Taxi Drivers Call For Debt Relief As Pandemic Drags On

Taxi drivers are calling on the city and lenders to reduce their medallion debt. With ridership low because of the pandemic, already struggling drivers can't make payments.

Mouhama Dou Aliyu is a 48 year old driver from the Bronx. He’s says since April, he’s been unable to make his $2,000 loan payment for his medallion

“Every single night I worry about losing my medallion. This is what I do. This is all I have,” he said.

He joined 200 drivers in a traffic-clogging procession of taxis calling on lenders to restructure loans and the city to help too.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said any aid should come from the federal government. Marblegate, one of four lenders contacted, says it's working to lower monthly payments with drivers.