Data
The data used in this analysis comprise the only known dataset on taxicab
revenues and supply. Fare revenue and service availability are estimated from
taximeter and odometer readings gathered during taxicab inspections conducted
at the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) centralized
inspection facility. Each cab is inspected three times a year. One group of taxis
is inspected in January, May and September of each year; a second group in
February, June and October; a third group in March, July and November; and a
fourth group in April, August and December. Comparing taximeter and
odometer readings from consecutive inspections yields each cab’s total trips,
total revenue and total miles for the intervening four-month period. (See
Appendix.)