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TLC REQUEST FOR INFORMATION FOR "TAXI TECHNOLOGY 2.0"
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) will begin the distribution of a Request for Information (RFI) onTuesday, April 14, 2009 to seek information on ways to enhance the technology systems in each taxicab for the benefit of passengers, drivers and owners alike. The RFI’s goal is to proactively seek and gauge input from the riding public, the taxicab industry and the technology community on the ways that we may bring the Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program (or T-PEP) to the next level of functionality before the expiration of the City's contracts with service providers in approximately two years. The systems, which feature credit/debit card acceptance, passenger monitor screens featuring entertainment and informational content and an electronic map, a driver screen to facilitate 2 way text messaging for drivers to receive business opportunities and various messages, and the automatic collection of trip sheet data were conceived in 2004 as a means of enhancing customer service in return for a comprehensive 26% fare increase. These never before seen systems were designed, extensively tested and phased in over a three year period with 100% implementation achieved in 2008. "This has truly been a pioneering exercise for the TLC," said TLC Commissioner and Chairman Matthew W. Daus. "Virtually all of our predictions about how these systems would perform have essentially come true, such as seeing the usage of credit cards gradually increase from about 6% to now more than 20% of all rides; seeing drivers’ tips increasing from between 12% and 15% to more than 20% of the fare total on average, and using them on a daily basis to find lost passenger property more quickly and efficiently." "These custom made integrated TLC systems were the first of its kind anywhere, and are now being cloned for use in other cities. Now that they have performed beyond expectation and have become woven into the fabric of the New York City taxi experience it is time for us to take the process to the next level. We are soliciting input from the taxicab industry, the technology community and passengers to help us engineer the evolution of these systems from 'Taxi 1.0' to 'Taxi 2.0'." Concepts to be discussed and explored include, but are NOT limited to: Potential Driver Benefits:
Improved Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) screen content could include…..
The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) was created in 1971 and is the agency responsible for the regulation and licensing of more than 150,000 vehicles and businesses including 13,237 yellow medallion taxicabs and more than 47,000 medallion taxicab drivers. It is recognized as the largest and most active taxi and for-hire vehicle 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 our official Web site at www.nyc.gov/taxi or call 311 in New York City, or 212-NEW-YORK from outside of New York City.
IMPROVEMENTS / UPGRADES TO THE TAXICAB PASSENGER ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (T-PEP) AUTHORIZED AGENCY CONTACT PERSON Responders are advised that the Authorized Agency Contact Person for all matters concerning this Request for Information is: Ira J. Goldstein
This Request for Information (RFI) seeks to gauge the various options available for the improvement and further development of the Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program (T-PEP). On March 30, 2004 the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) Board of Commissioners mandated that specific technology be implemented in all medallion taxicabs. T-PEP installations were subsequently completed by December 1, 2008. Among the current technological enhancements deployed in all New York City medallion taxicabs, the following four enhancements are required by TLC rule:
In addition, each system deployed utilizes other media to provide an additional revenue stream. Additional media was allowed by the TLC with the assumption it would decrease the cost of the required system to the taxi industry. Business models should take into consideration maximizing revenues from advertisers, credit card usage as well as other revenue streams developed in concert with delivering the core enhancements in order to minimize or eliminate costs to the taxicab industry and the TLC, while providing the public with a superior in-taxi experience.
