dollar van

n. In New York City and Long Island, privately owned multi-passenger vehicles that operate along regular routes. Subjects: New York City, English, Automobiles & Transportation

Editorial Note: In manner of operation, dollar vans are similar to por puestos in South America, tap-taps in Haiti, chapas in Mozambique, and matatus in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Dollar vans sometimes charge more than a dollar. Though once illegal, many are now licensed by the city.

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Citations: [1993 Newsday (N.Y.) (Mar. 15) “Cops, Sanit Worker Rescue 18 From Sinking Vehicles” p. 18: In all, 13 commuters were pulled from the rented Dollar van—12 passengers between the ages of 15 and 65 years and a 7-month-old girl.] 1993 Russell Ben-Ali Newsday (N.Y.) (Dec. 20) “Van Hits Queens Boy Leaving Church” p. 32: “Witnesses told us it was a dollar van,” said one officer, referring to one of the privately owned livery vans that carry passengers along Linden Boulevard for a $1 fare. 1995 Gary Dauphin Village Voice (New York City) (Nov. 21) “The Show: Sometimes The Audience Produces More Entertainment Than The Plot Line” p. 10: You really did have to drive, and so although it was certainly always possible to go to Sunrise via bus, train, or dollar-van, the thought that one might actually take those public transportations to get there was usually the first and last thought before announcing “fuck it” and “I’m not going.” 2002 Jaira Placide Fresh Girl (Jan. 8) p. 162: We ask directions from a man with a long beard who’s selling oils and incense. He tells us the dollar vans would be the fastest way. The van we get is packed with four rows of people and their bags of presents. 2004 Sewell Chan @ New York City New York Times (Dec. 21) “City Sets Talks After Strike Is Approved at 2 Private Bus Lines”: Officials have arranged for licensed commuter vans, also known as dollar vans, to operate limited service along the affected routes if a strike occurs.

Posted 9 Feb 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend