By Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk
As I write this, a global pandemic is strongly affecting our city and country. The best way to stay up to date on the current news and avoid potential rumors or misinformation is to text COVID to 692-692, as well as check nyc.gov/taxi for updates specific to TLC licensees. This will give you real-time updates through NYC’s official emergency notification system.
If you go to the TLC homepage, you can find the latest COVID-19 news and resources specific to our licensees.
TLC-licensed vehicles have been designated as essential services, and drivers can continue to work for-hire during this period.
Our Long Island City facility is open and operational, but capacity for in-person visits has been reduced. Only individuals with existing appointments will be served. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please follow the instructions in your appointment confirmation email.
If you have questions or need help, we can answer your questions remotely. Please email licensinginquiries@tlc.nyc.gov.
OATH remains open but is rescheduling hearings for anyone who requests a new hearing date. Please visit their website for more information. You can email all requests for settlements to settlements@tlc.nyc.gov.
Our Woodside inspection facility remains open and operational. Owners with existing appointments should appear for their scheduled inspection. If you have a notice of violation, you should correct the defect and appear for reinspection as directed.
If you would like to place your for-hire vehicle license on hold for up to 90 days, please visit bit.ly/fhvstorage.
The City is looking for TLC-licensed drivers to help with important work related to COVID-19, such as delivering food to senior citizens who need to stay home. Please visit nyc.gov/deliverytlc if interested, and email supportnyc@tlc.nyc.gov if you encounter technical issues signing up.
Multiple lenders are working with taxi loan borrowers to stop collecting monthly loan payments or lower them. We are urging all lenders to take this action to support taxi owners. Please contact your lender to learn if you are eligible for relief during this crisis.
City assistance is available for any New Yorker who needs it. Please visit the HRA website for information on SNAP (food stamps), cash assistance, Medicaid and other resources, or call 311.
We have heard disturbing reports of New Yorkers facing discrimination related to fear of coronavirus. If you are harassed because of your race, nation of origin, or other identities, please report it by calling 311 and say “human rights.” The NYC Commission on Human Rights is here to help you.
If you need mental health services, please contact NYC Well at 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355) or text WELL to 65173. This is a confidential help line staffed every day, every hour by trained counselors who can offer crisis counseling and connections to behavioral health treatment in more than 200 languages.
The TLC is dedicating its every thought and its every effort to helping our Drivers & Operators weather this crisis. You are on the frontlines putting passengers at ease every day, providing safe and reliable service as the world changes around us, and we are grateful.
Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk is the recently-appointed Commissioner/Chairwoman of the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission.