Release date for this Request for Information: April 14, 2009 All questions and requests for additional information concerning this RFI should be directed to Ira J. Goldstein, the Authorized Agency Contact Person, at: Telephone #: (212) 676-1017 • Fax #: (212) 676-2002
Date: June 15, 2009 By mail: 40 Rector Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10006-1738 By facsimile: (212) 676-2002 OR By email: policymail@tlc.nyc.gov
The TLC is charged with regulating and furthering the development and improvement of for-hire transportation services in New York City, which includes taxis, liveries, black cars, luxury limousines, ambulettes or paratransit vehicles, and commuter vans. The TLC acts through its Board of Commissioners. The Chairperson of the Board is also the TLC's Chief Executive Officer. In 2004, the TLC Commissioners mandated the creation and implementation of T-PEP. Following the approval by the TLC's Board of Commissioners, the TLC oversaw the implementation of technology enhancements in all New York City yellow taxis; otherwise known as the aforementioned Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program (TPEP). The existing program components include Automatic Trip Sheet Technology (electronic collection and reporting of passenger pick-up and drop-off locations, passenger fares, and number of passengers); Driver Information Monitor (DIM) with Text Messaging Capability, Credit/debit card payment capability; and Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) with payment screen, live map, and on screen content. Pursuant to that mandate, TLC staff determined that T-PEP should be available to medallion owners via a single, integrated, "turn key" system so that medallion owners would not need to purchase components or services from multiple vendors for each of the various technological enhancements. Since the required technology enhancements were not available as an "off-the-shelf solution," the TLC staff implemented the T-PEP program by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) and contracting with multiple vendors, each charged with providing an integrated system and service that would be offered for sale to medallion owners. It was further anticipated that competition among T-PEP vendors for contracts with medallion owners would result in T-PEP vendors reducing the price of the systems. Ultimately, three TLC selected vendors installed the T-PEP enhancements in all 13,000-plus NYC medallion taxis. The TLC entered into zero dollar contracts with the vendors that fixed the maximum price each vendor could charge medallion owners for the installation and maintenance of the T-PEP systems in their vehicles. The TLC contracts also set minimum technological requirements for the systems provided by the T-PEP vendors. Medallion owners were then allowed to negotiate among the competing T-PEP vendors for prices below the maximum prices established in the TLC contracts with the T-PEP vendors.
The TLC is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to explore ways to improve the existing T-PEP. The TLC is soliciting feedback about options to improve the current TPEP systems from the perspective of all stakeholders: the riding public, all segments of the taxicab industry, the potential vendors of technology equipment, content providers, and advertisers. Responders should be aware of the scope of the program: taxicabs alone generate approximately 200 million trips per year to the riding public. As such, the technology equipment within the NYC taxi fleet represents an enormous opportunity to provide a valuable, high impact media resource reaching residents and visitors alike. This product has the ability to provide break-through messaging in a captive environment. The TLC anticipates that based on the information received in response to this RFI, a Request for Proposals (RFP) may be issued at a future date to seek one or more contractors to develop and install in-cab units and also support agency infrastructure improvements, amendments, and additions to the current program. The current contracts with T-PEP vendors will expire on August 31, 2010. The TLC has the option to extend the current contracts up to two additional years. Vendors should note that no contract will be awarded pursuant to this RFI. TLC may choose to follow up on responses to this RFI in any fashion that TLC may deem to be useful to the purposes of the RFI, including follow up discussions with any or all of the RFI responders. Likewise, submission of a response to this RFI will not enhance any vendor’s chances to be either included in any preferred vendor's list, or be awarded a contract pursuant to any RFP, should one be issued in the future.
Responses to this RFI may include, but are not limited to, possible approaches to any or all of the following: Passenger Benefits
The current T-PEP system utilizes a Global Positioning System (GPS) for the automatic collection of trip sheet data and live passenger maps. The TLC is seeking comments on additional uses of the GPS components, such as providing drivers with a navigation system with Points of Interest (POI), and other information customized for use specifically by the taxi industry including relevant information from the City and TLC including timely traffic information. Examples of customized POIs might be TLC facilities, available restrooms, gas stations and driver relief stands.
Under the current T-PEP system business model, medallion owners receive a share of advertising revenue mainly in the form of a discount in the overall cost of equipment and maintenance. The TLC seeks to find ways to increase the amount of revenue produced by the T-PEP systems through the development of innovative content and advertising. TLC is particularly interested in ways to leverage both the T-PEP system and the emerging mobile PDA technologies to create new revenue streams.
