NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — New York City taxi drivers say they are facing a bathroom access crisis, and they are calling for the city to provide them “bathroom placards” that would allow for easier parking when they need to relieve themselves.
“The saying is very simple. ‘When you got to go, you got to go,’” said New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers spokesperson Fernando Mateo. “When you have to take care of personal necessities, you need to take care of them.”
Drivers do have limited access to public restrooms in libraries, hospitals, churches and parks, but many fear handing their wages over for tickets they could receive while stopping, the NYSTD said.
Mateo said that some drivers—who often work 12 hour shifts—feel they have to resort to relieving themselves on the street while taking cover with car doors to avoid hefty fines.
“There’s no reason why a driver has to pull over on the side of the road, open his doors, and relieve himself on the road,” he said.
To solve the logistical difficulties for a cabbie of using the restroom, the NYSTD is demanding that the city Department of Transportation and the Taxi & Limousine Commission issue an official placard that allows taxi drivers 10 minutes to legally park without fear of penalties.
“Ten-minute limit, and if you go beyond those 10 minutes, you have forfeited the privilege that you got,” Mateo said. “I don't think it would take any driver more than 10 minutes to relieve himself and come back.”
Many drivers suffer from health conditions like prostate issues, kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, and advocates say that they need time and space to handle their business penalty free.
“Many taxi drivers suffer from serious health conditions that require frequent restroom use. Preventing them from accessing facilities is a public health issue, and fines only add to their stress,” chief medical officer of the NYSFTD Dr. Paul Tallaj said. “This must be addressed immediately.”
The NYSFTD has formally written to TLC Commissioner David Do, urging him to intervene.
“Our drivers are the backbone of this city, keeping New Yorkers moving 24/7,” president of the NYSFTD Steven Rivera said. “Denying them basic human dignity by issuing fines for relieving themselves is not only unjust but inhumane. The TLC and DOT must act now.”