Much like an airport taxi line after flights have landed, things have gotten busy around here! By now, you probably have heard that Mayor Mamdani, on January 13, nominated Midori Valdivia to serve as the next Commissioner and Chair of the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC).
I want to start by congratulating Midori! Her nomination is great news for our industry, agency and drivers. She previously served as TLC’s Deputy Commissioner of Financing and Administration and has extensive experience at the MTA and the Port Authority. She brings a wealth of knowledge in government and transportation policy and will be able to carry on the great work that TLC does for drivers and New Yorkers.
Rest assured, you will be in excellent hands. I have promised City Hall full support as we pave the way for a smooth transition and anticipate more years of success.
That was an easy promise to make. This agency is capable of extraordinary things. Looking back, we made history with:
- Financial relief for thousands of medallion owners who faced crushing debt.
- A first-of-its-kind initiative to transition to a cleaner, more accessible rideshare fleet.
- Successfully reaching accessibility for 50% (and climbing!) of our active medallions.
- Numerous increases in driver pay and lockout protections.
- Vision Zero improvements that have brought record safety gains to our streets.
- Securing the ongoing, post-pandemic recovery of the industry.
Those are just a few of the big ones, and I want to thank everyone – industry folks, TLC staffers, and most of all drivers – for helping make these past four years so momentous.
I will continue my duties until the new Chair is confirmed by the City Council, so you will still see me around! But before I embark on a new journey, I want everyone to know how honored I am to have been entrusted with this role. I am proud of this agency, the licensees who keep the city moving safely, and for the experiences I will take with me – and that includes everything I learned on the road in the Commissioner Cab!
I hand over the keys to the new administration with a record I can be proud of, and a strong foundation for what’s to come. None of it would have been possible without the commitment, creativity, cleverness and enthusiasm of those with whom I have had the privilege of working since May 2022.
Our new mayor, the incoming commissioner, and the people of New York City are very lucky. I look forward to Midori’s leadership and her vision for a more just industry, one that continues to protect and expand opportunities for our 180,000 drivers and ensures that the 1 million trips our drivers make every day are safe, accessible and profitable for the folks behind the wheel.
I’m grateful to have served all of you!
See you out there,
David Do
Chair and Commissioner, Taxi and Limousine Commission