TLC is interested in exploring ways to lower the credit card transaction costs in order to eliminate or reduce medallion owner and driver expenses. The RFI seeks opportunities for new and improved payment options, including solutions that leverage smart phone technologies. The TLC is interested in learning about the benefits and disadvantages of an open/closed loop payment card system. The TLC would like to explore providing drivers with debit cards attached to bank accounts if this can facilitate or expedite the cash payout process between drivers and owners. This debit card could be used to provide additional driver benefits such as discounts for gas stations, car washes and/or frequented restaurants.
The TLC services over 600,000 passengers daily. The TLC wishes to explore the possibility of requiring the PIMs to present more robust and varied content. The TLC also wants to determine if standardization of the payment process and map design across the entire taxicab fleet are preferable to passengers and/or vendors. The TLC is interested in making basic information about the taxicab industry and passengers' rights available on the PIMs in the most popular languages used by residents and visitors to New York. The TLC seeks input on upgrades to the accessibility of the PIM in terms of visual, audio and other enhancements that will improve accessibility and usability of the T-PEP system for persons with disabilities, including the possible integration of hearing loop induction technology or integration of the T-PEP systems for use as a dispatch system for wheelchair accessible vehicles. The TLC seeks comments on how to make the content on the PIMs more engaging through enhancement of the potential interactive functionality of the PIMs. Possibilities include interactive Points of Interest for passengers on the PIM maps based on the taxi's location. The TLC is interested in providing detailed driver information on the PIM including driver photos, names, and hack license number. Passengers could have the ability to submit compliments or complaints about a cab or driver or provide feedback by survey or message, with the results transmitted to 311 or the TLC in real time. The TLC welcomes comments on interactive programs and games that may be utilized during a taxicab ride. The TLC is also interested in the ability to provide in-vehicle internet (e.g. Wi-Fi) capability to passengers. The TLC seeks comments on the viability of permitting third party applications to interact with the T-PEP systems or be installed on the PIM, similar to applications which may be purchased and downloaded to a smart phone. This may increase innovation and provide additional entertainment/informational options for passengers.
The TLC is currently exploring the possibility of expanding taxicab group rides. To facilitate this, the TLC seeks comment on the feasibility of mandating point of sale devices to accept split tender so passenger(s) may pay via multiple credit/debit cards or credit/debit card(s) and cash. The TLC is also interested in exploring refillable taxi payment cards, open or closed loop, for passengers' convenience as well as any future innovations in the payment card industry. Through use of currently available technology, a "taxi card" could maintain a passenger profile as to PIM content preferences or offer "frequent rider miles".
Currently, the taximeters approved by the TLC permit only one fare at a time to be hired. The TLC is currently exploring allowing multiple fares simultaneously. In addition, the ability to hire multiple fares would be useful for group rides, during emergencies, major transit outages or strikes. The proposed systems should explore the opportunities and challenges of permitting multiple fares.
The TLC may explore providing upgraded receipts that are larger and easier to read and allow for the option of the passenger to transmit payment receipts to their own e-mail address or smart phone. Improved receipts will facilitate passenger interaction with 311 and the TLC for complaints, compliments, suggestions or facilitate recovery of lost property. This also presents additional opportunities (advertising and couponing) to further message/interact with NYC taxi passengers. Responders are welcome to discuss whether an enhanced receipt may provide opportunities for additional revenue, such as location based advertisements and coupons on the back of receipts.
The TLC will explore the feasibility of creating a system to provide automatic diagnostics of the T-PEP systems via plug-in tools or self-reporting diagnostics utilizing the in-taxi communication package in order to improve the current service level agreements. The TLC would also welcome comments on requiring access to PIM content via a web portal to enable the TLC to view real time content updates.
