“Even for a moment in time, I want to experience that.”

March 9, 2023 5:40 PM

David Do, the new head of New York City's Taxi & Limousine Commission, has just become a licensed cabdriver. He aims to drive "100 trips a year as a way of learning firsthand what drivers encounter daily, whether that’s dealing with traffic and customers, or struggling to find designated spots where they can park and take bathroom breaks....Do tried a similar approach at his previous post, where he briefly drove for D.C. Neighborhood Connect, an on-demand shared-ride shuttle." Commissioner Do had to pass TLC's exam (PDF of sample test) to get a license.
posted by brainwane (10 comments total)

I looked up more about Do and learned that he is a gay man, and the child of Vietnamese refugees to the US. And he "enjoys riding his bike" so (as a bicyclist in NYC) I hope that means he'll be better at watching out for bicyclists than some other car drivers are!
posted by brainwane at 5:55 PM on March 9, 2023 [2 favorites]

That sample exam has got trick questions—in question 3,eastern Parkway runs east-west and Utica Avenue runs north-south
posted by Jon_Evil at 5:56 PM on March 9, 2023

That's so great. And I'm impressed by his pledge to identify himself when he strikes up conversations with other drives - and delighted that he's not allowed to accept fares, so anyone lucky enough to get him as a driver gets a free ride.

I wish more leaders would make a point of regularly experiencing the day-to-day work they oversee.

I'm very glad to know about Do and his approach to his office. Thanks so much for posting this, brainwane!
posted by kristi at 7:24 PM on March 9, 2023 [9 favorites]

Commissioner Do had to pass TLC's exam to get a license.

Ah, but did he have to buy his own medallion? I'm guessing, no. The NYC price peaked at over a million dollars in 2013 but has since fallen to just over a more affordable $100K.
posted by Rash at 8:09 PM on March 9, 2023 [4 favorites]

I really enjoyed this article. I agree with kristi, it would be good if more people in leadership actually did the jobs of the people they regulate/oversee/manage.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 8:10 PM on March 9, 2023 [2 favorites]

David Bragdon, a former councilor for Portland’s regional government, used to drive a cab because his day job didn’t pay enough to cover rent.
posted by Just the one swan, actually at 8:33 PM on March 9, 2023 [1 favorite]

Someone who's not using his NYC leadership appointment to enrich himself? In this administration? That's remarkable.
posted by 1adam12 at 11:04 PM on March 9, 2023 [1 favorite]

@1adam12 - what do you mean not enrich himself? He's taking a second income! Is the taxpayer's buck not enough for the fat cats at City Hall!? *further grumbling*
posted by Probabilitics at 4:23 AM on March 10, 2023

Probabilitics -- there's a strong chance you're joking, but in case you are not: as a cabbie, Do is not allowed to accept fares or tips.

A TLC spokesperson said Do was cleared by the city’s Conflict of Interests Board to obtain the license, but he is bound by several rules: He’s not immune from disciplinary measures if a passenger files a complaint against him; and he cannot collect fares or tips.

So, any passenger who happens to hail his cab — which initially will be a yellow taxi in the TLC fleet — will get a free ride.

“It’s like the Cash Cab, right?” Do said, referring to the TV gameshow that rewards seemingly unsuspecting riders who are good at trivia. “Except I’m not giving [money] away, I’m just giving a free ride.”

posted by brainwane at 5:14 AM on March 10, 2023 [2 favorites]

@brainwane - I originally typed out the "/s" at the end, then decided to delete it because it seemed too silly. I should have left it in!
posted by Probabilitics at 7:58 AM on March 10, 2023 [2 favorites]