Uber drivers protest New York City Council bill to limit growth of for hire vehicles

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Uber drivers protested at City Hall Tuesday as New York City lawmakers considered new legislation that would impact the ride-hailing service.

A new bill proposes a growth cap on vehicles for hire while the city studies how e-hail companies are affecting traffic.

Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Meera Joshi said at a hearing that planners should be able to study congestion without adding to it in the meantime.

Uber drivers rallied against the limit, which would have prevented Moises Abrago from becoming an Uber driver.

"I was in a very tight situation economically, and thanks to Uber I'm surviving," he said.

The Transportation Committee is considering limiting the number of new for hire cars licenses while an environmental impact study is conducted.

City officials including the Commissioner for the Department of Transportation testified at the hearing.

"We must consider the implications on our street network, on mobility, congestion, the city's economy, environmental sustainability and quality of life," said Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

The city has been giving out as many as 2,000 for hire vehicle licenses a month. And while as many as 800 licensed cars drop out each month, the increase of 1,200 additional cars monthly is too much some say, adding to congestion.

"Since 2010, there have been 23,000 new FHV cars added to the streets of New York City," said Council Transportation Committee Chairman Ydanis Rodriguez.

But those with FHV companies like Lyft and Uber say they're being targeted. Their businesses are predicated on many drivers using their own cars. Uber says it expects to sign up as many as 10,000 drivers in the next year but the bill would prevent that.

"The bill being heard today would limit Uber to only adding 200 vehicles in the next 14 months. That means 9,800 of those job opportunities will be lost," said Josh Mohrer, the general manager for Uber in New York City.

"It is a job, it is my income, it is my bread and butter," said Abrago.