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TLC ANNOUNCES MEDALLION VEHICLE RETIREMENT EXTENSIONThe New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is currently considering amending the Medallion vehicle retirement rules. Any change would alter the retirement schedule of only those vehicles entered into service after the rules go into effect. For vehicle retirement extension information, please refer to the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission at 718-391-5501. INDUSTRY NOTICE #15-04 METER UPDATES FOR SHLS AND MEDALLION TAXISGET THEM DONE AT THE SAME TIMESHL Meter Update: If the proposed rules are approved:
SHL owners: You may have your roof light changed at your next scheduled visit to the meter shop. You do not have to wait for the rule to go into effect.
On January 1, 2015 a 30-cent Improvement Surcharge went into effect. ALL meters must be updated. If your meter is not updated you must contact your TPEP or LPEP provider immediately to schedule the update. SHLs with older models of Pulsar taximeters may need to have their taximeter manually updated at a meter shop. These SHL vehicles owners will receive a directive from the TLC with instructions on how to get the update. SHL owners requiring meter shop visits to update their meters for the Improvement surcharge may also have their meter updated to automatically turn off the roof light when the meter is removed from the bracket. INDUSTRY NOTICE #15-06 TLC LAUNCHES FOR-HIRE VEHICLE TRIP RECORD SUBMISSION PROCESSThe New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has finalized the process that For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) bases will use to submit trip records routinely pursuant to the FHV accountability rules that went into effect on December 31, 2014. FHV Bases are required to submit trip records for every trip dispatched by that base. If a base dispatches an FHV that is affiliated with a different base, the Dispatching Base - not the base with which the vehicle is affiliated - is responsible for submitting that trip record. Until July 31, 2015 bases are required to submit trip records on a monthly basis. After July 31, 2015, every base must transition to weekly submission so bases are strongly advised to use the launch period to prepare for weekly submission. To facilitate an orderly transition to a routine trip record submission process the launch will be done in three waves. To find:
If you have questions about this Industry Notice or how to submit trip records, please contact the TLC at 718-391-5501 or e-mail triprecords@tlc.nyc.gov. INDUSTRY NOTICE #15-07 TLC BEGINS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR USED TAXI VEHICLE PILOTMemorandum of Understanding (MOU) The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is now accepting applications for participation in the Used Taxi Vehicle Pilot. This pilot will run for up to one year and allows certain used vehicles previously licensed by TLC to be placed into Medallion Taxicab service. For more information on eligibility and how to apply to participate, visit:
On January 29, 2015, the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) approved a pilot permitting the use of Used Vehicles in taxicab service. The Pilot for Used Vehicles will allow TLC to determine:
Vehicle owners who own a Used Vehicle that meets all requirements listed below:
Vehicle Owners who own a vehicle that meets the requirements above should follow these steps:
Pilot participants will be periodically asked to provide feedback to TLC on their experience with the Used Vehicle. TLC is particularly interested in hearing about:
For questions about the Pilot Program, including questions about eligibility and how to apply, you can contact TLC by email at research@tlc.nyc.gov or by telephone at
Can I submit the Pilot Application and MOU before purchasing a Used Vehicle? No. Only those who currently own an eligible vehicle may submit the Pilot Application and MOU. Additionally, the Pilot Application and MOU must be submitted with all Those unsure if a vehicle is eligible to participate in the Pilot Program are encouraged to contact TLC by email at research@tlc.nyc.gov or by telephone at 212-676-1207 prior to purchasing the vehicle
There is no limit on the number of miles that can be on the vehicle. However, the vehicle must be less than two years old. The age of the vehicle is measured by taking the years between the calendar year and the model year designated by the vehicle manufacturer. For example, in 2015, only vehicles with Model Year 2013, 2014, or 2015 are eligible.
Yes, as long as your vehicle meets the requirements for eligibility.
All vehicles must be an approved taxicab model on the date the Pilot Application and MOU are received by TLC. If your vehicle will no longer be an approved model beginning April 20, 2015, you must submit your Pilot Application and MOU and be approved to participate in the Pilot Program prior to April 20, 2015.
Taxicab drivers can participate in the Pilot Program by working under the Driver-Owned Vehicle (DOV) model. Drivers under the DOV model can own their vehicle and work with a medallion agent to lease only the medallion, or they can lease the medallion and vehicle together on a long term basis.
No. Only vehicle owners may apply to participate in the Pilot Program. Additionally, vehicle owners must be present when the Pilot Application and MOU are submitted to TLC.
One year will be taken off of the retirement date for vehicles that are one year old, and two years will be taken off of the retirement date for vehicles that are two year old. The age of the vehicle is the difference between the vehicle’s model year and the calendar year on the date the Pilot Application and MOU is submitted to TLC. The retirement date will be the date as set forth in TLC Rules 67-18 and 67-19 minus the age of the vehicle.
The Pilot Program will start on the date the first Used Vehicle is approved and put into service and will continue for up to 12 months. TLC may end the Pilot before the 12 months.