While the owner of a medallion taxicab has an affirmative duty to ensure that only current licensed drivers operate their taxicab, the TLC welcomes comments about enhancing the T-PEP systems to prevent an unlicensed or suspended driver from enabling the T-PEP system and meter through the use of technology such as a bar code scanner, RFID reader or biometric device built into a TLC operator license and/or in-cab unit. Recently, there has been emerging technology on the ability to block cell phone usage in vehicles. The TLC would welcome comments on the advances in this area in order to prevent cell phone usage by drivers while not interfering with a passenger's ability to use a cell phone as well as the feasibility of implementing this type of technology as part of the T-PEP system. The TLC is also open to exploring other mechanisms to enforce other licensure requirements.
The TLC seeks to explore the possibility that the next generation of T-PEP will include a data management package that will facilitate TLC’s regulatory function in at least two respects. First, comprehensive analysis of trip data would enable the TLC to better understand the performance of the for-hire transportation industry, and would assist the TLC in developing regulatory policies to enhance the industry's performance in providing service to the riding public. Second, analysis of trip data would enable the TLC to systematically enforce certain existing regulatory requirements, such as the requirement that corporate taxicab medallions be double-shifted and the requirement that drivers work no more than 12-hour shifts.
The Taxi of Tomorrow project is a unique opportunity to explore upgrades to the existing NYC taxi fleet by learning about possibilities for a more appropriate vehicle that reflects the needs of its diverse stakeholders - passengers, drivers and medallion. The RFI seeks to gauge the various options available to bring a new model medallion yellow taxicab to New York City in the near future. The TLC solicits comments for the integration of the T-PEP program and the Taxi of Tomorrow project. Information about the Taxi of Tomorrow program is available at: http://nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/news/taxi_of_tomorrow_intro.shtml Innovative approaches to this idea are encouraged, such as the possibility of integration of one or more T-PEP components, or the taximeter, into the vehicle itself, and creative approaches to information display for the driver and passenger.
While the T-PEP system is mandated for use in more than 13,000 taxicabs, the TLC regulates more than 35,000 other vehicles, which include black cars, livery cars, luxury limousines, ambulettes or paratransit vehicles, and commuter vans. The TLC is considering whether to permit TLC-regulated vehicles other than taxicabs to install a TPEP system or components thereof on an optional basis, or whether to require a system with limited capabilities, such as electronic trip information and enhanced payment options.
All three (3) current T-PEP vendors have multiple subcontractors in order to provide a turn key system to the taxicab industry. The TLC welcomes comments on the benefits and disadvantages to all stakeholders of choosing an exclusive T-PEP vendor for the entire New York City taxicab fleet. Issues that responders may choose to address include vendor capacity to handle over 13,000 vehicles; effect on pricing of T-PEP systems to the taxicab industry including economies of scale on production of the systems and a T-PEP vendor's ability to offer potential content providers and advertisers an audience of approximately 600,000 passengers on a daily basis. NEW YORK CITY, NASSAU & WESTCHESTER TAXI AND LIMOUSINE COMMISSIONS ANNOUNCE NASSAU'S ELIGIBILTY FOR RECIPROCITY New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYCTLC) Commissioner and Chairperson Matthew W. Daus, Nassau Consumer Affairs Commissioner Roger C. Bogsted and Westchester TLC (WCTLC) CEO and Chairperson Barbara Z. Monohan today announced that the Nassau County Taxi & Limousine Commission has met the requirements allowing vehicles and drivers licensed by the Nassau County Taxi & Limousine Commission (NCTLC) to provide inter-municipal transportation into and out of New York City and Westchester County. Since December, 2006 vehicles licensed by the NYCTLC with a valid permit, and operated by a driver with a current, valid operator's license issued by the NYCTLC have been able to discharge passengers within either Westchester or Nassau Counties on trips originating in New York City and may accept passengers