Matt Daus and Ira Goldstein have once again earned well-deserved recognition for their decades of work supporting for-hire drivers and transportation infrastructure across New York City. The 2025 City & State Trailblazers in Transportation List has officially named both leaders as honorees in its first-ever edition.
Although this is a new feature from the well-known New York-based publication, neither Daus nor Goldstein are strangers to its spotlight. Over the years, they’ve appeared regularly on various Power Lists for their commitment to improving the transportation industry and advocating for driver protections.
Ira Goldstein’s Vision for Safer, Healthier Work Behind the Wheel
As the longtime executive director of The Black Car Fund (BCF), Ira Goldstein has been instrumental in developing and expanding programs that improve the quality of life for more than 70,000 independent drivers throughout the New York metropolitan area. From building a more efficient workers’ compensation system to pushing forward no-cost health and wellness benefits, Goldstein has helped create critical support systems that drivers can actually count on.
The Fund also provides legal assistance, accident support, and training resources—all at no additional cost to the worker.
“For more than 15 years, Ira Goldstein has ensured that livery and limousine drivers can tap into crucial benefits when they need them,” wrote City & State. “Goldstein has managed The Black Car Fund, which offers disability, accident, dental, vision, and workers’ compensation insurance to more than 100,000 for-hire drivers. He has repeatedly expanded the benefits under the program, most recently adding hearing care and virtual primary care. He also secured a passenger surcharge increase to cover the costs, which a US appeals court upheld in a decision last year.”
Matt Daus’s Work Modernizing Transportation in New York and Beyond
Matt Daus, a transportation attorney at Windels Marx, has long been recognized for shaping policies that protect workers while helping modernize city-wide mobility. He served as the longest-running Commissioner and Chairman of the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission and is currently Chair of the firm’s Transportation Practice Group.
Since 2009, he’s also led the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR), an international network of transportation commissioners and regulators. His other ongoing roles include Chair of the NYC Bar Association’s Transportation Law Committee and Transportation Technology Chair at CUNY’s University Transportation Research Center.
Daus also contributes regularly to Chauffeur Driven magazine, offering insight on emerging regulations and transportation trends.
“Matthew Daus has sought to modernize how New Yorkers move throughout the city and make mobility more equitable throughout his career,” noted City & State. “The former chair of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission has contributed research on congestion pricing and curb management strategies at John F. Kennedy International Airport, proposed ways to reform the Interborough Express, and advanced integrated payment systems. Daus recently criticized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for not exempting private bus lines or taxis from congestion tolls and has been a proponent of introducing Waymo’s self-driving taxis in New York City.”
This recognition highlights how both Goldstein and Daus have worked to ensure that workers behind the wheel aren’t left out of critical policy decisions. Their efforts continue to shape how safety, benefits, and fairness are defined across the industry.
To view the full list of honorees, visit City & State New York.
Image Source: (L) Ira Goldstein & (R) Matt Daus (Source: Chauffeur Driven)
Source: Chauffeur Driven
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