As summer comes to a close this month, I would like to thank all the drivers who have successfully and safely helped New Yorkers and visitors alike navigate the Big Apple these past few months.
This year, there’s an additional finality to be mindful of, too. On September 30, the federal electric vehicle tax credits will sunset. After that, the popular incentives ($7,500 for a new EV, $4,000 for a used) will no longer be available.
That means the clock is ticking for Uber and Lyft drivers who have been mulling an EV and want to save some money. Now is the time to future-proof your business. Individual owners have been a monumental part of the success of our Green Rides Initiative, as they’ve become budding, new small businesses. From March through June, monthly EV trips have topped 2.2 million, including a new record in May, with over 2.4M EV trips. Since the start of 2024 through July 1, 208 million trip miles in TLC-licensed for-hire EVs have curbed 53,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions – the equivalent of one year’s worth of greenhouse gas emissions from 12,363 gas-powered cars.
Remember, Uber and Lyft have committed to operating zero-emission platforms across the United States by 2030 and are also providing incentives to reach that goal. Here in New York City, whether it’s now or later, you will need to drive an EV or wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) by 2030 to continue to receive trips from Uber or Lyft. That’s why if you plan on purchasing a vehicle soon, consider whether you plan on driving it for-hire in 2030 and beyond. Green Rides also supports TLC’s accessibility goals, so getting a WAV is also an option.
For some, it may make more sense to keep driving your vehicle and make an EV or WAV purchase closer to 2030. While the choice is yours, we are always going to inform our licensees of industry headwinds. We’ll be handing out Green Rides educational materials at our Woodside and Long Island City locations and at Van Hailin’ events, so if you have questions, our staff will be there to answer them.
Additionally, we’ll be holding a hearing on September 3 about several proposed rules, including cyclist safety decals becoming mandatory. This proposed rule would codify legislation recently passed by the City Council. I’m happy to remind folks that TLC has already handed out nearly 323,000 “Look for Cyclists” safety decals since 2012, so this is really the City doubling-down on its Vision Zero commitment and turning an existing good practice into law.
Lastly, I want to give a shoutout to all the drivers and their families that I met at the sixth annual IDG Family Picnic at Flushing Meadows in July. I was once again honored to join you and always look forward to speaking with drivers, sharing ideas, taking photos and eating some delicious food in the World’s Borough!
See you out there,
David Do
Commissioner, NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission
