TLC Consumer Protection & Service Quality 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger boards a yellow cab and discovers the meter has already been running before the trip started. What should they do?
- Pay the full amount shown and leave
- Ask the driver to reset the meter to zero and report the incident to the TLC (Correct answer)
- Negotiate a flat rate with the driver instead
- Refuse to pay anything for the entire trip
Correct answer: Ask the driver to reset the meter to zero and report the incident to the TLC
The meter must start at zero when the passenger boards; a pre-running meter is a fare violation that should be reported to the TLC.
Question 2: Under TLC rules, how must a for-hire vehicle (FHV) driver respond when a passenger asks for the estimated fare before the trip?
- They may refuse, as FHV pricing is confidential
- They must provide a fare estimate if asked (Correct answer)
- They can only provide an estimate via the app, not verbally
- They must refer the passenger to the dispatch company
Correct answer: They must provide a fare estimate if asked
TLC rules require FHV drivers or their bases to provide fare estimates upon passenger request to ensure transparency.
Question 3: Which signage is required inside every TLC-licensed yellow taxicab for passenger information?
- The driver's home address and emergency contact
- The Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights (Correct answer)
- A list of all approved GPS apps
- The driver's personal insurance policy number
Correct answer: The Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights
All yellow cabs must display the Taxi Passenger Bill of Rights, informing riders of their rights regarding service, fares, and complaints.
Question 4: A passenger wants to pay by credit card in a yellow taxi. The driver insists on cash only. Is this permitted?
- Yes, drivers can choose their preferred payment method
- No, yellow taxis must accept credit and debit cards (Correct answer)
- Only if the card reader is broken and the driver reports it within 24 hours
- Yes, but only for fares under $10
Correct answer: No, yellow taxis must accept credit and debit cards
TLC rules mandate that yellow taxis accept credit and debit card payments at all times; refusing card payment is a violation.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the TLC's 'Passenger Protection Program' inspection standards?
- To ensure drivers maintain commercial liability insurance minimums
- To verify that vehicles meet safety and comfort standards that protect riders (Correct answer)
- To audit drivers' tax filings annually
- To monitor driver communications with dispatch centers
Correct answer: To verify that vehicles meet safety and comfort standards that protect riders
TLC vehicle inspection standards under the Passenger Protection Program ensure vehicles are mechanically safe, clean, and equipped with required safety features.
Question 6: A driver locks the doors and refuses to let a passenger exit the vehicle during a dispute. This action constitutes:
- A legitimate security measure allowed under TLC rules
- False imprisonment, a serious criminal and TLC violation (Correct answer)
- An acceptable way to ensure fare payment
- A minor infraction subject only to a written warning
Correct answer: False imprisonment, a serious criminal and TLC violation
Preventing a passenger from leaving the vehicle constitutes false imprisonment, which is both a criminal offense and grounds for immediate TLC license revocation.
Question 7: How long does a passenger have to file a formal complaint with the TLC about a service incident?
- 24 hours
- 30 days
- 6 months (Correct answer)
- There is no time limit
Correct answer: 6 months
The TLC generally accepts passenger complaints filed within six months of the incident date.
TLC Consumer Protection & Service Quality 3
A passenger boards a yellow cab and discovers the meter has already been running before the trip started.
What should they do?