The Port Authority has launched a $100 million initiative to tackle illegal ride solicitation at its three major airports.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has launched a major new campaign to combat illegal ride solicitation at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) as the region prepares to welcome millions of visitors for major international events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The initiative, known as Operation Legal Ride, represents a $100 million investment designed to improve passenger safety, strengthen enforcement and protect legitimate transport providers operating at the airports.
Port Authority launches airport anti-hustling campaign
Illegal solicitation, commonly known as hustling, involves unlicensed drivers approaching arriving passengers and offering transportation services outside authorised systems. According to the Port Authority, the practice creates safety risks for travellers while undermining licensed taxi and ride-share operators who comply with insurance and regulatory requirements.
The agency said it has documented persistent passenger harassment, unlawful detainment incidents, credit card fraud, theft and excessive charges linked to illegal operators. Since January 2025 alone, the Port Authority Police Department has issued 3,714 summonses for unlawful solicitation at JFK Airport.
As we welcome the world to our region for the World Cup, we want every visitor to have a safe and pleasant experience from the moment they land.”
Analysis conducted by the authority found that the issue is largely driven by a relatively small group of repeat offenders. The top 50 individuals cited for violations accumulated more than 800 offences during the review period.
To address the problem, the campaign combines enhanced enforcement, stronger penalties, new technology and public awareness initiatives.
Additional Port Authority Police officers and enforcement personnel from the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission will be deployed across the three airports, particularly during the FIFA World Cup period between June and July.
The programme will also introduce tougher legal consequences for offenders. Working with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, authorities plan to add penalty points to driving licences following convictions for illegal solicitation. Repeat offenders could ultimately face licence suspension.
Vehicles used in illegal solicitation activities may also be impounded, with drivers required to pay significantly increased redemption fees.
Technology and passenger awareness
The Port Authority is also introducing new data-driven enforcement tools, including enhanced camera systems and licence plate recognition technology at JFK Airport. The system will help identify repeat offenders as they enter airport property and allow officers to respond more quickly.
A multilingual public information campaign has also been launched across terminals and inbound flights. Information will be displayed in more than ten languages, helping international visitors identify legitimate transport options upon arrival.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said: “Our airports are New York’s gateway to the world, and no visitor to our state should have to worry about being taken advantage of by predatory taxi hustlers.”
Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole added: “As we welcome the world to our region for the World Cup, we want every visitor to have a safe and pleasant experience from the moment they land.”
Officials said the campaign is intended to deliver long-term improvements to airport safety and passenger confidence, extending well beyond the summer travel period.
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