TLC moves to aid uber tips

THE CITY’S taxi agency has a tip for Uber — make it easier for passengers to give their drivers a gratuity.

As drivers face smaller earnings in the competitive e-hail cab industry, the Taxi & Limousine Commission on Monday said it’ll shore up their incomes by requiring an in-app tipping option.

“Professional drivers are a vital part of both our city’s transportation network and economy, and driving for-hire has supported hundreds of thousands of New York City families for decades,” TLC Chairwoman Meera Joshi said.

Jim Conigliaro, founder of the Independent Drivers Guild, which negotiates with Uber on behalf of 50,000 for-hire vehicle drivers, said tipping is a top concern among members.

“New York City’s professional drivers have traditionally depended on gratuities for a substantial portion of their income,” said Conigliaro, a machinists union official. “Cuts to driver pay across the ride-hail industry have made tipping income more important than ever.”

The TLC will issue a draft rule by July, then hold a hearing and a vote to institute the policy. The guild estimated an in-app tipping option would generate $300 million a year in extra income to drivers.

Luiny Tavares, a guild member and e-hail driver, said tipping makes a difference in his take-home pay. He cited his experience with picking up trips via Lyft. Like Uber, that app charges its drivers a 25% commission. But Lyft includes a tipping option.

“Almost always, I get that 25% back in tips,” said Tavares, a 10-year taxi industry veteran.

Uber spokeswoman Alix Anfang said the company will review the proposal once it’s drafted.