Justin Garbett proposes single-company pedicab pilot

All right.

Thank you.

No further questions.

This panel is dismissed.

Thank you.

The next panel is Adumo Matsudu, Hesham Muhammad, and Justin Galbraith.

And whoever can, anyone can go first.

Good morning, Chair Epstein and members of the committee.

My name is Justin Garbett.

I started Fire Island Pedicab in 2019.

I've worked with three-seat and six-seat cabs, carried passengers and luggage, and dealt with the daily work of keeping a fleet running.

I've also taken a pedicab in Manhattan where the driver recklessly emblasted music.

I understand why people want changes.

But the answer should be a service people can use and trust.

I'm asking you to focus on two practical solutions.

First, hold the operator accountable for the whole ride.

A company should answer for its drivers, maintenance, insurance, and complaints.

Drivers need hands-on training and clear rules for safe driving.

Sorry.

Okay.

Safe driving and loading.

Company training should work alongside city licensing.

Uniforms and matching cabs help passengers recognize a service, but they do not replace inspections, visible identification, or enforcement.

Second.

Make the price understandable before the passenger gets in.

I favor studying distant-based fares because passengers know where they want to go.

But the rate has to cover real costs, and the passengers still need a visible, approved fare system and a receipt.

I am not proposing a dollar amount today until the law changes.

Operations must follow the existing fair rules.

The photos on page one and two show the equipment we use on Fire Island.

A larger cab can keep a group together that does not provide it safe for Manhattan or that it reduces traffic.

Six-seat vehicles need separate legal approval and testing for braking, turning, boarding, and loading weight.

Electric assist needs enforceable limits.

My longer-term idea is one company managing the whole fleet.

My request today is a staff meeting with the responsible agencies and existing operators to define a small, legally authorized pilot.

Agree on the vehicles, prices, and loading locations before it starts.

Track injuries, complaints,

curb conflicts and driver earnings, use the results to decide what deserves to grow.