Livery driver strike

Livery cab companies across the city, including many that regularly serve Riverdale and Kingsbridge, went on strike on Monday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to protest proposed new regulations floated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Mr. Bloomberg wants to make medallions mandatory for livery cab drivers who take street hails. The medallions run between $600,000 and $1 million each and livery cab companies said the new costs would put them out of business.

Although livery cabs are currently not allowed to take street hails, many do so without competition from yellow taxis that rarely cruise the outer boroughs. However, Mr. Bloomberg plans to add 1,000 yellow taxis that would only cruise the outer boroughs, making the medallions necessary for cab drivers who want to compete.

Companies that regularly serve Riverdale and Kingsbridge, including Miles Car Service, Bailey Radio Car and Limousine Corporation and Seaman Radio Dispatcher, participated in the strike. Livery cab drivers rallied on the steps of city hall during the strike.

"The livery industry [is] united as one is against the sale of licenses to yellow cabs to pick up passengers in our zones. This measure will bring more pressure to an industry that is already dealing with high gas prices, big summonses and heavy insurance policies. Support your local livery driver and say no to an unpopular regulation," said the message that replaced the usual recording at Seaman.

Jose Rodriguez from the Bailey Radio Car and Limousine Corporation said yellow cabs in the Bronx would hurt business. His message to Mr. Bloomberg was simple.

"Just stop the proposal," he said.

Before the plan becomes law, it has to pass the state legislature, which is only in session for two more weeks.

Not every local car service participated in the strike. Kingsdale and Target car services operated all day.

Bradley Stephens, who works at Target, said the company was flooded with calls during the strike. When asked why Target was not striking, Mr. Stephens said, "Because we like to make money."