After reviewing what it calls “relevant factors,” the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) decided in March to continue to maintain its cap on the number of new For-Hire Vehicle (FHV) licenses. The only new FHV licenses that can be added at this time are for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
The TLC’s decision came from a Biannual Determination, which will be revisited Aug. 21. The TLC reviews congestion levels, driver pay, license attrition rates, and the availability of outer-borough service when making their determination. The most recent report can be viewed by clicking here.
“New York City is beginning to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said TLC Commissioner and Chair Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk. “Ridership, while increasing slightly in recent months, remains lower than prior to the pandemic and there continues to be sufficient vehicles to meet current passenger demand. Therefore, TLC will not issue additional new for-hire vehicle licenses at this time.”
In August 2018, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Local Law 147, pausing the issuance of new FHV licenses for what was supposed to be one year, although the legislation allowed the TLC to review whether the cap should continue – and if so, the TLC is required to review the cap every six months.
Source: NYC TLC
