This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
On a daily basis, Richard crosses the Brooklyn Bridge, a poignant reminder of the tragic loss of his younger brother, Kenny. The river below is a constant presence, a harsh reality that Richard cannot escape.
It has been a year since Kenny's death, and Richard is still grappling with the weight of his brother's passing. In a series of interviews, Richard shared his story, hoping to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
However, Richard's decision to share his story has come with its own set of challenges. He has begun to feel the burden of carrying the industry's collective sorrow, and has even stopped answering calls from reporters. The publicity surrounding his brother's death has created tension with friends and angered some of his siblings.
Richard's guilt is palpable as he wonders if he could have done more to prevent Kenny's death. He had encouraged his brother to join the taxi industry, to buy a medallion, and to sign the loans. Now, he is left to ponder whether he should have lent Kenny money, forced him to seek therapy, or reported him to the city.
'I didn't have any experience with depression,' Richard said. 'I didn't know what to do.'
Today, Richard is struggling to make ends meet. He owes $402,000 on his medallion loan, with monthly payments of $2,766. He cannot support his daughter and son, both of whom are in school. If officials do not bail out medallion owners, Richard plans to declare bankruptcy.
As he works seven days a week, Richard is reminded of the sacrifices he must make to keep his business afloat. His daily routine is a testament to the struggles faced by many taxi drivers, who are often forced to work long hours to make ends meet.
