln Avenue Staten Island, New York, 10306 Phone No: (718) 980-1017 oddo@council.nyc.ny.us Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. 445 Neptune Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11224 Phone No: (718) 373-9673 recchia@council.nyc.ny.us Larry B. Seabrook 3765 White Plains Road Bronx, New York, 10467 Phone No: (718) 994-9900 seabrook@council.nyc.ny.us 185-10 Union Turnpike Fresh Meadows, NY, 11366 Phone No: (718) 217-4969 gennaro@council.nyc.ny.us Robert Jackson 751 West 183rd St. New York, New York, 10033 Phone No: (212) 928-1322 jackson@council.nyc.ny.us Andrew J. Lanza 3944 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, New York, 10312 Phone No: (718) 984-5151 lanza@council.nyc.ny.us Gifford Miller 336 East 73rd Street (Suite C) New York, New York, 10021 Phone No: (212) 535-5554 miller@council.nyc.ny.us Annabel Palma 1733 East 172nd Street Bronx, New York, 10472 Phone No.: (718) 617-1869 palma@council.nyc.ny.us Philip Reed 105 East 116th Street New York, New York, 10029 Phone No: (212) 828-9800 reed@council.nyc.ny.us Helen Sears 37-32 75th St. Jackson Heights, NY, 11372 Phone No: (718) 803-6373 sears@council.nyc.ny.us October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 25 MASTER CABBIE TAXI ACADEMY WE OFFER THE 6-HOUR DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE 10:00AM - 4:00PM EVERY DAY EXCEPT SUNDAY TE SAME D AY ATTEND ANCE CER TIFICA DA TTENDANCE CERTIFICA TIFICATE ONLY $29 With A Copy of This Ad Re gular Price $40 Master Ca bbie Cab Taxi Academ y Academy 24-05 J ac kson Aven ue Jac ackson enue Long Island City City,, Ne w Yor k 11101 New ork 1-800-955-TAXI JOIN US!!! Taxi Instr uctor Wanted MUST HA VE: HAVE: Hac k License Hack (Minim um tw oy ear s) (Minimum two year ears) "Clean" DMV License Second Langua ge A Plus Languag are e looking looking ffor ffor who ho is is an an e ar are or someone someone w who W or We are who speaker play yer er.. animated ted speak er and and a a team team pla play er. anima animated speaker play er. Interested? Call (800) 955-8294 Page 26 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 A DIRECTORY OF THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL Jose M. Serrano 384 East 149th St (Suite 300) Bronx, New York, 10455 Phone No: (718) 402-6130 serrano@council.nyc.ny.us Kendall Stewart 1694 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11210 Phone No: (718) 951-8177 stewart@council.nyc.ny.us Albert Vann 613-619 Throop Ave. Brooklyn, New York, 11216 Phone No: (718) 919-0740 vann@council.nyc.ny.us Peter F. Vallone, Jr. 22-45 31st Street., Astoria Astoria, New York, 11105 Phone No: (718) 274-4500 vallonejr@council.nyc.ny.us David I. Weprin 205-07 Hillside Ave., (Suite 16) Hollis, New York, 11423 Phone No: (718) 465-8202 weprin@council.nyc.ny.us David Yassky 114 Court Street Brooklyn, New York, 11201 Phone No: (718) 875-5200 yassky@council.nyc.ny.us If you have a question or concern that you wish to address with your City Councilmber, the TAXI INSIDER urges you to contact them! For more information on the City Council or any City of New York Issue... M.T .A. Is Sued Ov er Its P olic y M.T.A. Over Polic olicy On Muslim Head Co verings Cov By Mike Luo, New York Times The Justice Department sued the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and New York City Transit yesterday, charging them with discriminating against Muslim and Sikh employees who wear turbans and head scarves for religious reasons. The lawsuit stems from a series of incidents dating back to 2002. Since then, four Muslim women all bus drivers for New York City Transit - have been barred from operating buses on the road and reassigned to work inside bus depots because they refused to wear regulation caps over their DON’T MISS THE head scarves, known as hijabs. More recently, transit managers briefly reassigned Kevin Harrington, a Sikh train operator, to a railyard because he refused to take off his turban at work. After his case drew public attention, he was allowed back on his old job in June. None of the employees have decided yet whether they will wear the alternative head coverings that the transit agency presented to them last week, he said, scarves made out of blue cloth that match their uniforms and bear the M.T.A.'s logo. Some of them may not be able to, Mr. Schwartz said, if their religious leaders say they cannot. TAXI INSIDER RADIO SHOW LIVE EVER Y WEDNESD AY EVERY WEDNESDA AT 2:00PM ON WWRL RADIO 1600AM CALL IN YOUR COMMENTS! 