Yes, owners may continue operating their Used Vehicles until the retirement date listed on the rate card unless the Chairperson terminates the MOU or the Used Vehicle cannot pass inspection. “TAXIS DRIVE 25 DAY” ON FEBRUARY 5TH PROMOTES ROLE OF TAXIS TO REACH VISION ZEROCab Riders United, the TLC, Transportation Alternatives, and more join forces to raise awareness of 25mph speed limit and urge cab riders to consider tipping 25% to thank drivers for driving 25mph or less. NEW YORK, NY – Organizations representing cab riders, drivers, safe streets advocates and policy makers came together today to create “Taxis Drive 25 Day.” The groups are working to raise awareness of the 25 mph speed limit, the important role of NYC’s 75,000 taxis and other for-hire vehicles in setting the pace on our streets, and to ensure that cab riders and drivers are working together to support the policy and save lives. The 25 mph citywide speed limit was recently implemented as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Vision Zero plan to help achieve the goal of eradicating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. To celebrate Taxis Drive 25 Day, advocates are asking cab riders to talk to their drivers about the speed limit and urging passengers to “tip 25 to say thanks for driving 25.” Cards featuring cab safety tips and fun facts have been
“In year two of Vision Zero, cab riders are looking for continued improvement to education and certification standards for taxi and for-hire drivers, safer design standards for TLC licensed vehicles, and to close the loophole that exempts taxis and for-hire vehicles from the state’s mandatory seat belt law.” Enforcement of Vision Zero policies has already reduced traffic fatalities and resulted in fewer collisions. Advocates are working together to raise awareness and encourage “People look to taxi drivers to get where they need to go safely and conveniently,” said Taxi and Limousine Commission Chair and Commissioner Meera Joshi, who participated in today’s effort. “We’re putting the emphasis on safety today, and asking passengers to perform a crucial role by communicating to their drivers that they prefer safety over speed, and to tip 25 percent for 25 MPH. Time is money for taxi drivers, but they can have it both ways when passengers send them a tangible message of appreciation for putting safety first. Education is a central component of Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero plan, and I am proud to say that our taxi drivers have always been receptive to learning how best to serve their passengers. ”This 25 percent tipping initiative is a great way for taxi riders to recognize and reward drivers who follow the new 25 mph citywide speed limit which saves lives and has broad support across the five boroughs,” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “Professional drivers who operate taxis, liveries and other for-hire vehicles are central to the Vision Zero effort because they set the tone on New York City streets. We at Transportation Alternatives, along with our 115,000 supporters, join all New Yorkers in thanking taxi operators for driving safely.” “Even though taxi and livery drivers work 60-hours on the streets serving close to one million passengers a day, and you are safer in a taxi or livery than any other vehicle, it’s not often that drivers’ labor and safety records are recognized let alone appreciated,” said Bhairavi Desai, Executive Director of New York Taxi Workers Alliance. “We want to thank Cab Riders United and our other partners for standing with us, and for appreciating drivers’ hard work and sacrifices to keep New York moving safely. “Green Taxi drivers serve our neighborhoods around the city and strive for safety every day. On Taxis Drive 25 Day, we really appreciate that passengers might want to thank us with “a little extra green” for Green Taxi drivers’ hard work to get New Yorkers where they need to go – safely at 25 mph or less,” said Nancy Soria, Vice President of Green Taxi New York. “New York taxi drivers are among the safest, most professional and hard working drivers anywhere in the country which is why we always encourage our passengers to tip their drivers well,” said Ron Sherman, President of the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade. “We have a special request of our 750,000 daily passengers - if you were ordinarily going to tip your driver 15% or 20%, tip your driver 25% in recognition of the Mayor’s Vision Zero program and one of its core components, the new 25 mph city speed limit. You will be encouraging safe driving and rewarding hardworking cabbies. Together, we can all make a big difference in saving lives and supporting livelihoods.”
Cab Riders United works to provide a voice for the 1.2 million daily passengers who ride in New York City’s taxicabs and for-hire vehicles and for the countless other New Yorkers and New York businesses that rely on taxicab and for-hire vehicle service to help keep the city moving every day. The mission of Cab Riders United is to improve the safety, quality of service and environmental impact of New York City’s taxicab industry. For more information: cabridersunited.org
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) was created by the New York City Charter in 1971, and is the agency responsible for the regulation and licensing of almost 200,000 yellow medallion taxicabs and for-hire vehicles, their drivers, and the businesses that operate and support their industries. It is recognized as the largest and most active taxi and limousine regulatory body in the United States. To find out more about the TLC, or to review its rules, regulations and procedures, we encourage you to visit www.nyc.gov/taxi or call 311 in New York City, or 212-NEW YORK from outside of New York City. COUNCIL MEMBER BEN KALLOS CALLS FOR INNOVATION AND COMPETITION IN TLC E-HAIL RULESNew York, NY – On January 29, 2015 Council Member Ben Kallos, author of the “Universal E-Hail App” bill testified before the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) to call for innovation and open competition in the TLC’s e-hail rules. The video will be available online and the testimony is here in this issue of TLC Magazine. The TLC is considering new rules for a permanent e-hail marketplace. As proposed, the rules expand the ability of cabs to accept e-hails and make it safer for them to do so, but do not include an Open Application Processing Interface (API) or a NYC TLC E-Hail App. Kallos argued this morning that both the Open API that would allow all approved third-party apps to seek e-hails and the City app were a necessary part of the package that would allow the City to modernize and compete in the new landscape. Similar proposals for city cabs have been advanced in Los Angeles, D.C. and Chicago. “New Yorkers should be able to easily catch a cab in the rain through e-hail without having to worry about surge pricing,” said Council Member Ben Kallos, a software
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