The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have announced a $100 million initiative aimed at combating illegal taxi operators who overcharge travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The program, named “Operation Legal Ride,” will deploy 50 Port Authority police officers and 20 additional New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) enforcement agents to strengthen oversight and enforcement at the region’s major airports.
“Taxi hustlers target vulnerable travelers, first-time visitors, and non-English speakers by taking advantage of those who are unfamiliar with our region or country,” Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia said in a statement.
Illegal taxi operators, commonly referred to as “taxi hustlers,” have long been a concern at New York- area airports. These individuals often approach arriving passengers, lure them into unauthorized vehicles, and charge excessive fares that far exceed legal rates.
As part of the initiative, authorities will introduce new technology designed to identify illegal solicitors and track vehicle license plates, enabling faster enforcement actions. The Port Authority will also collaborate with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to identify and take action against unlicensed operators.
The crackdown comes amid growing concerns over fare fraud targeting tourists and visitors. According to media reports earlier this year, a couple visiting from Kenya was charged $800 for a ride from the airport to their hotel in Times Square—a trip that would have cost approximately $70 in a licensed yellow taxi.
Port Authority Police issued 2,602 summonses for illegal taxi solicitation in 2025, nearly double the number issued the previous year, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Speaking with TLC Drivers’ Voice, Shaheen Hossain, an app-based driver who frequently operates at JFK Airport, said illegal operators continue to dominate certain airport areas while licensed drivers are often reluctant to challenge them.
“They act like a ‘mafia’ at the airport,” Hossain said. “They take rides away from licensed drivers and frequently overcharge passengers, especially tourists who may not know the proper fares,” he added.
Officials hope the enhanced enforcement effort will protect travelers, support legitimate drivers, and restore confidence in airport ground transportation services throughout the New York metropolitan area.