For the first time since Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg took office the Taxi and Limousine Commission will have a new chairman, with the current Chair, Matthew W. Daus stepping down and Bloomberg putting forth the nomination of David Yassky to replace him.
Late last week Examiner.com was granted exclusive access to Daus to discuss his legacy after 14 years at the taxi agency. Daus emphasized that he's not retiring, but rather moving on to a new position at CUNY's Transportation Institute.
"For the first time we're going to be introducing the concept of taxis and researching them for broader policy goals," said Daus of his new position.
Daus said that his greatest accomplishments at the TLC included harnessing technology, putting both hybrid and wheelchair accessible taxis on the streets and taking the first steps toward creating the taxi of the future. He proudly emphasized that everything that has been done in New York City has been replicated in cities across the country.
"We did spend a lot of time using technology to make things better," said Daus. "Everything we've ever done here has been replicated elsewhere. We're clearly the world leader in what we do."
Asked about his accomplishments, Daus said, "I'd say right at the top of the list are the credit cards and the screens and the text messaging and the GPS. "
Daus said that he was proud to have promoted the mayor's "green" agenda and to have 23 percent of taxis on the street be hybrid vehicles. He touted the city's record putting more than 300 accessible taxicabs on the street, the most of any city in the country, though said that he wish he'd done more there.
His pride and joy appears to be the Taxi of Tomorrow, a purpose built taxicab that will be "iconic of New York City." The vehicle will be fuel efficient and accommodate all passengers, including those who use wheelchairs and will over time replace all existing taxis. A request for proposals is currently pending with multiple companies indicating their intent to participate.
The Metropolitan Taxi Board of Trad, a trade group praised Daus for his work and dedication to the industry.
"While there are times that you agree and times that you disagree Matt has truly been a central figure at the TLC for more than a decade," said MTBOT spokesman Michael Woloz. "The taxi industry was truly the last remaining cash only business in New York City and the most visible and Matt came in and using technology put credit card machines in every taxi. He developed a GPS system that allows lost items to be tracked down. GPS is central to everything that is done and allows for better data at the TLC."
Asked to give Daus a grade, Wallows said, "I don't want to give him a grade. He is a good chair and he's an accessible chair."
Wallows emphasized that the taxi technology program has led to increase in tips, put more people in cabs and set a global standard for how technology can be used in taxis.
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