by pre-arrangement from points within either Westchester or Nassau Counties for destinations in New York City. Vehicles and drivers licensed by the Westchester County Taxi & Limousine Commission have enjoyed similar eligibility to operate since that time. Now, with the NCTLC having achieved eligibility for reciprocal service for its vehicles and drivers, vehicles licensed by the NCTLC holding a valid permit to engage in intra-county transportation, and operated by a driver with a current, valid operator's license issued by the NCTLC may discharge passengers within the City of New York on trips originating outside the City, and may accept passengers by pre-arrangement from points within the City of New York for destinations in Nassau County. The same will be true for trips into and out of Westchester County. No separate authorizations or permits from the NYCTLC or WCTLC will be required. Said Commissioner Daus, "We are very pleased to have been able to work so closely and so successfully with the Nassau County TLC to achieve reciprocity, that will benefit so many commuters, travelers and businesses alike. The New York State law that we worked so hard to craft and help pass effectively represents and addresses our foremost concern which is the safety and protection of the riding public, and we are grateful for the assurances provided by Nassau County that these important safeguards are fully incorporated into their regulations. I would like to thank County Executive Thomas Suozzi and Commissioner Bogsted for their cooperation throughout the process as well as State Senator Martin J. Golden for his pivotal role in the creation and sponsorship of the legislation that made this process possible." Said NCTLC Commissioner Roger C. Bogsted, "Nassau County welcomes the opportunity to join the County of Westchester and the City of New York in advancing the enforcement of regional standards for the betterment of the for-hire vehicle industry. This reciprocity agreement provides the necessary framework to enhance safety to the riding public while ensuring appropriate coordinated enforcement. "I would like to express my appreciation to the New York City and Westchester Taxi and Limousine Commissions for their cooperation and collegiality during the implementation of this agreement. Together, we have crafted a comprehensive response that addresses the need to bolster safety and accountability throughout the region." "This agreement is beneficial to both the riding public and the limousine industry,” Westchester County Executive Andy Spano said. “Passengers, whether they live in Westchester, Nassau or New York City, will be assured of good and safe service by livery drivers. It also benefits the limo companies who can now pick up and deliver their clients to these different locations in an efficient and professional manner." The New York State Law enabling reciprocity required that the NCTLC create specific language in its rules and regulations that provide for the following:
In addition, under the enabling legislation, the NCTLC, the WCTLC and NYCTLC will share access to their respective vehicle licensee databases. NOTE: The reciprocity referred to in this notice applies only to vehicles and drivers licensed by Westchester and Nassau Counties, and not to vehicles and drivers licensed individually by cities and towns within those counties.
From left to right are Nassau County Consumer Affairs Commissioner Roger Bogsted, New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Commissioner/Chairman Matthew W. Daus (at podium), and Westchester County Taxi and Limousine Commission Commissioner/CEO Barbara Z. Monohan ATTENTION: TLC LICENSEES TLC WILL GIVE YOU FREE TRANSLATION SERVICES! 1) You can use TLC's FREE translation services in the TLC Courts at 40 Rector and Long Island City. You can use this service if you are a respondent or a witness. All you have to do is ask for it when you go to your hearing. The translation service is FREE. Judges can also decide to use the service if they feel someone does not understand what is happening in court. 2) You can use TLC's FREE translation services at Licensing. Anyone doing business with the TLC can use this service. All you have to do is ask for it when you are at Licensing. The translation service is FREE. Just a few of the 189 languages that can be translated include: Albanian, Korean, Arabic, Mandarin, Bengali, Polish, Cantonese, Portuguese, French, Punjabi, Greek, Russian, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Hebrew, Tagalog, Hindi, Ukrainian, Italian, Urdu, Japanese and Yiddish.
