The Black Car Fund Raises Surcharge to 3% in Order to Fund Additional Driver Health Benefits

Given the Black Car Fund (BCF) is funded by a surcharge on each trip, its funding has declined in line with the number of trips. Rates will increase on November 1st.

The Black Card Fund (BCF) put out the following statement on its Facebook page.

As we continue our mission to provide health and wellness benefits, as well as education, to our Covered Drivers, we are continuously seeking new benefits and opportunities to support them. All of our free benefits, including full Workers Compensation coverage, have been funded by a 2.5% passenger-paid surcharge. Over the last twenty years, we have only ever had a single increase in this surcharge, while continuing to expand and offer new benefits. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has decimated the for-hire vehicle industry, and due to the unprecedented decrease in for-hire vehicle trips, the funding for these important programs has significantly decreased as well.

Prior to the pandemic, New York State passed legislation officially authorizing The Black Car Fund to use up to 0.5% of its surcharge to provide additional health benefits. As we work to continue providing our existing health benefits, as …