STATEN ISLAND, NY — Mayor Eric Adams announced Friday that hard-working essential workers who helped New Yorkers get around the five boroughs during the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will receive a pay raise, according to a release by the Mayor’s Office.
Drivers with the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), many of whom are immigrants, will see their minimum pay rates increase by 5.3% to $1.161 per mile and $0.529 per minute, which will go into effect on March 1, 2022.
Lyft and Uber drivers can also expect the raise, as they are counted as TLC-licensed for-hire vehicles.
Adams stated these drivers were individuals who put themselves on the frontlines, whether it was delivering food to those in need, or driving the city’s residents where they needed to go.
“A group of New Yorkers who have put themselves and their families at risk throughout the pandemic are getting the help they need and deserve,” said Adams. “This is about respect and paying each one of these individuals a fair and decent wage. I am proud to stand with these drivers and honor their sacrifice by giving them the raise they have earned.”
TLC Commissioner and Chair Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk expressed gratitude for the dedication of TLC-licensed drivers during the pandemic.
“I am committed to working to advance the entire industry and improve conditions for all of our licenses. The increase in the minimum pay for high-volume, for-hire drivers being announced today is a critical step forward, and I extend my gratitude and congratulations to our drivers,” said Jarmoszuk.