Is Driving in NYC Worth It? From Virus Fears, Carjackings to Increasing Costs. Is It Time To Quit?
It's getting tough to be a NYC TLC driver. Drivers are getting squeezed like never before. However, we believe there is hope on the other side of the pandemic for those who work toward their goals
AutoMarketplace NYC covers the for-hire transportation industry and automotive news. Check out AutoMarketplace on YouTube ▶️
It’s tough these days for many people. The COVID pandemic doesn’t seem to be subsiding nearly two years on (!) and the economy isn’t working for many people. I’m an optimist by nature, but sometimes, especially when the reality seems so bleak, it’s important to “keep it real”. In the corner of the world I know well (that you also know well), the NYC TLC industry, I’ve never seen driver morale as low as it is currently. Over the past several weeks, I’ve spoken to multiple drivers who’ve gotten sick with COVID, commented that trip demand is significantly down, face rising gas and auto repair costs (i.e., impact of record inflation) and are forced to be more conscious of their security and overall working conditions.
Carjackings are happening in Midtown Manhattan in broad daylight, drivers are being punched, shot and killed, even held up with box-cutters (see title video), I mean this is genuinely ANOTHER LEVEL. Many drivers have never seen this New York, and the “old-timers” who’ve been around, haven’t seen it like this for decades. So, it begs a simple question…
Is It Worth It?
We’ve all heard of the “Big Quit”, not only Uber & Lyft driver shortages, but labor shortages in general. At first, many thought it was mostly related to the “stimmy” checks the government sent out to millions in the wake of the pandemic and while there is some truth to that, it seems there is something more meaningful going on.
As they say, people are sick and tired of being sick and tired. The pandemic has pushed us all in one way or another to analyze not only our mortality, but our raison d'être. Why do we do what we do? Is it just to make ends meet or is it more meaningful than that? If we got sick or died today, tomorrow, next month, next year who actually cares? How are we spending our lives? These existential questions are on more peoples mind than ever before.
In the NYC TLC industry, I know first hand that drivers, who are essentially solopreneurs (term used for individual entrepreneurs in charge of all of their business and financial affairs), face constant challenges. The bills keep coming, gas prices keep going up, insurance is expensive, passengers can be disrespectful, certain traffic cops are aggressive, NYC TLC summonses, the threat of deactivation, ETC ETC ETC. It’s a lot. So getting back to the question posed…
Is It Worth It?
My answer to that is…YES*, BUT with an asterisk(*). It’s worth it if you use your current situation, the one your commercial NYC TLC license has given you access to, to reach your long-term goals. Maybe you drive for a few years and then pursue something else, but NYC driving helped you save money or meet someone that helps you pursue your true ambitions. Maybe you stay in this industry for decades and create your own transportation company or business to take advantage of the new opportunities electric vehicles (EVs) (maybe even self-driving vehicles) offer up in the future. Or maybe being a commercially-licensed TLC driver fundamentally affords you and your family a good lifestyle and your children the chance at higher education.
The great thing about living and working in NYC is everything is bigger here (yes, I know there are downsides especially related to cost of living as well). For example, NYC’s economy is roughly the same size as the ENTIRE country of South Korea! The NYC for-hire transport industry is worth several billions of dollars and we all have the ability to take advantage of the unique opportunity that this huge local market presents. In fact, you could say the NYC TLC industry is the world’s largest local for-hire transport market (NYC is potentially Uber’s largest, by revenue, city globally).
As we get ready to launch AutoMarketplace and look (plus uniquely incentivize 💰) drivers to help us grow the business (more details coming soon), we hope you keep optimistic in these seemingly dark days. Better days are ahead ☀️🌆
Are you an NYC TLC driver? What worries you the most these days? What do you feel are the main issues that must be addressed as soon as possible? Let us know by commenting below or e-mailing us at info@automarketplace.com
AutoMarketplace NYC covers the for-hire transportation industry and automotive news. Check out AutoMarketplace on YouTube ▶️