NYC Recruits Ride-Share, Cab Drivers To Deliver Food To Seniors

NEW YORK, NY – Taxi and ride-share drivers in New York City are being asked to help out during the new coronavirus pandemic by delivering food to senior citizens who need to stay home, according to a request sent from the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission on Monday afternoon.

Taxi and ride-share drivers are among the hardest hit by the public health crisis and this appeal for assistance and participation in the city's response was part of an effort to support drivers, the commission said in the email.

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The initial need for drivers is small, according to the email, but is expected to increase as more city residents need meal deliveries. Participating drivers will be paid $15 per hour and will be reimbursed for gas mileage and tolls.

"New York City's for-hire vehicle drivers have seen their earnings plummet amid this pandemic. Drivers are ready to step up to help the city in this time of great need. We are thankful that the city sees the value in this workforce and appreciate the Commissioner's hard work to make DeliveryTLC a reality," said Brendan Sexton, executive director of the Independent Drivers Guild, in a statement.

Licensed drivers who are interested in participating should visit nyc.gov/DeliveryTLC to register and sign up for a shift. Drivers are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

The commission reminded drivers that, in the interest of keeping their neighbors safe, they should not sign up for delivery shifts if they are feeling sick.