212-868-0975 LEASING AGENTS! BECOME A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE FOR TAXI SAFETY! Hur ricane Dama ged Car s Hurricane Damag Cars Can F ool You! Fool Thousands of flood damaged vehicles, results of hurricanes and major rain storms throughout the country are finding their way to your local car lot. There are a few simple tips to follow to avoid buying a waterlogged piece of junk: Check for sand, mud or rust in the trunk, under the seats, and even the glove compartment. Faded material and carpet may mean water damage. If the carpet and upholstery do not match the interior, beware! Musty orders from the air conditioner is caused by water mildew. Do a CARFAX report. This report shows if the vehicle was registered inan "at-risk" location. Electrical problems are also commom in flooded -out cars. Check all lights, cigarette lighter, wipers, radio, heater and A/C several times to insure they work. If you are a leasing agent, it’s time to help solve serious issues effecting your business! Join the Committee today! October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 27 2005 Crown Victoria Stretch Taxis Now Available! 466 West 51st Street New York NY 10019 GET A CABFAIR INC FAIR HEARING Most Experienced Rep In The Industry !!! AT TLC PASSENGER COMPLAINTS 150 $ * * At Rector Street Only Fight for your rights as an owner or a driver! Call us today ! Driver Summonses TLC Summonses Black Cars Suspensions Appeals Parking Tickets Traffic Tickets & More (212) 245-8847 Tony Falese TONY FALESE Authorized AuthorizedTLC TLC epresentative Representative Se Habla Espanol Page 28 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 29 events in the big apple Below are events taking place this month that will keep you in the loop as to what is going on in New York City, and that you can recommend to passengers to hopefully increase the size of your tip. Mention these events and watch the tips grow! October 16TH October 17TH October 24TH October 31ST Beer on the Pier Hudson River Park • Pier 54 (212) 613-3158 More than 100 breweries from around the world will gather for a full day (19pm) of beer tasting. Plus live music, food from New York's best restaurants, and cool giveaways and prizes. www.beeronthepier.com. Tickets are $35 and include a souvenir tasters cup and unlimited tasting of all beer. Manhattan •••••••••• "Laura's Bush" Vital Theatre Company • 432 W. 42nd St, 3rd Floor • 212-268-2040 "Laura's Bush" follows an absurdly prudish librarian as she enlists the help of a small town dominatrix to break Laura Bush out of the White House. Thurs & Fri @pm; Sat @ 7 & 9:30pm; Sun @ 7pm; Opens Mon 10/11 @ 8pm. Tickets $15, $10 w/ Student ID; To purchase tickets log onto www.TheaterMania.com or call (212) 352-3101. Manhattan •••••••••• Teacher Appreciation Day The Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum, Pier 86 12th Ave. & 46th Street 212-245-0072 All teachers will receive free admission with discounts for their families. There will be guided tours by museum educators along with a special presentation in the new Michael Tyler Fisher Education Center. Refreshments will be provided. Please call 212 957 3701/3703 to reserve your space and enjoy a great day with the entire family. Manhattan •••••••••• Eighth Avenue Autumn Festival 8th Avenue from 42nd to 57th St. 212-809-4900 At the 3rd annual community celebration, over 250 ethnic foods, arts, crafts, antique, jewelry and general merchandise exhibitors will create a pedestrian mall along 8th Avenue. Over 50 cultural, non-profit, government and corporate displays will be on view. Entertainment will be the highlight of this truly unique celebration. www.nycstreetfairs.com Manhattan •••••••••• Real Estate Wealth Expo Learning Annex Jacob Javits Convention Center 212-371-0280 Learn from over 100 Real Estate Experts including Donald Trump, Robert Kiyosaki, Suze Orman & Rudy Giuliani. Register for this event by calling The Learning Annex 212-3710280. www.realestatewealthexpo.com Manhattan •••••••••• MS Bike Tour - 2004 New York City Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society • Start: South Street Seaport • 212-463-9791 Circle the city and ride through the Lincoln Tunnel traffic-free. See the skyline of New York like you've never seen it before -- from the seat of your bike. 30-mile, 60-mile, and 100-mile routes. Proceeds raised will benefit