Photo via NYC TLC
The TLC’s Squad 12 was recognized for their outstanding work in enforcement of Vision Zero violations.
The TLC wishes you and your family a safe and healthy New Year, and we hope that you had a joyful holiday season. We are happy to share with you the latest updates from the TLC.
Accessibility in the For-Hire Vehicle Sector
In December, the Taxi and Limousine Commission Board voted to approve the proposed accessibility requirements in the For-Hire Vehicle industry, following a longstanding lack of accessible service in this quickly growing sector. The requirements begin with bases dispatching 5% of all trips in 2018 to wheelchair-accessible vehicles, scaling up to 25% in 2022. This will put wheelchair-accessible vehicles into active circulation, where they can be on the road and ready for passengers who need them. Bases also have the flexibility to dispatch to any wheelchair-accessible vehicle, including green taxis in areas where they are permitted to accept dispatches.
The Commission also approved a pilot which will allow any base to use a central dispatcher to provide accessible vehicles, and those bases who choose to join the pilot will not need to comply with the trip mandate rule. For more information on how to join the pilot, please contact Deputy General Counsel Ryan Wantajja at 212.676.1055.
The TLC is confident that under either approach, those passengers who need wheelchair-accessible vehicles will get them, and would like to recognize the industry for their continued support to make this a reality.
Connected Vehicle
The TLC Commission also approved a pilot that will test the use of connected vehicle technology in taxicabs as part of the participation of our sister agency, the Department of Transportation, in a larger pilot by the United States Department of Transportation. This technology can make our streets safer with safety applications that include in-vehicle warnings about blind spots, and if a driver is approaching a curve. It will be installed in 8,000 vehicles that regularly use New York City streets, such as taxicabs, buses, and trucks. If you are interested in learning more, you can find information about the pilot at: www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/proposed_rule_connected_vehicle.pdf.
Honoring our Uniformed Services Bureau
The TLC’s Uniformed Services Bureau, under the leadership of Chief Dianna Pennetti, plays an important role in protecting the livelihoods of TLC licensees, who follow TLC rules and work hard to safely take New Yorkers from work, home, and leisure. The work of TLC officers is also important in promoting public safety and protecting the safety of consumers who use TLC-licensed services. Last month, we honored some of the bureau’s many achievements with a Shield Day and Award Ceremony. Medals were given to our officers for merit, service and advancing Vision Zero, the city’s efforts to make our streets safer and prevent traffic fatalities. We are grateful for their hard work and service in fighting illegal activity, as well as protecting the businesses that do the right thing and are vigilant about following the TLC’s rules.
As always, drive like your family lives here!
