Pissed-off Big Apple cabbies are demanding that city officials issue them emergency placards to let them double-park for up to 10 minutes so they can use the bathroom without being ticketed.
At a Sunday rally, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers union called on the Taxi & Limousine Commission and Department of Transportation to create official placards granting drivers time to use a restroom without being fined by the cops for illegal parking.
City taxi drivers want special placards to let them park for 10 minutes to use the bathroom without being fined. Christopher Sadowski“It is disgraceful that hardworking drivers are fined simply for using the bathroom,” federation spokesman Fernando Mateo said in a press release. “They work long hours, endure tough conditions, and should not be forced to choose between their health and their income.
“When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.”
Many of the drivers — who often work grueling 12-hour shifts — are more than 40 or 50 years old and struggle with prostate issues, kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, the statement said.
While the cabbies can use public bathrooms in libraries, hospitals, churches and parks, many are still worried about the hefty fines they could incur in their rush to park — and that’s led some to just stop on the road and use their vehicle door for cover while they do their business.
The effort is being spearheaded by the cabbies’ union, which represents more than 21,000 drivers in New York. Christopher Sadowski“A lot of drivers, what they’re doing is they’re opening their doors, and they’re doing their necessities on the street,” Mateo said. “And if they get caught, then it’s worse, because now they lose their privilege to drive a taxi, and they lose the privilege of earning a living.”
Dr. Paul Tallaj, the federation’s chief medical officer, said in the statement, “Many taxi drivers suffer from serious health conditions that require frequent restroom use.”
Mateo specifically pointed to two drivers as proof: one hoping to get a kidney transplant and the other a diabetic.
(From left) Steven Rivera, Omar Martinez, Fernando Mateo, Jose Hernandez and Dr. Paul Tallaj of the taxi drivers’ union gather around a ticket a driver got for illegally parking while using the bathroom. TOMAS E. GASTON“They attribute their disease to not being able to find or use a restroom without getting a fine on a daily basis,” he said.
The city-issued placard would give them the time they need, he added.
“Morally, it’s wrong,” he said of not giving outside placards. “Humanely, it’s wrong.”
The federation has written to the taxi commission’s chief, David Do, and urged him to intervene.
The 27-year-old, 21,000-member union said it is still waiting for a response.
“Our drivers are the backbone of this city, keeping New Yorkers moving 24/7,” federation President Steven Rivera said.
“Denying them basic human dignity by issuing fines for relieving themselves is not only unjust but inhumane,” he continued. “The TLC and DOT must act now.”
A Taxi and Limousine Commission rep would not answer when asked by The Post if the agency is open to placards, only saying the agency is “constantly seeking ways to expand bathroom access for TLC drivers within our limited public space.”
The Transportation Department did not respond to The Post’s request for comment.
