NYC ponders precedent with 1-year cap on new ride-hail cars

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City's yellow cab drivers, thrown into financial upheaval in recent years by the arrival of a veritable army of black cars picking up passengers through ride-hail apps, could be getting a lifeline from elected officials voting on legislation that would pump the brakes on Uber, Lyft and others.

In what would be a first-in-the-nation step if passed, the City Council on Wednesday is looking at a series of proposals that include a one-year cap on new licenses while a study of the industry is undertaken, as well as calls for minimum pay levels for all drivers, whether taxi or black car, and minimum fares.

The rise in the number of ride-hail vehicles, from about 65,000 in 2015 to 100,000 now, has been dizzying.