Mayor Adams, Mayuga sue Way.com for backing illegal parking operators, endangering consumers

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga have filed a lawsuit against Way.com, accusing the prominent parking app of directing consumers to unlicensed and hazardous parking facilities.

The lawsuit alleges that Way.com has facilitated at least 46 unlicensed parking companies, operating illegally on city streets and deceiving consumers, particularly around John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The city is seeking a court order to halt Way.com’s support for these illegal operations and imposing civil penalties for each day the company continues this practice.

Mayor Adams emphasized the severity of the issue, “With this lawsuit against Way.com, we are going to the root of a major quality of life issue affecting our residential communities and one that poses a real danger to drivers: illegal parking garages. Way.com has allowed unlicensed and dangerous parking garages and lots to operate on city streets, take up residential parking, and exploit consumers through their deceptive practices.

“We will not tolerate any company that takes advantage of consumers or puts them in danger, and we will continue to ensure that this industry has safeguards to protect the public’s safety and the pocketbooks of hard-working New Yorkers.”

Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer added, “When New Yorkers use platforms like Way.com to search for parking, they are hoping to save time. Instead, they are unwittingly booking with unlicensed garages and lots that have a track record of harming consumers.

“Our administration is laser-focused on ensuring that New Yorkers are protected in their interactions with both brick and mortar and online businesses alike and holding unscrupulous actors accountable.”

DCWP Commissioner Mayuga highlighted the lawsuit’s aim: “Today, we’re seeking to put the brakes on illegal parking companies’ ability to operate and harm our neighbors and local communities. Despite our attempts to get them to comply with the law, Way.com continues to allow unlicensed parking businesses to flourish in our city and prey on unsuspecting consumers. Anyone hoping to use a parking garage or lot should use our license lookup tool to make sure the lot is licensed before using them.”

The lawsuit details how Way.com has given unlicensed parking facilities an air of legitimacy, misleading consumers who have no indication that these businesses are unlicensed. Some of these companies lack physical locations, operating temporary “valet” services and parking cars on residential streets without permission, thereby disturbing local communities. Way.com’s platform allows these illegal businesses to complete transactions online, retaining a portion of the payment as commission.

Consumers have reported various issues, including being overcharged, vehicle damage, missing items from their cars, and being stranded without access to their vehicles. The lack of physical locations for many of these garages complicates DCWP’s enforcement actions, as inspectors face challenges in identifying and inspecting these sites, and have even encountered threats of violence.

DCWP began investigating the issue in April 2023 following a rise in consumer complaints. Despite a cease-and-desist letter sent to Way.com in June 2023, the company has refused to comply and continues to list unlicensed companies on its app.

New Yorkers are urged to use DCWP’s License Lookup Tool to verify a business’s license status and report any unlicensed garages. DCWP licenses over 1,600 parking lots and garages in New York City and provides a checklist of legal requirements to avoid violations.