the New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Event starts at 7:30am. Manhattan •••••••••• Making Strides Against Breast Cancer American Cancer Society • Central Park • 800-ACS-2345 Annual fun walk through Central Park to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Manhattan •••••••••• Avenue of the Americas Family Expo 6th Avenue from 42nd to 57th St. 212-809-4900 At the 11th annual festival, over 500 international foods, art, craft, antique, and general merchandise exhibitors will create a midway along 6th Avenue. Over 100 cultural displays will be on view. A wide variety characteristic entertainment by local performers will be present throughout the festival, all of which is free to the public. www.nycstreetfair.com Manhattan October 23RD Boo at the Zoo Bronx Zoo • Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road (near Fordham Rd) 718-367-1010 Celebrate Halloween with magic shows, hayrides, crafts, music and more. Kids (ages 12 years old and younger) in costume enter free with a paying adult. This Halloween event is part of the Bronx Zoo's Extreme Summer, which is presented by Bank of America. Bronx •••••••••• Washington Square Festival Waverly Pl. from Broadway to 5th Avenue 212-809-4900 A variety of street performers and entertainment, over 25 cultural and corporate displays, and exhibits – over 200 international foods, crafts, artisans, art dealers, jewelry merchants, antique exhibitors & general merchandise vendors will be featured in this trendy, day-long extravaganza! For more information, log onto www.nycstreetfairs.com Manhattan •••••••••• Mexico NOW! Contemporary Arts Festival Arts International • 30+ venues in NYC 212-308-2110 During the month of November nearly 100 of Mexico's most renowned contemporary artists, will descend upon over 30 venues in New York City. The program consists of concerts, dance performances, exhibits and other events. All Five Boroughs •••••••••• Annual Piano Marathon Faust Harrison Pianos • 205 West 58th Street • 212-489-3600 Faust Harrison Pianos will host a ten hour Piano Marathon (12 noon- 10pm) of classical, jazz and contemporary music performed on rare vintage and contemporary pianos. This event is free and open to the general public who may stop by at any time to hear these extraordinary instruments and be entertained by the region's leading pianists. Manhattan •••••••••• Fall Foliage Cruises: Leave the City Behind Circle Line Harbor Cruises • Pier 16 @ South Street Seaport • 212-2695755 Leave the city behind... Feast on an Autumn brunch and sample your favorite wines with a local vineyard as you admire the breathtaking scenes of fall in NY the Circle Line way along the Hudson River. Boarding at 10:30am, Sailing at 11:00am, Returning at 5:00pm. www.circlelinedowntown.com Manhattan •••••••••• Walk As One Walk-A-Thon National Conference For Community and Justice • Thomas Paine Park/City Hall • 212-545-1300 Join us for Walk As One. Enjoy a 4 mile walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and a morning filled with entertainment, food and prizes. Over 1000 walkers will join together to show their dedication to fighting bias, bigotry and racism. Walk As One raises funds to support NCCJ's youth programming in the Greater New York area. 9am. www.nccjgnyr.org Manhattan October 30TH Park Avenue South Autumn Fair Park Avenue South from 17th to 23rd St. • 212-809-4900 At this the 5th annual festival, over 400 American & international merchants, restaurants, food, art, craft, antique and merchandise exhibitors will create a midway along Park Avenue. Over 100 cultural and corporate displays will be on view. www.nycstreetfairs.com Manhattan •••••••••• Haunted Halloween Tours of Greenwich Village Performers Access Studio, Inc. • Tours meet under the arch at Washington Square Park • 212-387-7790 Tours visit murder sites, hidden graveyards and haunted houses more than 50 places of historic and supernatural interest. Cost is $15, reservations required. Tours depart: 10/29-6:30pm, 10/30-2pm & 5pm, 10/ 31-5pm. Proceeds go to benefit the Performers Access Studio, a theater company that features professional actors with disabilities. Manhattan •••••••••• Times Square Halloween Carnival 7th Avenue from 47th to 59th St. • 7th Avenue from 47th to 59th St. 212-809-4900 At this, the 6th annual carnival, over 400 international food, restaurants, art, craft, antique, and merchandise exhibitors will create a midway along 7th Avenue. Over 50 cultural and corporate displays will be on view. www.nycstreetfairs.com Manhattan •••••••••• GREENWICH VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE! SOHO • www.greenwichparade.com The City’s biggest and best Halloween parade will line the streets of Greenwich Village in this worldfamous annual event. Manhattan •••••••••• We wish all our Muslim friends a respectful Ramadan holida y. holiday Look for more New York City Events on Page 30! Page 30 • Taxi Insider • October 2004 events in the big apple Continued From Page 29 NO VEMBER 6TH NOVEMBER World's Largest Block Party Madison Avenue from 42nd to 57th St. 212-809-4900 Over 400 authentic and / or original creators featuring arts, crafts, antiques, collectibles and fashion merchandise exhibitors will be on view to create a balloon arch covered pedestrian midway along Madison Avenue. Over 50 cultural and corporate displays will be on view providing free information or product samples to the public. For more information, log onto www.nycstreetfairs.com Manhattan •••••••••• Fifth Avenue Gold Coast Joyce Gold History Tours of New York • Meet at The Frick Collection, 1 E. 70th St. 212-242-5762 Great mansions of New York's Gold Coast to the east of Central Park, past and present. 1 PM; $12 www.nyctours.com Manhattan •••••••••• New York City Marathon New York City Boroughs Course begins at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge 212-860-4455 The world's largest marathon travels through all five boroughs of New York City, starting at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and finishing at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. For more marathon information, please visit www.ingnycmarathon.org for any registration information. All Five Boroughs •••••••••• Harvest Festival Bronx Zoo • Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road (near Fordham Rd) 718-367-1010 Celebrate fall with seasonal crafts and other fun activities. Event activities are free with general Zoo admission. This event is part of the Zoo's Extreme Summer, presented by Bank of America. www.bronxzoo.com Bronx •••••••••• Blooming Babies Weekend: Bug Out Brooklyn Children's Museum 145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Avenue 718-735-4400 Use your senses to explore the Museum’s creepy crawly friends up close with a magnifying glass. Hear the feisty story of The Grouchy Ladybug. Make your own buggy creation to take home. Ages 18 mos. – 2 ½, 11am-12pm. www.brooklynkids.org Brooklyn •••••••••• Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular Radio City Music Hall 1260 6th Avenue, at 50th St. 212-307-7171 The holiday classic stars the world-famous Rockettes and Santa Claus. Revel in favorites such as "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and "The Living Nativity"; witness Santa's arrival through an eye-popping 3-D movie. Through January 2, 2005 Manhattan Ar e our Ev ents In The Big Are Events Apple helpful to y ou? you? e-mail us a att taxihail@aol.com and let us kno w ho w! know how! Taxi Insider Br oad way Sho w Loca tion Ma p Broad oadw Show Location Map Below is a list of all of the Broadway shows currently playing in New York. Please use this guide to go see some some great plays - or use it to pick up some fares. Compliments of the Taxi Insider! SHOW After The Fall Aida Avenue Q Beauty & Beast Bombay Dreams Boy From Oz Caroline or Change Chicago Dracula Musical Fiddler on the Roof Forever Tango Frozen 42nd Street Ford Golda's Balcony Hairspray I M My Own Wife Lion King Little Shop of Horrors Mamma Mia! Marc Salems Mind Games Movin' Out Phantom Opera Producers Rent Wicked Wonderful town THEATRE American Airlines Palace John Golden Lunt-fontanne Broadway Imperial Eugene O Neil Ambassador Belasco Minskoff Shubert Cirlcle in the Sq. Center Helen Hayes Neil Simon Lyceum New Amsterdam Virginia Cadillac Winter Lyceum Richard Rogers Majestic St. James Nederlander Gershwin Hirschfield LOCATION 42nd 7th & 8th 47th & 7th 45th 7th & 8th 46th 7th & 8th 53rd B'way & 8th 45th 7th & 8th 49th B'way & 8th 49th B'way & 8th 44th 6th & 7th 45th 7th & 8th 44th 7th & 8th 51st B'way & 8th 42nd 7th & 8th 44th 7TH & 8th 52nd B'way & 8th 45th 6th & 7th 42nd 7th & 8th 52nd B'way & 8th 51st B'way & 7th 45th 6th & 7th 46th B'way & 8th 44th 7th & 8th 44th 7th & 8th 40th 7th & 8th 51st B'way & 8th 45th &th & 8th October 2004 • Taxi Insider • Page 31 IN OCTOBER