Yellow cabs are temporarily allowed to pick up multiple fares

The State and City of New York today began its second day of recovery efforts following devastation from Hurricane Sandy in Lower Manhattan and across the region. Mayor Michael Bloomberg shared the latest updates in a press conference Tuesday night, reporting that first responders and agencies continue cleaning up debris, pumping out water from flooded areas, and assisting Con Edison to restore electricity to many thousands of New Yorkers.

"Restoring power and mass transit remain the two biggest challenges in the days ahead," said Bloomberg. "That recovery is a mammoth job. I know everyone at Con Ed recognizes how urgent it is. Our administration continues to work closely with Con Ed to ensure that all New Yorkers get power back as soon as humanly possible."

All subways, PATH system, and most other mass transit remains suspended, with the city Department of Transportation working with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to restore limited bus service as of Tuesday evening. Operational bus routes will run on a Saturday schedule, with free fares for the time being. Bus service will increase through Wednesday and the rest of the week.

To help improve mobility, the city is allowing yellow cabs to pick up multiple passengers, and also allowing black cars and livery cabs to make street pick-ups. More than 4,000 yellow cabs are back in action, with more being added hourly. Taxis are operating on a normal fare schedule. According to the mayor, fares for additional passengers are to be negotiated; the driver must quote those fares up-front (the city suggests a $10 charge for an additional passenger).

The Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel and the Holland Tunnel are closed. Ferry service remains suspended in New York City. Alternate side parking and meters are suspended.The FDR Drive has been reopened.

Street-cleaning rules remain suspended citywide for Wednesday, October 31st. City Sanitation crews have resumed curbside garbage pickup and continue removing storm-blown debris from city streets streets. However, recycling collection is suspended until further notice.

Public schools remain closed on Wednesday. Some senior centers will be open Wednesday or Thursday; it is advised to check first before heading out to one. City parks also are closed for safety, with trees still water logged and at risk for falling. Call 311 to report downed trees; call 911 for emergencies only.

The State Office of Court Administration reports that criminal courts in our city will be closed tomorrow except for arraignments and emergency matters.

Most of Lower Manhattan remains without power, water and transportation services, though buses and taxicabs are in operation. A few buildings in Battery Park City have regained power. Con Ed has posted a service-outage map: http://apps.coned.com/stormcenter_external/default.html

The Port Authority has reopened JFK and Newark Liberty Airports with limited service; LaGuardia Airport remains closed.

Homeowners, renters, businesses, and anyone affected by Hurricane Sandy can apply for federal disaster assistance. Register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 1-800-621-3362.

The Mayor's Office welcomes volunteers in the city's recovery effort. For service opportunities visit NYC Service.

The Hurricane Sandy Helpline is open for the public for information and emergency response: 1-888-769-7243 or 1-518-485-1159.

Motorists are urged to check 511NY before traveling to access current road conditions. The free service is available by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.511NY.org, which has up-to-date information regarding road and bridge closures, as well as transit, commuter rail, and airport delays. The 511NY website features traffic and transit conditions in a map or list format. It is also available on Facebook and Twitter.

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