NYC TLC ANNOUNCES PILOT -- SHORT HAUL TICKETS AT JFK AIRPORT FOR FIVE TOWNS DESTINATIONS The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) announced today that, in cooperation with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the drivers of medallion taxicabs will receive Short Haul ("shorty") tickets for rides to destinations in the Five Towns area of Nassau County from John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport as a pilot program. The pilot program would begin Monday April 6, and culminate in a review for permanent status in August of this year. The Short Haul tickets will allow taxicab drivers to queue at the Short Haul Line at the Central Taxi Hold of JFK Airport for rapid dispatch to terminal taxi lines. "The concept first saw light as a request by the League of Mutual Taxi Owners (LOMTO), and its Managing Director Vincent Sapone," said TLC Commissioner/Chairman Matthew W. Daus. "It was a pro-business idea that made good sense to us at the TLC and the Port Authority, and we are very pleased that our close working relationship with both LOMTO and the PA has resulted in our taking it from concept to reality." Trips to the following destinations will be eligible for participation in the pilot program: Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Inwood, Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck, Hewlett, Woodsburgh, and North Woodmere. NYC TAXI AND LIMOUSINE COMMISSION APPROVES HYBRID INCENTIVE PLAN The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) today voted to approve a package of lease cap modifications that will provide significant incentives for the purchase and operation of clean air vehicles as New York City Taxicabs. The incentives were among several initiatives to increase the use of clean air taxicabs that were announced by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg last November. The purpose of the incentive program is to encourage fleet owners to purchase cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles while holding drivers harmless for the vehicle purchase decision of fleet owners. The program will allow fleet owners to increase the lease cap fee charged to drivers in clean air vehicles by $3 per shift which will offset the increased cost of purchasing a hybrid or similarly clean fuel vehicle. The driver, while paying the increased lease cap fee, will still see significant savings due to the reduced fuel costs which he or she pays. Taxicab drivers in fuel efficient vehicles achieve an average fuel savings of at least $15 per shift potentially adding up to as much as $5,000 a year. The incentive will generate approximately $2,000 per year per clean vehicle for fleet owners. The TLC regulates "lease caps," the maximum amount a fleet or taxi owner may charge a driver for the use of a taxicab or medallion license. "It is good public policy to incentivize the purchase of vehicles that will help us to clean our environment," said TLC Commissioner Matthew W. Daus, "while equalizing the playing field for drivers who have no say in the kinds of vehicles they drive, and how big a role fuel costs play in their income. With more than 15% of the city's taxi fleet already clean fueled this was the right thing to do, and it was the right time to do it." To further incentivize the use of cleaner, more efficient taxicabs the new leasing regulations decrease the lease cap fee an owner can charge a driver by $4 per shift (decreasing in $4 increments to a maximum of $12 after two years) if the vehicle is a Crown Victoria or another non-fuel efficient vehicle. The decrease would cost fleet owners approximately $2,830 per vehicle during the first year, $5,660 starting the second year, and max at approximately $8,500 per vehicle per year at the start of the third year. The new lease caps, which will go into effect in approximately 30 days, will affect all taxicabs that are leased out for shift work with the exception of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Current lease caps allow fleets to charge a range of between $105 (for all day shifts) and a $129 (for weekend night shifts). TLC ANNOUNCES NEW DESIGNS FOR DRIVER’S LICENSES The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has announced that it has changed to a new format for all of its Driver Licenses. If you have a current, valid TLC license you do not need to replace it and it can be used until its expiration date. When you renew your license, you will receive one in the new format. The new format features:
Licensees are reminded of the need to maintain a clean, transparent partition and credential holder in their vehicle. As per TLC rules 1-12 (a), 3-03 (3)(i) and 3-03 (4)(ii) the partition and credential holder must provide the passenger with a clear and unobstructed view of the drivers license, rate card and front windshield at all times. If you have any questions please call the TLC at (212) 227-6324 or visit us at www.nyc.gov/taxi. VIDEO & TELECONFERENCING AVAILABLE AT TLC’S STATEN ISLAND OFFICES On December 22, 2008 the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), announced a pilot program providing respondents who had received TLC summonses with the ability to have their hearings heard by teleconference from our Staten Island facility, located at 1893 Richmond Terrace, rather than having to appear in person at our Long Island City facility. Beginning on Monday, April 13, 2009, the TLC is expanding this program to include Videoconferencing. The process for Videoconferencing is the same as with Teleconferencing…..
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