NYPD Expands Safety Measures for Livery Drivers After Ninth Killing

April 29, 2000 – New York City

The wave of violence targeting New York City’s livery cab drivers has claimed its ninth life this year, prompting swift action from city officials. Within hours of the latest tragedy, Police Commissioner Howard Safir announced a series of new safety measures aimed at protecting the city’s more than 41,000 livery drivers.

Background / Incident

The killings have rattled immigrant drivers across the five boroughs. Eleven livery drivers were slain in 1999, and the year 2000 is already on pace to surpass that grim statistic. Authorities note that almost all of the victims were killed while picking up passengers off the street — a practice that is both risky and against Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) rules.

In one recent close call, a Brooklyn driver narrowly escaped after a would-be robber pressed a machete to his throat during an overnight shift. Incidents like these have heightened fears and added urgency to the city’s response.

Community Response / Leadership Reaction

On Friday, Fernando Mateo, president of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, met directly with Commissioner Safir to discuss drivers’ safety concerns. Safir presented a training video for precincts citywide, reminding officers that amber warning lights installed on livery vehicles are distress signals. Mateo stressed that these alerts must not be ignored: “It’s what signals when a livery driver is in trouble.”

Under Safir’s new plan, the NYPD will expand patrol hours, increase checkpoints, and assign task force officers to work longer shifts monitoring livery hot spots. Police will also stop drivers more frequently — not to ticket them, but to check on their safety.

Both Safir and Mateo urged drivers to resist the temptation of illegal street hails. “For the extra few dollars, your life isn’t worth it,” Mateo warned.

Safety Investments and Legislative Support

The TLC has already voted to mandate that all livery vehicles be equipped with either bulletproof partitions or digital security cameras within 30 days. To help drivers comply, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani pledged $5 million in city funds, while Senator Charles Schumer announced a push for $600,000 in federal funding to purchase 2,000 partitions.

Yet the most recent victim’s vehicle had no protective partition, underscoring how urgent compliance remains.

Broader Context

Despite increased attention, arrests have been made in only two of the nine killings this year. Mateo appealed directly to the public for cooperation: “We’re crying for your help. We’re the people who transport you, we’re the people who work for you, your parents and your grandchildren.”

For livery drivers, the danger is ever-present — every pickup a gamble, every night behind the wheel an act of faith. With new safety rules, police resources, and community advocacy converging, the hope is that no more families will have to face the tragedy that too many have already endured Source: NYSFTD News Archive