Hello to all! It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the end of another year. With November upon us, the days are getting shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and the holiday season is right around the corner. For those of you spending long hours behind the wheel, this time of year can bring its own challenges, from changing weather conditions to heavier traffic as the city gears up for the holidays. As always, I hope you’re staying safe out there, taking care of yourselves, and finding some time to enjoy the season with family and friends. Now, let’s get into it!
First, I want to provide a quick update on the proposed driver relief rules that I discussed in last month’s column. As you may recall, the proposal would have eliminated several fines and fees, including the $200 fine for late annual drug testing, certain missed inspection fines, and fees related to replacing a TLC driver license. Unfortunately, despite receiving four votes in favor and only one against at the September 17th TLC Commission meeting, the rules failed to pass because five affirmative votes were required.
The TLC held another Commission meeting on October 22nd, but the driver relief proposal was not brought back for consideration, meaning these fines and fees remain in place. The Commission did adopt a separate measure allowing commissioners to participate and vote remotely under certain circumstances, which could help avoid attendance issues that can prevent rules from passing. While there is no announced date for another vote on the driver relief proposal, I remain hopeful that the TLC will revisit these changes soon. The Black Car Fund continues to support these reasonable reforms because drivers should not face unnecessary financial burdens while trying to make a living.
Next, I want to share some news regarding an issue that you know all too well: finding a bathroom during a long shift. The City has begun installing 17 new public bathrooms across all five boroughs, including locations in Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Once operational, these bathrooms will be free to use and open daily from 7:00am to 10:00pm. They can be accessed through the Throne mobile app, by scanning a QR code at the location, or by texting “Throne” to 202-751-3694 and following the instructions. Installation is taking place in phases, so drivers should check availability before heading to a location. While this certainly won’t solve the problem overnight, it’s a welcome step toward addressing a longstanding issue for drivers who spend their days on the road.
Speaking of increasing bathroom access for drivers, I also want to provide a quick update on Local Law 24 of 2026, which The Black Car Fund has been supporting. The law requires NYC DOT to establish a pilot program allowing TLC-licensed for-hire vehicles to park in approximately 13,000 existing commercial metered parking spaces. I submitted comments on behalf of The Black Car Fund supporting this change because drivers deserve safe and legal places to stop, whether it’s to use a bathroom, eat a meal, or simply take a break.
Although the law took effect in January and called for the pilot program to begin within 180 days, implementation has taken longer than expected. DOT held a public hearing on the proposed rules in September, and recent reporting indicates the program is expected to begin before the end of 2026. However, DOT has not yet formally adopted the rules or announced a confirmed start date. I look forward to seeing this important change put into practice and will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Finally, as we head into the holiday season, drivers should prepare for some significant traffic disruptions throughout November. The month kicks off with the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1st, which will bring extensive street and bridge closures across all five boroughs. This year’s race will also feature some adjustments to the route through the Bronx. Additionally, NYC DOT has designated three Gridlock Alert Days in November: Wednesday the 18th, Thursday the 19th, and Tuesday the 24th. These are days when traffic is expected to be particularly heavy, especially in Midtown Manhattan. There are also several Gridlock Alert Days scheduled throughout December as holiday activity picks up. As always, plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and keep an eye on traffic advisories. You can find the complete list of Gridlock Alert Days at www.nyc.gov/gridlockalert.
As I wrap up, I’m proud to let you know that our Defensive Driving Course has once again been recognized by the National Safety Council, receiving a 2025 Excellence in Driver Safety Training Impact Award in the Powerful Performance category. This is the fifth consecutive year that our course has received this honor. I extend a big and well-deserved congratulations to the leadership and instructors from IAM CREST at our Driver Education Center. Don’t forget, through our Earn While You Learn opportunities, drivers can earn up to $900 once every 3 years by completing our free courses. You can visit our Driver Education Center’s website at https://learn.nybcf.org/ to sign up for a class!
Until next time!
Ira J. Goldstein is the Executive Director of theNew York Black Car
Fund and Advisor to the Black Car Assistance Corp. (BCAC).
