As we recognized Disability Pride Month in July, it was an important time to reflect on the historic accessibility progress made across our fleet. Inclusion and accessibility are vital parts of our mission, and all passengers are entitled to a dignified, safe, and comfortable ride here in New York City.
Our licensees are integral to this mission. Since June 2025, when our active yellow taxi fleet officially crossed the 50% accessibility mark, our momentum has grown. As of July 2026, almost 60% of all yellow taxis on the road are wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). On top of that, in May, our Uber and Lyft fleets reached new heights, with over 65,000 WAV requests arriving in under 10 minutes, a new monthly high. And with over 14,700 combined active WAVs across our fleet, we have the largest accessible fleet in North America.
None of this would be possible without all of us working together. Our drivers are trained to secure passengers who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids, as well as to serve those with visual or hearing impairments. But it’s important everyone does their part – bases, fleets, and drivers. TLC’s Education Unit and Office of Inclusion do regular outreach and refreshers where drivers congregate, such as the JFK and LGA hold lots and the Taxi Clubhouse. We also routinely meet with members of the disability community to explore new ways to improve our service.
Speaking of improving service, I also chaired my first Commission Meeting in July and announced proposed rules that would reduce several fees and fines for drivers. Changes would include no penalties for delayed drug tests, no fine for a delayed vehicle inspection, and no fee for replacing a lost or damaged TLC license. In total, relief from these penalties and fees would represent nearly a million dollars a year that would go back into drivers’ pockets.We are also looking to build more flexibility into the Medallion Relief Program around medallion transfers to immediate family members and their estates, and allow members of an existing partnership to remove a partner if all parties agree to the change. You can read the full rule proposal and comment here: rules.cityofnewyork.us/rule/driver-relief-penalty-reduction-and-mrp/
These proposed rules are just the beginning of our efforts to provide meaningful relief for TLC drivers. I am grateful to the TLC staff who are working so hard to try to reduce these burdens for drivers and I am looking forward to more efforts to come.
Midori Valdivia
Commissioner and Chair
Taxi and Limousine Commission
