Runway Towing, which held exclusive permits to tow vehicles from nine New York City highways, was accused of overcharging consumers by charging up to $400 for tows that should have cost $125, with estimated overcharges exceeding $10 million, according to CBS New York. A $58 million class action lawsuit was filed, and the city's Department of Consumer and Workforce Protection denied Runway's license renewal in January 2021 citing significant overcharges.
Operator takeaway
Charging $400 for a $125 tow on exclusive city highways produced a $58 million class action and license revocation — monopoly pricing without accountability eventually triggers the harshest regulatory response.