Javits Extends Gratitude to NYC Cabbies

Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 2/7/2005

During the Feb. 20–23 American Intl. Toy Fair at New York's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, cab drivers lined up outside will have the opportunity to speed away with more than their usual fare — a $500 cash prize is up for grabs.

Thanks to the center's Taxi Appreciation Days program — aimed at getting the taxi industry more comfortable with servicing the far West Midtown area — drivers will be welcomed with free snacks, drinks and gifts, including the chance to win tickets to the center's New York Intl. Auto Show, March 25–April 3.

A pilot program held during two days of the Jan. 16–19 Natl. Retail Federation's Annual Convention & Expo was a promising start, said Michael Eisgrau, a spokesman for the center. It offered drivers the chance to win a $250 cash prize and tickets to the center's Intl. Motorcycle Show.

Convention center officials said the program is an effort to let cabbies know how much their industry contributes to transporting the facility's more than 2.5 million visitors each year. Plus, since the New York legislature gave the go-ahead in December for a $1.4 billion Javits expansion, extra steps are being taken to draw more attention to that area of the city.

The program is targeted to draw cab drivers to the center, especially during the late afternoon, when tradeshows and other events let out for the day. As an added incentive, drivers will be given access to restrooms on the center's inner roadway.

The program is being carried out in cooperation with New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission, the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade and other taxi industry organizations.