Best of the worst: Andrew Eiler

The New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) doesn't know the legally allowable fare for a horse-drawn carriage. Or, at least, Andrew Eiler, the DCA's legislative director, didn't know when that question was asked of him at the public hearing. He pulls out some legalese at the end, giving us the "tree in the forest" line of thinking--that there's no problem unless a consumer files a complaint. Convenient, because tourists don't KNOW they're being blatantly and illegally ripped off. That's going to change! Anyway, view this entertaining clip of what Tony Avella, sponsor of Intro. 658, described as "the poorest testimony." Hilarious.
This is one of the first video clips to be made available from the hearing, and we're told that others are being uploaded soon. Watch for them on YouTube channel "PitytheHorses."
Also view the excellent testimony by Elaine Sloan on overcharging that is overlooked by the city.
Video credit: Anthony Speziale

Fares are negotiable?

"Just be sure to negotiate your price with the driver before you head off," Been There blogger Sissi explains in a post about her recent trip to New York City, where she took a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Apparently this visitor from the UK found out the hard way that the approved fares--which are regulated by New York City--are widely disregarded by the drivers. Yet another way in which the industry is out of control. The length of a ride is negotiable, but fares are set.
The fare you'll be quoted is a mystery. It almost certainly won't match up with what's legal. See for yourself in the video "Tourists Overcharged in NYC" from YouTube user "HorsesinNYC."
The NYC Department of Consumer Affairs advises individuals to report potential fraud issues to the New York State Attorney General's Office Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau at (212-416-8345).
Photo: Donny Moss. December 19, 2008, a day on which many horses working in a snow storm, against regulations.