• Home
  • Lost and Found
  • Book a Ride
Toll Free: +1-866-917-TAXI    

NYC Taxi Drivers Demand Right to Lock Doors After Passenger’s Murder

Posted by NYCYellowCabTaxi.com on January 30, 2025

Following the brutal killing of a passenger in a livery cab on Coney Island, NYC taxi drivers are demanding the right to lock their doors to protect themselves and their riders.

Michael Shelonchik, 53, was violently pulled from the back of a livery cab and beaten to death on Tuesday after two unidentified assailants opened the vehicle’s door and attacked him, according to police.

In response, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD) is calling for immediate policy changes, arguing that existing regulations put both drivers and passengers at unnecessary risk.

What Taxi Drivers Are Saying

“Michael Shelonchik’s death was preventable,” said Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the NYSFTD. “If the livery cab he was in had automatic door locks engaged, this tragedy might never have occurred. It’s time to take common-sense steps to save lives.”

The federation insists they’re “not asking for much,” just the ability to protect themselves and their passengers from outside threats.

Steven Rivera, President of the NYSFTD, emphasized the urgency of the policy change:
“Locking the doors to keep criminals out while allowing passengers to exit freely is a no-brainer. This simple change could mean the difference between life and death for our drivers and riders.”

Ongoing Investigation & Policy Push

The New York City Police Department is still searching for the two suspects responsible for Shelonchik’s death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, the NYSFTD has sent a letter to the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Commissioner, urging immediate action. They argue that allowing locked doors would prevent similar tragedies and improve overall safety.

“We’ve seen this over and over again—cabs stopped at red lights, stop signs, or stuck in traffic, and criminals take advantage by robbing passengers or attacking drivers,” Mateo explained.

As NYC taxi drivers continue to push for policy updates, the TLC has yet to respond to the federation’s demands.

You may also like

  • A Baby girl was born in back seat of a Yellow CabA Baby girl was born in back seat of a Yellow Cab
  • Yellow Cab Driver was slashes in the face in WilliamsburgYellow Cab Driver was slashes in the face in Williamsburg
  • Scary hack attack (video)Scary hack attack (video)
  • A passenger hijacked a  taxicab for a joyrideA passenger hijacked a taxicab for a joyride
  • Fed-up taxi industry threatens to yank wheelchair-accessible cabsFed-up taxi industry threatens to yank wheelchair-accessible cabs

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Drivers Lounge

Previous Next All

Christopher B.: Thanks

Ali youcef: Hello , l am looking for day shift partner anybody interested call me to 2014668506

Jhon Doe: Uber was allowed to operate in NYC because technically was a car service company not a taxi,but now they want cab crivers to accept uber requests, it was a plan for the very beginning and we all knoe the master of it,I have been driving for 30 years and do not need help finding my fares.

Salaheldin: I’m looking for 2021hybrid yellowcab for weekly or day shift lease

1 (718) 210-7378: Toyota Prius day shift available in Jamaica by Liberty Avenue and Vanwyck. Lease $400 shift 5am-5pm Car Pick and drop at my location. If anyone interested text to 1 (718) 210-7378 1 (718) 210-7378

Mr T: Looking to buy wave van let me know if anyone selling

Sultan mehmood: I need job sir I am working in Dubai as a texi driver 4 years +971586597209

I am henok: My name is henok I am 24 years old active driver and any one can dm me on watsapp +251931539562

ali Kondakci: Hello I need 12 hrs working shift Bensonhurst Brooklyn bath ave 11214 please call me please my name is ali. Kondakci 6464911840

Rashid: i have one Y cab . now i looking a driver for weekly rented brand new car RV4 2021. if any parsons interested send tax massage. 347-9357005

Gaby: I am looking for drivers who wants to lease a medalion ! And i sponsor any lady who likes to be a NYC yellow cab driver! call 929-435-1456

Mahesh: Dear sir I would like to requesting for light driver job please if you have any vacancies let me know I have uae driving licence manual with 3 years experience if have a vacancy let me know..my contact number: +971523505342.+971501516306. Thanks and best regards Mahesh

Davidson Garrett: I’m a retired yellow taxi driver who drove for forty years. I’m a poet and I have a new poetry book titled: “Cabaletta: Poems of a New York City Taxi Driver” published by Finishing Line Press. You can pre-order the book until November. Release date is January 14, 2022. Click the link for info. https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/cabaletta-poems-of-a-new-york-city-taxi-driver-by-davidson-garrett/

Frantzy Civil: I’m looking to drive for a taxi company I have been doing Uber delivery, door dash and roadie for many, many months now.., some of them for years and I know my way around NYC and other states.

Fritzie Pierre Louis: How is A Pay Bills Receipt My Paper Station Taxi A Rides Information ?

Nam Phan: I want to be driver, what is the cost to rent the car?

Muhammad Rao: I want to buy Medelion please call 646-639-5899

Adrienne Zernich: Waiting in line for over an hour at LGA airport. It’s not a holiday and there are literally no taxis. You wonder why every calls Uber and Lyft.

Jamir: On 7/31/2021 I took a yellow cab from Dover and south street to pier 15. The driver was very friendly and asked where I was from and wanted to know if I had a girlfriend for him. I was wearing a lime green shirt African American. Please reach me if you find my keys. 201-892-4060.

Evelyne: 917 348 4526 Hello we left our shopping bags in the trunk can you pls call us? The driver from Pakistan picked us on 112 and dropped us on 53rd street (Fogonde Chao restaurant)

»




Navigation

  • NYC Taxi Lost and Found
  • Reserve NYC Taxi
  • NYC Taxi Phone Number
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact

Information

  • NYC Taxi Medallions for Sale
  • Drivers Wanted
  • New York Car Service
  • Brooklyn Car Service
  • Refund Request

Other

  • New York
  • Brooklyn
  • New York Airports
  • JFK Airport
  • LGA Airport

Footer Logo


Call: +1-866-917-8294

© 2007-2025, NYCYellowCabTaxi.com ™. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms of Services | Disclaimer
Yellow NYC Taxi Lost and Found Service helps increase your chances of recovering your lost property that was left behind in a taxi cab. YellowNYCTaxi.com is a private blog about New York City Yellow Cab Taxis and is not affiliated with the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. Individual results may vary